OT: Did I Fry My CPU?

[brian32672]

If you like reliability, I would stick with the intel boards, maybe this: http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/bz/index.htm

Sorry, but I disagree. I have been working with computers for years. And I have found their boards are not the most reliable.
Companies that I found reliable would be in this order. (Or somewhat in this order)

1. Abit or MSI (MicroStar)
2. Asus
3. Soyo
5. Gigabyte
6. DFI (DFI only within the last year)
7. Etc... AMD, Aopen, Biostar, Intel
8. Iwill, Albatron

EDIT:: Got your PM, so I recommend this for that price range. Brand New Retail Package.
60.00 shipped - http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=MB-P4S80DX&c=pw

 

[WmAx]

Companies that I found reliable would be in this order. (Or somewhat in this order)

1. Abit or MSI (MicroStar)
2. Asus
3. Soyo
5. Gigabyte
6. DFI (DFI only within the last year)
7. Etc... AMD, Aopen, Biostar, Intel
8. Iwill, Albatron

I was still doing research, but based on the percentage of user reviews averaged across different sites, I had currently decided that MSI and Abit were my two top contendors for reliable/trouble free products.

EDIT:: Got your PM, so I recommend this for that price range. Brand New Retail Package.
60.00 shipped - http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=MB-P4S80DX&c=pw

Thank you. I will consider this item. What do you think of the Abit IS7 motherboard? I can get a factory refurbished unit for under $60[from newegg] or a new unit for a little over $90.

-Chris

 

[jaxvon]

Unless you don't need all the extra goodies. Whenever you have your Dell or Apple computer fixed, all the parts (except for something like a case, processor, or hard drive) are refurb parts.

 

[brian32672]

Unless you don't need all the extra goodies. Whenever you have your Dell or Apple computer fixed, all the parts (except for something like a case, processor, or hard drive) are refurb parts.

In his case, he will be replacing it himself. However I believe jaxvon is correct.
Normally they will pull a refurb off the shelf.
This is another reason I would never buy a proprietary computer. (no offense to the techs)
But clearly that part is already a refurb, and stands a quicker chance of failure over a part that is Brand New Factory Warranty. If it was mechanical, yes I could see refurb as a very economical way to do it. But electronic, NO. Refurb will come with usually no longer than 60-90 day warranty. Most manufactures will include a 5 year warranty, and will also give pretty good support.
My opinion in this case is to buy retail and spend the 30.00 for piece of mind.
You yourself have already tried 2 or 3 refurbs and or used boards, and as of now YOU HAVE NOT SAVED MONEY. If you were going to save 100.00 then that may be a different consideration. But 20-30 is not worth the hassle IMO.

 

[WmAx]

I ordered a retail package new Abit IS7 board, due to the extraordinary number of user reviews online claiming it is a stabile/reliable/easy to use product.

I'll put a Matrox G450 AGP card on this board for the graphics. It might be an old card, and lousy for 3D[I am not a gamer], but it's a very high quality 2D device.

As for refurbished items: I don't have a problem with factory refurbished products. Have never had a problem. I am not aware of a credible database showing a statiscally significant large problem with factory refurbished items compared to new items. My problems with the replacement Intel boards is that I purchased them used. These products did not come packed very well, and one of them even lacked an anti-static bag when recieved. In addition, the chipset heatsinks on one of them had some bends on it, which makes me question the care taken in handling these boards when they were removed from the strip down machines.

-Chris

 

[droeses58]

Sorry, but I disagree. I have been working with computers for years. And I have found their boards are not the most reliable.
Companies that I found reliable would be in this order. (Or somewhat in this order)

1. Abit or MSI (MicroStar)
2. Asus
3. Soyo
5. Gigabyte
6. DFI (DFI only within the last year)
7. Etc... AMD, Aopen, Biostar, Intel
8. Iwill, Albatron

EDIT:: Got your PM, so I recommend this for that price range. Brand New Retail Package.
60.00 shipped - http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=MB-P4S80DX&c=pw

No need to apologize, we agree to disagree, I would say though that the intel chipset is quiet a bit better than the via or sis chipsets.