Motherboards for $80 or less?

[Rennn]

Unfortunately, I discovered today that my motherboard may be failing. I've reinstalled Windows completely, reinstalled all my drivers, updated my BIOS, and checked my temperatures (temps were fine). I'm hoping that fixed the problems I was experiencing, but it's not very likely. Right now I'm waiting to see what happens.

 

If I am forced to replace my motherboard, I would ideally want one that's compatible with my current CPU and RAM. I'm in college and I have no extra money, but gaming is my primary hobby, so I just want a reliable motherboard that's as inexpensive as possible. It can't cost more than $80, because that's what I was going to spend on a new case. Getting a case will now have to wait. :3

 

I don't care about extra features or SLI support, I just want something that works.

 

If there are no other options, I could buy the same model of motherboard I already had for $65, but I'm hesitant to do that because it might fail again. Please recommend a suitable motherboard for $80 or less, if one exists. If there are none, like I said, I can settle for buying the same kind I already have.

 

 

My specs.

 

Case: AZZA Orion 202EVO

CPU: AMD Phenom II 955 quad-core at 3.2Ghz

GPU: 2GB GTX 660 GC

Current motherboard: Asus M4N68T-M V2

RAM: 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3 G.Skill Ripjaw RAM at 1600Mhz

PSU: 750w 80+ Certified Antec Earthwatts PSU

 

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Edited October 29, 2013 by Rennn

[Thor.]

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1963472&CatId=7248

 

found

Edited October 29, 2013 by Thor.

[Rennn]

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1963472&CatId=7248

 

found

 

It looks just about perfect. Thank you. :)

Does anyone else see a problem with it? If not, this was the shortest and most successful hardware request thread ever, lol.

[Thor.]

Your welcome. Just make sure that mobo support socket am3, instead of am3+, i see no reason why not. :smile:

[ZeroKing]

AM3+ is backwards compatible with AM3 socket CPUs.

[Werne]

The motherboard is OK for a budget component, it supports the AMD Phenom II X4 955 since 7693v12 BIOS so there shouldn't be any problems in that regard.

 

The only issue with the board I can see is that it's a 4+1 (like your mATX) which means it won't last as long as 8+2 on a 125W CPU, you can blow up the mobo if you try to overclock, and the previous G45 model had some VRM cooling issues (this one is supposed to help in that regard). Therefore, make sure your case airflow is decent, and since you don't have an aftermarket cooler as I recall, the heat from the CPU heatsink is blown directly towards the VRM and NB so make sure they are cooled well by making case fans blow on them.

 

Also, if you're looking to get a newer AMD CPU in the future, like the FX 8xxx, consider spending more money on the mobo. I have a funny feeling which tells me that MSI wouldn't last long with an octa-core FX crammed into it.

 

Finally, those Earthwatts are something I never actually saw so make sure your PSU has an 8-pin motherboard connector, that mobo doesn't use a 4-pin like your old mATX, there might be some Molex-to-8-pin adapter if you don't have one.

Edited October 29, 2013 by Werne

[Rennn]

The motherboard is OK for a budget component, it supports the AMD Phenom II X4 955 since 7693v12 BIOS so there shouldn't be any problems in that regard.

 

The only issue with the board I can see is that it's a 4+1 (like your mATX) which means it won't last as long as 8+2 on a 125W CPU, you can blow up the mobo if you try to overclock, and the previous G45 model had some VRM cooling issues (this one is supposed to help in that regard). Therefore, make sure your case airflow is decent, and since you don't have an aftermarket cooler as I recall, the heat from the CPU heatsink is blown directly towards the VRM and NB so make sure they are cooled well by making case fans blow on them.

 

Also, if you're looking to get a newer AMD CPU in the future, like the FX 8xxx, consider spending more money on the mobo. I have a funny feeling which tells me that MSI wouldn't last long with an octa-core FX crammed into it.

 

Finally, those Earthwatts are something I never actually saw so make sure your PSU has an 8-pin motherboard connector, that mobo doesn't use a 4-pin like your old mATX, there might be some Molex-to-8-pin adapter if you don't have one.

 

I won't be overclocking. I'm guessing trying to overclock was what damaged my current mobo, or at least accelerated its decline sharply. I also won't be upgrading my CPU anytime soon.

 

My PSU is modular, and supports several 8-pin power connectors. It won't be an issue. :smile:

Edited October 29, 2013 by Rennn

[AceGoober]

I've built a couple of low-budget systems using the MSI 970A. Installation was trouble free. RAM, CPU, etc worked right from the get-go without having to adjust any BIOS settings. I do recommend prior to applying power that the BIOS Reset switch/jumper be applied for 10 minutes. This will set the BIOS options to default which facilitates a higher degree of things working correctly from the start. The manufacturer is supposed to set the BIOS to default prior to the board leaving the factory. However, it has been my experience with multiple manufacturers that setting BIOS to default before shipping doesn't always happen. It is rare, but not too uncommon.