Opinions on this Socket A mobo

[Richard Cranium]

MSI KT3-Ultra2-R S/R
$104.00

KT333 Chipset,
6 channel Sound, Realtek ALC650 6-channel audio
RAID133,
USB2.0

http://www.msicomputer.com/product/d...l=KT3_Ultra2-R

http://www.tcwo.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi...gi2Ty0Wi55R2Jf

Chipset link->>
VIA Apollo KT333
http://www.via.com.tw/en/apollo/KT333.jsp

[Thud]

Here's a good review: http://www.amdmb.com/article-display.php?ArticleID=170

That appears to be a slightly different model, same basic board.

Here's a thread where some folks were having problems with them....not sure what to make of it:
http://www.techimo.com/forum/t29862.html

It does seem to be priced a little higher than other KT333's, but it has a lot of features like 6 channel sound and RAID. I just built a system using an XP 2000+ on an Epox 8K5A2 that went for $90. Very solid and fast board. Would be worth the savings unless you plan to use the 6 channel sound and RAID options, IMO.

Best of luck!

[Thud]

No one else has an opinion on this board?

[thekemp]

i have the pentium 4 version 845e ultra , and that real tek sound really is awful compared to my santa cruz!
i was an abit asus and gigabyte man i took the chance on a msi board and it paid off this board is really good the build quality is second to none. the drivers disk is spot on too.

[Inanis]

What, no onboard LAN?

Looks good. MSI is generally a good board maker, have had a few systems built with them, not a single one has come back because of motherboard failure.

I personally never have a problem with onboard sound, seeing as Im happy as long as it can play MP3's decently enough to drive my headphones.

[MightyEr]

IMHO, the only minus of that board is inconvenient power plug. A careless plugged powercord may close a part of airflow to the cooler.