Can I put Socket A CPU into a new AMD mobo?

Question

I built my own computer in 2002 and it's now starting to give out. Mainly the motherboard. I have a Soltek Socket A type mobo that just died and I would like to know what kind of a motherboard I should buy that will still be able to use my old hardware. Mainly, I want to be able to still use:

- my old CPU, an AMD 1800+/266 ATHLON 1.53ghz.
- my system memory, which is three sticks of Crucial Technology 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 333 (PC 2700) Desktop Memory

Do I need to get a Socket A mobo or can I get any other AMD-supported motherboard?

Also, does it pay off more just to get a new mobo and a new CPU. I really don't need to use the computer for too much.

Answer 1

There are some hybrid motherboards out there that can run AGP PCIe DDR, DDR2. Try looking around at www.asrock.com They might have some older motherboards that can accomodate you in putting your older stuff with a newer processor.

Mostly look for the VIA K8M800 VT8237R+ chipset to get AGP 8x, DDR memory and AM2 processors. Below are a couple links that may work:

http://motherboards.org/mobot/motherboards_d/BIOSTAR/K8M800MAM2/

http://motherboards.org/mobot/motherboards_d/MSI/K9MM-V%2B%2528MS-7312%2529/


Also check out that site ti find exactly what you are looking for motherboards.org then go to mobot to filter.

Answer 2

Just get a cheapo motherboard, CPU and DDR2 RAM (a single 2 GiB module should do).

You'll probably have a very hard time actually finding a Socket A motherboard anyway (something about AMD no longer making Socket A processors) so pretty much no one makes Socket A motherboards any more (and the current AM2 socket that AMD are using now will not take a socket A motherboard (nor will it accept your old RAM)).

Answer 3

You need a Socket A motherboard to use your chip. They are still available, but becoming hard to find. Look at NewEgg or Tiger Direct for replacement.Your choices will be limited.

Rather than invest in old technology, I would recommend you bite the bullet and buy new motherboard, chip and memory. For that matter, you can buy a whole machine for what you will spend on parts if you are not to picky about video and processor speed.