Upgrading to utilse my 6600GT - advice saught

I'm looking to build a system that will let me use my 6600GT to its potential. I've bought a 3500+ from these very forums as a start.

Can anyone advise me which of the following is the better AGP motherboard? I'm looking at either the ECS 939 mobo at http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/116265 or the MSI Neo2 Platinum - on eBay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...9434&rd=1&rd=1 (this is an ended item).

I'm looking to spend around £40-50 max on mobo so I'd have to get the Neo2 cheaper than the ended listing I provided.

I'm not really up to date on modern components. I know its a good idea to have an NForce chipset, which both do have. I'm not TOO fussed, just I want the best availible for the money I'm spending. If it is little difference I'd happily go for the cheaper ECS. I'm very open to other suggestions though other than these two.

I'm also looking for a decent case and I think I may go for the Antec NSK4400: http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/112648

It's quite pricey compared to budget cases but at least its a decent brand and the PSU should be well made.

Thanks, I really appreciate any advice.

I have run an MSI NEO 2 Plat for a couple of years for my sons PC. Stable running an AMD 4000 single core with a 6800GT no problems with it at all. So my personal vote obviously is the NEO. ECS are okay but not the best imo.

Heres ViperLairs take on it with a 3500 939 CPU

http://www.viperlair.com/reviews/cpu...md/s939/k8npe/

I would seriously recommend upgrading your graphics card, as the GeForce 7900GS can be baught for the same retail price of the 6600GT (around £110).

Also, could you give me your budget of this custom PC you are building? I could recommend a good setup.

Assuming he already has the 6600GT...

I'd go for the Neo2 Plat - had mine for 2 years and no problems, running my Opty 146 at 2.9Ghz.

I do already have the 6600GT, I bought it a few months ago and using it on my old P4 2.66GHz haven't even had the chance to use it near its potential.

It is tempting to get a new card so I'm not stuck with AGP but I can't justify it as I've already invested in this card and had nothing from it. If I get a decent system together now I'll probably make it last four years or so anyway so I can just upgrade the whole lot then.

I think I'll try and find a cheap Neo2 from the comments here then. Thanks for posting the review, DratUK.

I'm still a bit curious if the outlay on the Neo2 compared to the ECS is worth it for the differences, but it is looking like it will be as a few here have now vouched for the Neo2.

Further opinions of course are welcome :)

ASrock do a S939 board that has AGP and PCIe sockets for future cards ...........