I'm having an awful time finding an older mobo to buy (without using ebay). I would think new something should run me about $30-40 but I can't find anything at the usual suspects (newegg, tiger, ..) Anyone have or know where I can get a mobo for a P4 2.5ghz with an 8x agp slot (would settle for 4x) and support for pc2700 (333) ram. My original machine can't be more than 3 yrs old but everything I find only supports PCIx. I'm replacing a socket 478 Intel D865PERL.

You could probably find one in one of the Computer Shopper ads ... but you never know about those guys. Most are like NY photos stores in my experience ... always on the verge of shadiness. Based on my experience on purchasing literally hundreds of items, I'd trust a highly rated Ebay seller more ... but you still have to be careful. Hanley's going to be your best resource though... since he's into rebuilding older PC's and knows his PC stuff!
Good luck!
Wes

Russell, I think I have just such a Motherboard. I'll check and get back with you tomorrow.

Hanley

Hey Russell,

I have one Motherboard that I am unable to determine the socket on by just looking at it, and I won't have an opportunity to look it up until this evening. I also have a Sony Vaio P4 PC that I was planning on refurbishing. It may have a Socket 478 motherboard. I'd be willing to part it out if it does, or possibly sell the whole thing cheap. I have a socket 754 PCChips motherboard with an AGP slot that I'm sure is 8x, and a couple of other pieces of hardware hanging around. To make a long story short, I'm sure I can help you get back up and running somehow, probably for cheap. Call me this evening around 6:30 or 7:00.

Hanley

PS: I know, PCChips, ugh! But that's just one motherboard I have, so don't judge me by it alone. I also have ASUS.

Hanley

Ok, will do. I hope it works out. I'm actually in this whole situation b/c I'm RMAing my asus p5k .. it was the first asus I've ever had problems with. I kept trying everything but the mobo but at this point it's either that or the proc and I'm at a loss to validate it's the proc's fault. For sure the floopy doesn't work on the mobo so there's at least something wrong with it... in the meanwhile (2-4wks) I'd like to use my older hardware. I'll call later this evening. I'm not sure it _has_ to be a socket 478 as long as it'll receive the P4 but I'm not clear on what socket types accept what chips.

If it came out of a socket 478, then it has to go into a socket 478. Multiple chips may fit the same socket, but any given chip will only fit one specific type of socket.

If you just need a machine for the short run, I'm sure I can take care of you, although it won't be a gaming box.

Hanley