Built in CPU motherboard, good ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the viability and quality of motherboards with built-in CPUs, specifically focusing on the PCChips M841LU model. Participants explore the implications of having integrated components versus separate units, considering factors such as performance, upgradeability, and cost-effectiveness.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that certain manufacturers, like PCChips, do attach CPUs permanently to motherboards, raising questions about their quality and longevity.
  • Concerns are expressed regarding the potential for overclocking in these integrated units, with some suggesting that this practice may not always be disclosed to consumers.
  • One participant shares a negative personal experience with PCChips motherboards, citing poor quality, limited upgrade options, and inadequate customer service.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of having separate components for better upgradeability and customization, particularly for high-performance tasks like gaming.
  • Conversely, some argue that for basic tasks such as word processing or web browsing, a motherboard with more integrated features could be a cost-effective solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that PCChips is a poor choice for a motherboard, but there is no consensus on the overall value of built-in CPUs versus separate components, as opinions vary based on user needs and preferences.

Contextual Notes

Participants express differing views on the trade-offs between integrated and separate components, highlighting the need for consideration of individual use cases and future upgrade paths.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals considering the purchase of a motherboard with built-in components, particularly those weighing the pros and cons of integrated versus separate hardware based on their computing needs.

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Mainboard: PCChips M841LU SIS740 Chipset Micro-ATX.
2xPC133 SDRAM DIMM Slot,
2xPC2100 DDR266 SDRAM DIMM Slot,
3xPCI Slot + 1xAMR Slot,
2xPS/2 + 1xParallel + 1xSerial + 1xDisplay,
3xAudio + 1xGame + 4xUSB2.0 + 1xLAN100Mbps.

Comes with Built-In:
AMD Duron Pro 1400+ Processor with Heat Sink & Cooler Fan.
C-MEDIA CMI9738 Sound 4-Channel.
SIS 740 Display 64MB AGP4X.
SIS 900 LAN 100Mbps.
SIS USB2.0 4-Ports Ready.



http://www26.brinkster.com/saint2300/Upload/board.jpg
 
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Yeah, I've never heard of a PC motherboard with the processor built-in: there's no point since the CPU is manufactured independently.
 
PC chips and others do permenantly attach the CPU to their motherboards sometimes.

Are they any good? Until one or the other is outdated or fails.

Also, I have heard it said that some of these companies overclock(push the chip to a higher then rated clock speed) the chip (part of the reason they are packaged as a single unit I think). I believe this is only legal if they inform the purchaser that they have done this.

These packaged CPU/Mobos are cheaper, but would I buy one? No.
 
I've tried PCChips motherboards.
Don't bother.
They are poor quality, restricted upgrade possibilities and their customer service is virtually nonexistant.

The only things I would ever recommend "on-board" would be audio if it is at least 16 bit with a midi port and maybe a modem (56k) or lan NIC if it can do at least 10 and 100 Mb.

Don't buy a Mobo with onboard video, the videocard is probably the best thing to ever upgrade other than extra memory/harddrive. Also, even though I typically get a new mobo and cpu on an upgrade, I personally wouldn't buy a mobo that I couldn't take out the cpu, just in case.
 
I have heard it said that some of these companies overclock(push the chip to a higher then rated clock speed) the chip

aka Alienware
 
You should buy according to your needs...althought I agree totally with J, PCChips is a poor choice.

For an more hands on type of approach with your computer, get as few compnents onboard as possible. The benefits of this are the fact that you can upgrade easily, saving you money in the future, and you get to customize your PC a bit more.

The more you get built into the motherboard, the less time before you have to get a new PC to stay with the times. Especially if you do gaming/high-end graphics work. However, if word processing/web browsing is your goal, a more consolidated motherboard may not be a bad choice, due to the (generally) lower price.

Summary:

Upgradability/Customization = Buy everything separate
Ease of setup/less work = Onboard everything

My two cents ;)

Considering
 

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