Recommendations for new AGP m/b please

[meself]

My poor auld A7N8X had died……I think my last bios flash killed it.

I would like to replace it with an updated model but one that will support my existing main components which are:-

AGP Gainward Bliss 7800GS graphic card
XP 2600 Thoroughbred cpu
Power supply:-Hiper 580W Type-R Modular
OCZ PC3200 DDR
Ide hard drives

I have googled for a few days but have almost confused myself, so recommendations from you good people would be very much appreciated.

I have only ever used Asus m/b(x 3) but am open to all recommendations and perhaps a m/b bundle with upgraded cpu, but still supporting my other components could be suggested.

Cheers

[daglesj]

I think the Asus that you had was about the best of the bunch AGP wise and for Socket A. I'd look for another, maybe try for a later revision?

I think EBAY will be your only friend here or some of the more low profile IT clearance suppliers.

[tjwasiak]

I think is the time to move forward... Since you have to buy replacement mobo, maybe you should just move to next generation CPU?
If you are on budget maybe get some good nForce based AM2+ mainboard with onboard graphics, X2 CPU (I would say even 4200+ beats your 2600+ ), 2 GB PC6400 RAM (really cheap nowadays, try to get something with low CL & overclockable). I am afraid you have to get also a new SATA hard drive (also cheap, maybe take a look at something really fast) - newer boards have only one PATA channel, so if you would like to use PATA CD/DVD drive it will be much better performance wise to leave it alone on that channel.
Of course you can add good PCI-E graphic card later, because all those onboards are let's say not usefull...

[meself]

Thank you both for your replies.

A latter A7N8X is the most likely.

Upgrading altogether is obviously my preference but also the dearest.

Cheers

[daglesj]

To be honest as mentioned above, you could look up some skt939 gear.

The motherboards are pretty plentiful on Ebay due to upgrades and the price of 939 athlons has finally crashed so you can pick them up really cheap. Your ram should work too. Look for the Sandiego athlons, maybe a 4000 or maybe even a dual core 3800 or higher.

Ok they might not be AGP equipped but PCI-e cards are not that pricey either. Obviously a AM2 setup would be better if its still in range but that will need new ram too.

Choice is yours!

[meself]

Many thanks for your advice daglesj I appreciate it and it’s certainly given me something to think about