The FIC 503+ is a solid, cost effective motherboard.  Existing RAM can be
SIMM or DIMM, but the board will not (reliably) run with both DIMM and SIMM
installed simultaneously.  The ATI Rage 16MB video card is, in my opinion,
overkill for the 233 processor.  Consider an 8MB 2D/3D combo AGP card (under
$50) with Riva 128ZX (for example) chipset as a more cost conscious and
balanced solution.  I have installed about a dozen FIC 503+ boards with no
complaints yet.  Installing an i740 chip video card was very tricky on this
motherboard (may have been the chip or the specific card I used).  Ensure
USB support is installed first if using Windows 95.  Sound card will have no
problems.
Martin Kurr
email [log in to unmask]
> > I'd like to replace the current motherboard with a FIC VA-503+. I've
> > heard good things about that board from users of this list, and I think
> > it would fit in her AT case and allow her to continue to use her
> > existing RAM. I also plan to add a Creative Ensoniq AudioPCI sound card
> > and a low-cost video card that still offers some measure of 3D gaming
> > ability. I'm
> > thinking an ATI Rage 16 MB card would fit the bill. She wants to keep
> > the AMD 233, the two hard drives, and the CD-ROM drive.

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