[J3Vr6]

Keep in mind, I don't know if Syntax is good or not.  I dont have time to search for reviews

[Liberator]

The MSI board I listed ships with AMI BIOS v1.4 Brand Specific, the v1.6 BIOS update adds these features:
Supports AMD XP2400+ & XP2600+ CPU.
Revamps the problem of unable to use BroadCom LAN card in the system.
Supports Load High Performance Defaults.
Revamps the memory count failure taht occurs when quick boot is disabled.
Revamps the detection problem of DataFab USB CF card reader
Revamps memory compatibility issue with Hidden Load High Performance Defaults item.

http://www.msicomputer.com/support/bios_result.asp

The only thing you're going to run into is you have to dig around on the MSI site to find updates, they don't list it in their active product list.  The updates are there, you just have to look for them.

BTW, this is kind of a bare bones board, it doesn't ship with lots of extras, but it is a very good board in my opinion.

Here's a couple of reviews:
http://www.cpu3d.com/review/msi745ultra/
http://www.ocworkbench.com/2002/msi/745ultra/745ultrap1.htm

Some basic info about the chipset:
http://www.sis.com/products/chipsets/oa/socketa/745.htm

[Grey Wolf]

If you can find a KT3 Ultra 2 still in the channel, that'll work fine too. The KT600 model is rather nice, too, but that'll cost more, as it's still being made.

[J3Vr6]

Well, I took Liberator's advice (plus it was the cheaper of all the options) and ordered that MSI.  Ships out in a few days, with about a week shipping time.

I have no idea what I'll be doing, so this will be fun

[Liberator]

Don't forget the DDR needs to be binary, you'll need two sticks to function properly.

[J3Vr6]

(scooby doo voice) argh? (/scooby doo voice)

so now I gotta buy another ddr thingy?  The one I have won't be enough?

So which memory should I get, then?  2100 or what?

[Liberator]

The 745 will support 3GB of RAM usign DDR266 and 2GB using DDR333.  I'd go with the PC 2100 as it's a little cheaper.

[J3Vr6]

Ok, now I gotta find a place that sells that too  

How do I know what type the one I have is?

[Grey Wolf]

You don't need 2 sticks of RAM for any motherboard. With a board based upon a NF2, it's a bit of a performance boost if they match, but otherwise, you don't need 2 sticks. Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something.

[J3Vr6]

So whattaya tryin to sell me, Liberator?  Trying to sell me crack, is that it?!

[Setekh]

Dude, hardware failure sucks. Hope things are up and running for you again quickly.

[J3Vr6]

Thanks Setekh.  I got my confirmation that I'll have my motherboard on Thursday.  Liberator was trying to sell me crack and got me to buy another stick of memory, so I don't know when that's coming in.  I needed it anyway, though, so I won't rape his puppies.

[Setekh]

Originally posted by J3Vr6
Liberator was trying to sell me crack and got me to buy another stick of memory, so I don't know when that's coming in.  I needed it anyway, though, so I won't rape his puppies.

Well, that's... reassuring.

[Liberator]

Originally posted by J3Vr6
Liberator was trying to sell me crack and got me to buy another stick of memory, so I don't know when that's coming in.

crack?

[J3Vr6]

uh huh, that's right... But your puppies are safe.  kittens, I'd keep them locked up though...

Oh, and I got my MSI motherboard in!

[Liberator]

I was trying to say that mine wouldn't load Windows properly without two sticks of memory installed.

[redmenace]

actually check ebay...occasionally you will find stuff cheaper there than on pricewatch.