From: jpt@telecaster.think.com (James P. Taylor)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware
Subject: SUMMARY -- 386DX 40 mhz motherboard
Date: 14 Sep 92 14:49:17
Organization: Thinking Machines Corporation, Cambridge MA, USA
Distribution: na
NNTP-Posting-Host: telecaster.think.com



Last week [Sept 4th] I ask for advice on buying a motherboard [386DX
40mhz].  I promised that I would summarize e-mail responses.  The summary
is attached.

Three people responded that they would sell me a motherboard. One of these
was local [works within 1000 ft of my office] so I picked that route.

------------------

From: m-dl2298@DOC.CS.NYU.EDU (Danny Loy)

I don't have any experience buying MB through the mail, but 
when I bought one from the store, I found out that the
static cache memory is REALLY sensitive.  I had SRAM blown
out on me on two occasions.  
I'll really look into the return policy of the company if 
I were you.  Considering all the horror story of UPS, you
might need it.   Ask "What if" a component, such as the cache,
does not work, can you return just the chips or the whole
motherboard, assuming you can diagnose the board.  Also, how long
will it take to replace the unit, considering shipping back time,
their paper processing time, HW diagnostic time, return shipping time.

I personally would rather spend an extra $30 to buy it from a 
local dealer who has a better (speedier) exchange policy.  
Motherboards are too important and sensitive to cut corners on.
 
Danny

--------------------

From: smace@nyx.cs.du.edu (Scott Mace)

I have bought 2 motherboarrds 386DX-33 and 386DX-40 from AIM motherboard
Corporation.  I have NO problems and they have good technical support.

and also they have low prices.
 AIM Motherboard Corp.
41 Flatbush Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11217

1800 786 2566

They advertise in PC-Week and also Computer Shopper.

--------------------

From: ujlh@sunyit.edu (James Henrickson)

I get my motherboards from Vektron International.  If you order them
with RAM installed, they will test it before it is shipped.  Prices
are hard to beat, and they've been in business for a while.  You
can find their advertisements in Computer Shopper.  I think they are
doing better lately, as they are now advertising on two pages instead
of one.  :-)

When it comes to motherboards, I haven't heard of any real problems
with 386DX ones.  When it comes to vendors to avoid, the ones on
my shit list don't sell motherboards (thank goodness).  Anything else,
well, I do prefer the AMI BIOS over the Phoenix because you don't 
need a setup disk to configure the CMOS.  Also, try to get 256K cache
over 64K, the price isn't that much higher.  It might be an idea
to find out the memory capacity.  My Gateway 2000's motherboard
maxes out at 4 MB and requires an expensive 32 bit memory card.

---------------------

From: kcc@pt.com (Kevin Chalker)

  I am a computer dealer located in Rochester, NY.  I can sell you a new 
motherboard that is 100% IBM compatible at a very competitive price.  
One thing that you have to look out for when buying mail order is whether or
not that company will be around to fix your computer if anything goes wrong
during the warranty period.  You should also look for a company that cares 
about the customer after the sale as well.  
  It's not easy trying to find a reputable company other than getting references
from others.  I can supply the names of some of my previous customers if you
are interested.  Since I am not into selling computers in volume (I average 1 or
2 a week), I have more time to spend on the customer before and after the
sale.  And since I am a full-time Computer Engineer during the week and work
out of my home, it is very unlikely that I will go out of business any time 
soon.  If you have any questions feel free to E-mail or call me.  Thanks.




NEW COMPUTERS & PARTS FOR SALE!!!							
							
[Note: I have deleted a long list of prices.  They are very competetive.
I had follow-up mail discussions with Kevin and he seems like a very
reasonable guy.]

Kevin
KC Computers
10 Jacaranda Court
Penfield, NY  14526
(716) 388-8621 (leave message or call after 5:30 weekdays)
(716) 388-1528 FAX
kcc@pt.com

-------------------------------

From: carl@Cayman.COM (Carl Heinzl)

Jim,

I'm a small systems reseller.  My business' name is Very Versatile
Business Computer Company.  A 386/40 DX motherboard would cost $212.50
plus shipping (say $6).  [Name of ex-coworker deleted] is an ex-coworker
of mine if you want a reference.

-Carl-

[Note: I am purchasing a board from Carl who is local.]

---------------------------

From: husain@ivory.rtsg.mot.com (Saad Husain)


Try looking at "misc.sale.computers".  Me and my wife have a company
selling computer parts.  We can sell you a 386/40 motherboard for under
$200.  Let me know what you need.

---------------------------
From: "Julie Kadashevich" <JULIE.KADASHEVICH@OFFICE.WANG.COM>

Beware of MicroChip Components in California.
I've orders SIMMs from them - they never mailed
me anything (even confessed to it) but charged my
credit card the day I placed my order, and ignored
my requests to post a credit.  At the present
time I am disputing the charge with my credit
card company.  Whatever you do -- pay by credit
card.  At least there is something you can do
if they turn out to be a sleezy place, like
MicroChip Components.   Good luck.  Julie


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Thank you to all who responded.

jim taylor   Thinking Machines Corp  Cambridge MA 02142