Matsonic MS7308ET......Opinions?

[Zerotech]

Hi All!

I have just picked up an MS7308ET for a major transplant operation on the PC of a coworker's parents. It uses an SiS chipset and everything is onboard; cost was an issue in the choice of Matsonic (I've had no trouble with their socket-7's, but this is my first socket-370 from them).
It's replacing an i810 mobo with a case of the perpetual spontaneous reboots.

Has anyone had any problems with the SiS630 chipset or this motherboard in particular? I know Matsonic rates about a half-step up from PC-Chips around here. The 'T' at the end of the model number means it supports the Tualatin core, which I'm hoping is a good sign.

I hope someone has good news for me. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

[Platypus]

Don't know about the ET but the 7308E gets an ordinary review here:

<a href="http://www.motherboards.org/articlesd/motherboard-reviews/715_4.html" target="_blank">http://www.motherboards.org/articlesd/motherboard-reviews/715_4.html</a>

A quote from the conclusion:

"This is a great motherboard for the office work machine class of system. It is a very small footprint motherboard, and takes up very little space because of its compact design. This is not a high-end piece of equipment. It is a mid-level, non-gamer oriented board.

If you are a system integrator and need a solution that is cheap and easy to work with, this is a motherboard to give consideration to because of the onboard video, sound, and network card features. End users should avoid this motherboard, because it has almost zero upgradability options. A key factor in all computer purchases for the enthusiast and gamer. This board is for the work area, but all work and no play makes the 7308E a dull board for the end user. An okay motherboard, but there is nothing really outstanding about it. It is just another face in the crowd."

I guess the ET is just the Tualatin update of the same board.

[Zerotech]

Hi Platypus,

Thanks for digging up that review. Turns out that's exactly the kind of board I needed (mature couple that mostly web-surf and e-mail).
All went well with the initial load-up, tomorrow I finish all the updates and tweaks.

Thanks again.

[cookin chef]

I once used certain models of Matsonic boards for value system builds. They weren't bad even though they were under the PC CHips name.
We stopped using them after because the computer supplier who sold us those boards shafted us when it came to RMA's. But there weren't many to rma compared to the number we sold when we used them for 2 years. I have two p.o.s. (pieces of sh**) systems put together with matsonic boards in them. A cel 433 with a mat. 7016s at board and a duron 850 mhz machine with a mat. 8127c+(266). Both systems work very decently considering they are made of cheap or used parts.

[Zerotech]

Hi bohr,

As I wrote in the initial post, I haven't had any trouble with the Matsonic socket-7 boards. They were very cost effective in the mix-and-match systems using new and used parts that I have built in the past.
As for the board I just used, at last report the customer was very happy and everything is running smooth.
Once again, I'd like to thank Platypus for hunting down information that I can only say I was too lazy to get myself.
Matsonic is going to stay at the top of my "budget line" list.

[cookin chef]

Hey zerotech, I perfectly agree with you.
I just wanted to let people about the downside of things too. Not because Matsonic is part of the dreaded PC Chips, but the parts supplier can be a crook. When you are promoting their products by buying their products and selling it to consumers, you expect that they will backup their product as well by offering some warranty service. They took their time sending back warrantied parts or rejecting it for some dishonest reason. I work at a small computer business and we cannot afford to take losses on parts that they say they will warranty and yet won't. That's why we decided not to carry matsonic anymore, we were one of their biggest clients for the city because not many others sold certain Matsonic boards like we did. So, goodbye Matsonic!!!!! HELLLOOOOO MSI, TYAN, ASUS, GIGABYTE!!!

I've nothing against Matsonic personally, because I own 2 Matsonic boards myself and they served me well for their price and decent performance and few problems. It's the dealing with the company that's the problem.


That's all folks!!!!

[Zerotech]

Man, I am with you on that one!
The very first Mat' I ever bought was DOA; but because I was a little slow to take care of it AND it came from the store's "clearance table", I got ZERO customer support.
I have also noticed fewer and fewer Matsonic boards out at the trade shows, so I would assume many shops here in Michigan have had the same experience you did. They appear to be at the bottom-end "please buy something from our table" section of the price list.
I won't look to Matsonic for top performance, but when someone asks, "Hey man, can you just get my dead system going?....real cheap?" Well......