NEED a AMD Athlon XP MOBO...which one?

Judas · Aug 3, 2003, 02:54 AM

I'm looking specifically for an ABIT board...

AMD ATHLON XP support

NO BUILT IN VIDEO... but possible sound/networking

USB is a must.... EPP Printer port is an ABSALUTE

PS/2 key/mouse must

DDR or SDRAM is a choice....but i'd like to move to DDR

RELIABLE..... CAPATIBLE... and damn, If it has raid.... i'll be even happier.. (High Point Tech only)

I've heard of a few abit boards names....but i don't remember which ones been getting a good show... (i'm not looking for Overclockability.... just a stock system)

Although, if it can overclock good... that gernerally means more stability at stock speeds....

at least 3 PCI slots...and AGP..

I'm going to get a radeon 7500 if i can, maybe even a Nvidia TNT if i have to go that cheap.... (consider those)
256Mb of ram

I'll get an enermax PowerSupply.... (lovem)

Need any more info, just ask..... this will replace the Intel Board (533mb celron) that i was talking about in a previous thread....

I've gotta keep this cheap....but with good brand names to guarantee it to work....

Bane the ECF · Aug 3, 2003, 03:40 AM

How much are you wanting to spend? If you're looking for features, the ASUS A7N8X Deluxe is best. That board gives your Dolby Digital SoundStorm (comparable to Audigy2) audio, RAID 0/1, 2xSerial ATA, dual LAN, 2xFireWire, 4xUSB, PS/2 support...you name it, for the wonderful price of $130US.

The A7N8X-X basically drops RAID support, no Serial ATA, no Firewire support, and only have a single LAN. Also, you're going to get a cheaper ALC650 integrated sound, which is a more traditional on-board sound solution. This baby goes for $89US.

Generally, the for nForce2 chipsets the geeks like us always compare the ASUS A7N8X Deluxe to the Abit NF7-s (which also goes for about $130.) The general consensus is that the Abit is a better overclocker, while ASUS gives you better features. Visit www.nforcershq.com and people there know a lot about nForce2 mobos.

Umm, if you're going for a TnT2 or Radeon 7500 card, why not go for a GeForce 4 MX440? Those cost only $46US and are a lot more powerful than the cards you're talking about...

Bane

moog774 · Aug 3, 2003, 01:09 PM

I would suggest this one my friend, http://www.motherboards.com/catalog/...ucts_id=18089&

Necrosis · Aug 3, 2003, 02:30 PM

Isn't Chaintech the only manufacture that has High Point Tech on their boards for nforce2?

I think either the KT400a or even the KT600 (I think it's for SA's as well). The KT400a has proven itself but just don't get the KT400...chills run up my spine when I think about it.

dipstick · Aug 3, 2003, 05:11 PM

The Epox 8RDA+ offers the best price/performance of anything out there at the moment. It has no raid but it does have firewire, plenty of USB 2.0 ports, six PCI slots and great SoundStorm sound for around $85. Cheapest and best at the moment in IMO

***Veridian3*** · Aug 3, 2003, 06:40 PM

The Abit nf7-s is the best Athlon board i have ever used:

Features here: http://www.abit-usa.com/products/mb/...ries=1&model=6

With this board you can use the free IDE->SerialATA convertor to hook up your existing IDE drive via SATA ... v cool feature.

Both myself and Zardon use this board...what more of a recommendation do you need

Stu

Judas · Aug 3, 2003, 06:57 PM

I thought it was an Abit NF7...something... But i wanted to see..... Thanks OTHERS for your other boards, but i have to by retail at specific local stores.... So the prices won't be the same... (sorry, no online buying)... i shoulda mentioned it... BTW, it didn't need RAID, just that if it did IT has to be highpoint tech.. I'm going to look more into the NF7-s... i won't be buying anything till tuesday, (holiday monday)

Judas · Aug 3, 2003, 07:17 PM

BTW, so far, the NF7-S if the top choice... HOWEVER, i have a few questions... can you boot directly from SATA?... how is connecting the ATX1/2 power connector to the board?..... any quirks i should know off...and what should i do with memory... should i install just a 256mb DDR.... or should i see if i can find 2 256's and put them in? and if i do that, what dimm slots.... ALSO, is there a connector for older style game controllers (MIDI port)... that comes with the board?.... or do i need to go an get a sound card?

dipstick · Aug 3, 2003, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Judas
BTW, so far, the NF7-S if the top choice... HOWEVER, i have a few questions... can you boot directly from SATA?... how is connecting the ATX1/2 power connector to the board?..... any quirks i should know off...and what should i do with memory... should i install just a 256mb DDR.... or should i see if i can find 2 256's and put them in? and if i do that, what dimm slots.... ALSO, is there a connector for older style game controllers (MIDI port)... that comes with the board?.... or do i need to go an get a sound card?

Yes, the Abit NF-S is the best choice, sorry for above, I thought you were looking for the cheapest. But yes, you can boot from SATA and it does run very well with the new Serillel 2 adapters. I would recommend taking advantage of dual channel using slots 2 and 3 on the abit, but its not necessary. I'm not sure about MIDI ports, but the onboard sound is great and comes with all kinds of outputs like SPDIF. Great board that OCs like no other.

Bane the ECF · Aug 3, 2003, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Veridian3
The Abit nf7-s is the best Athlon board i have ever used:

Features here: http://www.abit-usa.com/products/mb/...ries=1&model=6

With this board you can use the free IDE->SerialATA convertor to hook up your existing IDE drive via SATA ... v cool feature.

Both myself and Zardon use this board...what more of a recommendation do you need

Stu

You guys both use the NF7-s because you guys are HARDCORE overclockers.

I would too if I was really into getting every last ounce out of my system, but I do like the A7N8X Deluxe's features.

I didn't need the features and already had a Audigy2, so I didn't bother with the Deluxe version.

Bane the ECF · Aug 3, 2003, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Judas
BTW, so far, the NF7-S if the top choice... HOWEVER, i have a few questions... can you boot directly from SATA?... how is connecting the ATX1/2 power connector to the board?..... any quirks i should know off...and what should i do with memory... should i install just a 256mb DDR.... or should i see if i can find 2 256's and put them in? and if i do that, what dimm slots.... ALSO, is there a connector for older style game controllers (MIDI port)... that comes with the board?.... or do i need to go an get a sound card?

1) Yes you can boot directly from SATA.
2) Power connection to the board is just like any power connector, it's standard (I think this is what you mean.)
3) You will probably see a 10% increase in overall performance if you use two sticks of RAM. However, nForce2 boards are notoriously picky about which RAM modules they like to use in DualDDR mode. If you plan to run your system in DualDDR, go with factory pre-tested, twin-packed, matched sticks of RAM. When you get the modules, test the hell out of the modules using a program like Memtest-86 to check for errors. Preferred brands are Corsair XMS, Geil, and Mushkin. The manual will tell you clearly which slots to use for DualDDR, but I believe it's 1&3 or 2&3 and either will work.
4) See a picture of the NF7-s motherboard here.

Bane

***Veridian3*** · Aug 3, 2003, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bane the ECF
You guys both use the NF7-s because you guys are HARDCORE overclockers. I would too if I was really into getting every last ounce out of my system, but I do like the A7N8X Deluxe's features. I didn't need the features and already had a Audigy2, so I didn't bother with the Deluxe version.

Yes Zardon is a major overclocker....me, i have NOTHING in my rig overclocked at the moment. I chose the NF7-s because of its stability.

Stu

Bane the ECF · Aug 3, 2003, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Veridian3
Yes Zardon is a major overclocker....me, i have NOTHING in my rig overclocked at the moment. I chose the NF7-s because of its stability.

Stu

Oh...I didn't know that lol sorry.

**Roadee** · Aug 4, 2003, 12:11 AM

I just switched from the Asus A7N8X DLX to the Abit NF7-S board. I love them both, they are stable as hell and have all the features you could want......except maybe IDE and SATA RAID on the same board!!

The Asus board does have the older style game/midi connector....the Abit does not. BOTH boards are very stable, the Abit being best at overclocking and voltage control. Both boards are easy to set up and should do most anything you could want. I would suggest the 2500+ Barton for the CPU, just because it is VERY cheap and has a severe amount of potential for overclocking in the future in case you need a bump in speed. And with the 512 L2 cache......it will help you when you are working on graphics.

SO......my suggestion would have to be the Asus A7N8X DLX.......just because it meets the most of your requirments. And you can always buy a Highpoint add in card for the IDE RAID in the future.

Judas · Aug 4, 2003, 01:14 AM

Thanks for the suggestions... i'm not really into buying IDE addin cards... i don't care for even USB addins... (bad Luck)... I was just hopeing..... i placed an order for the NF7-S mobo, but were ever i've tried to go, it's sold out..... guess i'll get a call when it's in stock.... they have taken it onto themself to keep trying to get it, but i had to put a downpayment on it.... the MIDI port wasn't a huge priority...but it was enough of one to question it... It's a little to expensive to go dual DDR (was browsing through some of our local stores).... NF7-S it is.... Any Things i might need to know about?.... oh, and BTW, What i ment by the power connectors...is that in a standard case...are they blocking airflow to the cpu/was it a pain to hook up......etc...

Bane the ECF · Aug 4, 2003, 02:11 AM

Yeah I did...

[SIZE=large]YOU'RE GONNA LOVE THAT BOARD!!![/SIZE]

Judas · Aug 4, 2003, 02:42 AM

Well, i won't be the one enjoying it.... I have myself a Abit AT7-MAX2, which i must say, runs beautifully.... excellent in all things.... just wish is had the A spec (KT400A)..... No, i'm repairing (more like building) a replacement PC for the Celron that blew up....

ArchAngelRay · Aug 7, 2003, 03:37 AM

I agree, I think you will enjoy the ABIT boards better, personally, I wouldn't have another ASUS, and the Chaintech I cannot reccomend anymore either. When I upgrade again, it will be with either ABIT or MSI, which too has a decent board at the moment. Though I am unsure of their reliablity and tech support, which is what I have decided is more important at the moment to me. Next purchase I make will have to have that as a deciding factor.

I am so over trying to work with lackluster companies, that don't have what it takes to be a reputable manufacturor.

From what I have read on the ABIT NF7-S, it seems to be an excellent choice for not only overclocking but comes from a decent company that is more apt to replace it if something goes wrong with it. I take this last statement from what I have read on their website as well as others when they had problems with the faulty crap components they were using in their motherboards. So far as I have found out, they are the ONLY company that has not only admitted it, but offered replacements to those who have the faulty parts in them. Not sure if MSI uses the faulty components or not, but I do know that ASUS and Chaintech do, though ASUS isn't that bad about replacing their motherboards, the Chaintech's are like pulling teeth just getting ahold of tech support, let alone getting them to do a replacement. I am still awaiting my replacement 2 1/2 weeks later and counting!

Also you may want to check out www.nforcershq.com, they have all the NForce 1/2 motherboards represented on their site, it is the official board site for NVidia.

Sebastian · Aug 15, 2003, 12:03 PM

Hi
Why doesnt any body recomend or discuss the MSI K7N2 DELTA-ILSR MOBO? Is there that much between it and the Asus A7N8X/DLX?
Sebastian

Aug 3, 2003, 03:40 AM	#2
Bane the ECF DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 220 Rep Power: 0	How much are you wanting to spend? If you're looking for features, the ASUS A7N8X Deluxe is best. That board gives your Dolby Digital SoundStorm (comparable to Audigy2) audio, RAID 0/1, 2xSerial ATA, dual LAN, 2xFireWire, 4xUSB, PS/2 support...you name it, for the wonderful price of $130US. The A7N8X-X basically drops RAID support, no Serial ATA, no Firewire support, and only have a single LAN. Also, you're going to get a cheaper ALC650 integrated sound, which is a more traditional on-board sound solution. This baby goes for $89US. Generally, the for nForce2 chipsets the geeks like us always compare the ASUS A7N8X Deluxe to the Abit NF7-s (which also goes for about $130.) The general consensus is that the Abit is a better overclocker, while ASUS gives you better features. Visit www.nforcershq.com and people there know a lot about nForce2 mobos. Umm, if you're going for a TnT2 or Radeon 7500 card, why not go for a GeForce 4 MX440? Those cost only $46US and are a lot more powerful than the cards you're talking about... Bane __________________ ASUS K8N-E Motherboard Athlon 64 3200+ 10x200MHz Zalman CNPS7000A-Cu Heatsink & Fan 2x512MB Mushkin Black Level 2 PC-3500 ATi Radeon X800 SE 256MB 100GB Western Digital SE 8MB 7200RPM 320GB Seagate 8MB 7200 RPM Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Sony 19" E400 Trinitron Thermaltake Xaser III V2000A All-Aluminum Logitech Z-5300 5.1 Surround Sound Last edited by Bane the ECF; Aug 3, 2003 at 03:53 AM.

Aug 3, 2003, 01:09 PM	#3
moog774 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: May 2003 Location: Kentucky Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	Motherboard I would suggest this one my friend, http://www.motherboards.com/catalog/...ucts_id=18089&

Aug 4, 2003, 12:11 AM	#14
Roadee Never forgotten Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Rest In peace, Joe. Posts: 2,198 Rep Power: 69	I just switched from the Asus A7N8X DLX to the Abit NF7-S board. I love them both, they are stable as hell and have all the features you could want......except maybe IDE and SATA RAID on the same board!! The Asus board does have the older style game/midi connector....the Abit does not. BOTH boards are very stable, the Abit being best at overclocking and voltage control. Both boards are easy to set up and should do most anything you could want. I would suggest the 2500+ Barton for the CPU, just because it is VERY cheap and has a severe amount of potential for overclocking in the future in case you need a bump in speed. And with the 512 L2 cache......it will help you when you are working on graphics. SO......my suggestion would have to be the Asus A7N8X DLX.......just because it meets the most of your requirments. And you can always buy a Highpoint add in card for the IDE RAID in the future. __________________ We are born naked, wet, and hungry. Then things get worse.

Aug 4, 2003, 02:11 AM	#16
Bane the ECF DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 220 Rep Power: 0	Yeah I did... [SIZE=large]YOU'RE GONNA LOVE THAT BOARD!!![/SIZE] __________________ ASUS K8N-E Motherboard Athlon 64 3200+ 10x200MHz Zalman CNPS7000A-Cu Heatsink & Fan 2x512MB Mushkin Black Level 2 PC-3500 ATi Radeon X800 SE 256MB 100GB Western Digital SE 8MB 7200RPM 320GB Seagate 8MB 7200 RPM Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Sony 19" E400 Trinitron Thermaltake Xaser III V2000A All-Aluminum Logitech Z-5300 5.1 Surround Sound

Aug 7, 2003, 03:37 AM	#18
ArchAngelRay DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: USA Posts: 15 Rep Power: 0	I agree, I think you will enjoy the ABIT boards better, personally, I wouldn't have another ASUS, and the Chaintech I cannot reccomend anymore either. When I upgrade again, it will be with either ABIT or MSI, which too has a decent board at the moment. Though I am unsure of their reliablity and tech support, which is what I have decided is more important at the moment to me. Next purchase I make will have to have that as a deciding factor. I am so over trying to work with lackluster companies, that don't have what it takes to be a reputable manufacturor. From what I have read on the ABIT NF7-S, it seems to be an excellent choice for not only overclocking but comes from a decent company that is more apt to replace it if something goes wrong with it. I take this last statement from what I have read on their website as well as others when they had problems with the faulty crap components they were using in their motherboards. So far as I have found out, they are the ONLY company that has not only admitted it, but offered replacements to those who have the faulty parts in them. Not sure if MSI uses the faulty components or not, but I do know that ASUS and Chaintech do, though ASUS isn't that bad about replacing their motherboards, the Chaintech's are like pulling teeth just getting ahold of tech support, let alone getting them to do a replacement. I am still awaiting my replacement 2 1/2 weeks later and counting! Also you may want to check out www.nforcershq.com, they have all the NForce 1/2 motherboards represented on their site, it is the official board site for NVidia. __________________ The Best Truck On The [color=red]Am[/color][color=white]eric[/color][color=blue]an[/color] Road!.

Aug 3, 2003, 02:30 PM	#4
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Isn't Chaintech the only manufacture that has High Point Tech on their boards for nforce2? I think either the KT400a or even the KT600 (I think it's for SA's as well). The KT400a has proven itself but just don't get the KT400...chills run up my spine when I think about it.

Aug 3, 2003, 05:11 PM	#5
dipstick HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: USA Posts: 3,609 Rep Power: 71 System Specs	The Epox 8RDA+ offers the best price/performance of anything out there at the moment. It has no raid but it does have firewire, plenty of USB 2.0 ports, six PCI slots and great SoundStorm sound for around $85. Cheapest and best at the moment in IMO

Aug 3, 2003, 06:40 PM	#6
*Veridian3* Administrator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cloaked Posts: 5,028 Rep Power: 181	The Abit nf7-s is the best Athlon board i have ever used: Features here: http://www.abit-usa.com/products/mb/...ries=1&model=6 With this board you can use the free IDE->SerialATA convertor to hook up your existing IDE drive via SATA ... v cool feature. Both myself and Zardon use this board...what more of a recommendation do you need Stu

Aug 15, 2003, 12:03 PM	#19
Sebastian DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Yorkshire, UK Posts: 9 Rep Power: 0	Why not MSI mobo? Hi Why doesnt any body recomend or discuss the MSI K7N2 DELTA-ILSR MOBO? Is there that much between it and the Asus A7N8X/DLX? Sebastian