A8N32-SLI: Fixes all the problems with the Premium?

[tedhbrown]

I'm about to build a new system, because my current P4 system is crap and really slow. I'm going to buy one of the AMD X2 chips because I love the idea of better multitasking. Originally, I was going to buy the A8N-SLI Premium, but then I heard about the A8N32-SLI. This one obviously has the 16X on both PCI-Express slots, but also has some added connectors. After viewing http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=29&threadid=1694526&enterthread=y
I've learned of some problems people are experiencing with the Premium. So, my question is: Does anyone know if Asus has fixed those problem in this new version of the motherboard? I'd hate to have bought this board, and then find out I'm going to have problems with the LAN port. I'm planning on doing SLI soon, so I need something like the A8N32. Any insight would be appreciated

 

[rgreen83]

Originally posted by: tedhbrown
I'm planning on doing SLI soon, so I need something like the A8N32.

No you dont, the 16x slots will net you little if any improvement, probably for several graphics generations to come. Get a DFI and be happy!

 

[tedhbrown]

Honestly I don't like the design of the DFI, and I don't plan to be doing any extreme kind of overclocking on my system. Also, I like how ASUS has joined with Corsair on this board for optimized performance with the XMS-3500LL PRO ram. In addition, I like how you don't have to adjust anything on the board to change the SLI settings, it's all done in the bios. The only concern I have with the A8N32 is the possible problems coming over from the Premium A8N that people have posted about in this forum.

 

[garikfox]

Premium is Perfect !

 

[Superguy]

Originally posted by: garikfox
Premium is Perfect !

No it's not. I have one and the vCore sucks on an X2.

 

[Fallengod]

I find it funny. Asus has a sli. Then a sli-deluxe. Then release a premium for an "upgrade" or fixs to the deluxe. Now another one? wow....

 

[garikfox]

I know isnt it sick !, LoL

 

[imported_ST]

there's only 2 real questions to ask yourself when considering the premium vs. the newer x32:

- Will you overclock? If yes, probably want to skip the premium
- Do you need more than 2x PCI slots and want to use SLI? if yes, 32x is not for you

if you answer yes to both, go with a DFI or Fatlity board...as much as i hate the limited vcore settings on the premium, it still is fine with my purposes (gaming/htpc) and still able to produce a nice stable overclock.

 

[Art Vandaleigh]

Those of you with the Premium boards... what are your usual temps for the northbridge chipset idle/load with the stock passive cooler? I have the original A8N-SLI right now, luckily with the updated chipset fan so its not horribly loud.

 

[solofly]

Originally posted by: garikfox
Premium is Perfect !

Watch this guy with a new mobo soon. If Premium is pefect then SLI16 must be God made. hehehe

Those that know garikfox like I do, know what I mean...

 

[solofly]

Originally posted by: Art Vandaleigh
Those of you with the Premium boards... what are your usual temps for the northbridge chipset idle/load with the stock passive cooler? I have the original A8N-SLI right now, luckily with the updated chipset fan so its not horribly loud.

There is no NB temperature sensor on this mobo. You're looking at something else. That other temp sensor indicates 'case' temerature, near motherboard. I have the Deluxe and Premium and I'm guessing yours must be the same.

 

[Art Vandaleigh]

Originally posted by: solofly

Originally posted by: Art Vandaleigh
Those of you with the Premium boards... what are your usual temps for the northbridge chipset idle/load with the stock passive cooler? I have the original A8N-SLI right now, luckily with the updated chipset fan so its not horribly loud.

There is no NB temperature sensor on this mobo. You're looking at something else. That other temp sensor indicates 'case' temerature, near motherboard. I have the Deluxe and Premium and I'm guessing yours must be the same.

Ah so in Asus probe, the MB temp they show isnt actually the NB temp? Where is this MB sensor at?

 

[Frostyrootbeer]

Personally i think i will wait for the 32 (if it is indeed being released on the 15th), as i'm in this for the long haul.

 

[Capt Caveman]

To the OP, DFI will becoming out with the DFI SLI-DR Expert which will also be able to switch between single/sli mode via the bios.

In regards to the Premium and 32 Deluxe, it's unknown if the vcore issue(not realy an issue) will be fixed. It's also unknown if 2 16x SLI will be a need. Note, there is also talk about pci-e version 2, thus I wouldn't look at this motherboard as being future proof.

The 32 Deluxe is a very nice board but the majority of issues that people have with the premium are driver, hardware compatibility or noob ones. And the nice thing is with the 32 Deluxe coming out, the Premium has dropped in price to around $160.

 

[tedhbrown]

If it is indeed released on the 15th, I'm going for the A8N32. Otherwise, I'm not waiting another month to upgrade my computer, so I'll just get the Premium.

 

[Skott]

The A8N32 is already availble at Monarch Computers. They started selling it last week. What I'm concerned about is the pci slots being blocked using dual cards. Still no reliable review addressing this potential problem.

 

[zanta]

Skott,

I've read about the possible PCI slot issue and the a8N32. Do you think I will have a problem with SLI and (1) PCI Creative Soundlbaster X-FI XtremeMusic? I currently have this card and want to install it in my new system build. I guess we may have to wait and see...

 

[tedhbrown]

I think there is room for at leat one added PCI card when your using two video cards. I don't think there would be if you have NV Silencers on both of them though.

EDIT: Also moncarch never had them. They were listing it too early. I preorderd mine from Isorm.com, which orginally said it was shipping on the 15th, but now says the 19th. I'm praying that they don't extend that again.

 

[Skott]

I called Monarch to see what the situation is. They did inadvertantly list the A8N32 too soon. I was told they were expecting them in on the 24th.


Zanta,
It depends. If you only run one card should be no problem. If you run two regular type cards there will probably be enough room for one pci card but if you get one of the manufactured overclocked cards which are extra wide then there is a good chance they may block all the pci slots. Nobody, and I mean nobody, has even bothered to look at this in a review yet from what I can see. Tweaktown.com is the only review I can find and they only ran two regular cards on the mobo but didnt even mention if there was room or not when it comes to those pci slots. I'm still watching for reviews hoping to get some info. There just isnt much info out there at the moment though unfortunately.

I know Monarch pretests their products before making them availble so when I spoke to Monarch today I told them about the potential problems concerning the spacing on the pci slots. I asked the rep to relay this concern to their tech people and he said he would do so. I have also posted on their forum so hopefully they'll look into this.

Until someone somewhere does a more thorough review of the A8N32 mobo we'll just have to wait and see. I'm really hoping my concerns are unfounded. I'm considering contacting the game mags I subscribe to to look into this as well so when they do their review they can give us some indication of wether its a problem or not. If I hear anything I'll be sure to post on this website any info I come across.