abit-is7 or p4p800 or msi neo2-fisr (antec sonata)

[gte343z]

i'm building a new computer, i've got an antec sonata case that as the front usb(2), firewire(1), mic and line in connections. I'm looking at either buying the abit is7 or p4p800 or msi neo2-fisr. I was leaning towards the is7 or neo2-fisr(if i wanted the gigabyte ethernet). I'm wondering which of these boards have usb/fire/mic/line out headers in which i can hook up those front ports. And if anyone has any recomendations about which board is a better choice...

the abit is7 has all five sound connections on the back panel, but their website also shows an option of the mediaxp (which is front header for usb- card reader - firewire - mic and line in), so if they sell this as an add in can i hook up my front ports to the board?

if anyone has used these boards and hooked up a front bracket ia would appreciate your thoughts...

 

[Tom]

The IS7 has internal connectors for all of the audio, firewire and usb. You can download the manual at abit-usa.com if you want to check the type of connectors and stuff to see if it will work with your case.

 

[gte343z]

ok i found the users manuel and it has the connections i need, but it says remove the jumpers to use front panel mic/line, and to replace the jumpers to use rear panel.

so if i have the front panel hooked up, will i not be able to use any of the rear panel connections? or does it just disable one of the two sets of sound hookups on the rear panel.

 

[Tom]

I don't have front audio connectors so I can't test it, but I'm pretty sure that the audio2 rear panel connectors would not be affected, which includes speakers and subwoofers in a 2 speaker system. If you are planning to use a 5.1 speaker system it might not be possible to also use the front panel connectors.

 

[klc314]

I'll have to check my manual for sure, but it seems to me the Asus board also has connectors for front panel sound. I'm pretty sure, however, on any board you're limited to the TOTAL i/o jacks with multi-speaker setups, as adding the other speaker outs uses the board connectors for extra inputs by resetting a jumper. The Asus manual would probably cover that really well, they tend to have pretty complete manuals. I'd look on their global site.

http://www.asus.com.tw/products/mb/socket478/p4p800-d/overview.htm

 

[gte343z]

ok i looked through the manuels, looks like my front usb and firewire will hook up fine, mic/line in may not work up front while using 6 channel audio, but i can get over that......

i have heard some bad things about early bios on the msi neo2 fisr, but is it ok now?

how loud is the NB fan on the abit is7 and the msi neo2 fisr? are they going to be significantly louder than the p4p800-dx

if anyone has suggestions or comments on which board i should choose i would appreciate it?

one more addition the ALBATRON PX865PE PRO II, gameve has it for 158 dollars.

 

[Aenslead]

I've heard many more positive comments on the IS7, feature, performance and price wise, it may be the best choice. After all, it got Anandtech's Editor's Gold Choice award... so...

 

[Fant]

The Is7 northbridge fan is so quiet i didnt even notice there was a fan in there. It will add zero noise to your system.