ADVICE: Shuttle AK35GTR or ABIT NV7-133R

[klitscher]

Hey guys,

If you could offer a recommendation for me...

I'm building my system now and trying to decide on a motherboard...my rig will be used primarily for office type situations, as well as a little bit of digital video editing and sound recording. My basic question is, is it worth it to spend the extra ~$35 for the 415D board? I will not be taking advantage of the built in nForce sound, as I will be getting an Audigy Platinum to do some recording with. The only real differences I can see is that the ABIT board has USB 2.0 and the whole double bandwith between the N and S bridge (which I've heard really doesn't do anything if you don't use the 420 chipset with built in audio). The NV7 also has the onboard LAN. I do have a 10/100 Ethernet card laying around to use too. So I guess my question is, if you were going to use this machine as described above, and were on a fairly tight budget, what would you get? Thanks a lot!

Ken

 

[CoDerEd]

If you like Audigy Platinum alot than stay away from VIA chipset.
Use the NForce or if you want to have a cheaper solutions get the Sis735 or 745.

 

[Compellor]

I'd get the Shuttle board, as I have one and it's very stable. I have an SB Audigy and it runs rock solid on this board. For the price, the Shuttle AK35GTR is a steal with it's many added features.

 

[Athlon4all]

It sounds like to me that it boils down to how important USB2 and RAID is. Personally, nForce 415-D is supirior in every way when compared to KT266A except for price but it sounds like that you won't or don't need to use nForce's Integrated features. And also, there's nothing wrong really with KT266A either, I just feel nForce is a better chipset. Truthfully, I'd consider getting Shuttle AK31A or EPoX 8KHA+ because if you won't be using nForce's integrated stuff, then u won't be using AK35GTR's Integrated stuff either.

EDIT: I just thought I'd add, KT266A's south Bridge (8233) corrects 686B's issues with Creative Sound cards so I wouldn't worry about isng a Audigy Platinum on a KT266A board.

 

[o1die]

Newegg has carried the 8KHA+ and ak31a in refurbished form from time to time with free shipping and 30 day warranty, for $57-69.