AOpen AK79G Max nForce2 Review!

[Mem]

Link .

This line up includes the AK79G Max, which has a plethora of innovative and handy features that you won't find anywhere else, such as WinBIOS, EzClock and Vivid BIOS. It's definitely a unique and powerful nForce2 solution.

With integrated LAN, graphics and rich audio capabilities, the AK79G Max will make its owner smile about not needing to hassle with installing PCI cards.

.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

AOpen is really coming on strong with both Intel and AMD solutions and with Asus stumbling lately they better watch their backs

 

[McCarthy]

Cousin to what I got. Picked up the AK79D-1394. No onboard graphics. All the other goodies mentioned above plus a rebate so 88 bucks with free ship if bought at Newegg.

Guess because it doesn't have onboard graphics the northbridge sink is a big passive one. Seems to work out fine. Layout differs in a few ways. Floppy connector position either sucks or is great depending on your case. Same with the power connector, personally I like it where it is on mine better than the way it is on the Max. Overall a nice board for a very very competitive price though.

Still rather upset about some nForce2 specific issues, but the board itself I like. If you're interested in a nForce2 board give the Aopens a look.

 

[Blain]

The IGP version of AOpen's nForce2 does look very nice.

 

[GetInMyFatBelly]

and the mATX MK79G-1394 looks great for a mini board too, but it looks like Aopen isn't going to import it to the U.S., but is available in Europe. Just hope the new bioses let you adjust the multiplier, without it, it makes other nForce 2 boards more appealing.

 

[Blain]

Newegg has the Aopen AK79G MAX for $139 shipped.
My AOpen also offers it for about $145 shipped.

 

[can564]

I have the AK79G-MAX from Aopen.I am still trying to work out a few bugs before I give it a thumbs up or down.One of my major questions I have yet to answer is the sound system.Yes it is impressive but when I click on the last page of nvidia sound control panel called "information tab".I click advanced and read "effect processor usage 41%".That just seems like quite the draw on my cpu.I have not been able to determine if this number is true.Does anyone else have a nforce2 board with the mcp-t onboard sound??Do you list the same processor usage amount?

 

[Jayczar]

Of the 2 Aopen boards I have owned in the past I have
no complaints.......... very solid motherboards.

 

[Operandi]

Anyone know for sure weather or not the AOpen AK79G Max has the proper clearance to accommodate a Alpha 8045?

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: can564
I have the AK79G-MAX from Aopen.I am still trying to work out a few bugs before I give it a thumbs up or down.One of my major questions I have yet to answer is the sound system.Yes it is impressive but when I click on the last page of nvidia sound control panel called "information tab".I click advanced and read "effect processor usage 41%".That just seems like quite the draw on my cpu.I have not been able to determine if this number is true.Does anyone else have a nforce2 board with the mcp-t onboard sound??Do you list the same processor usage amount?

All of us nForce2 users, Epox, ASUS, and Abit, are showing the same thing. It is not affecting performance at all. I wouldn't call it a bug, call it a curious anomoly at worst. I love my board and if that is the only flaw you noticed you ought to cut that board some slack.

 

[can564]

Don't get me wrong!!I waited a while for this board to come out it has everything I want plus some more.I have just had a terrible time with Windows ME on this board.I have keyboard and mouse button lockups in intense gaming on Red Faction,the SilentTek feature creates an autodraw error when the system comes out of screensaver or sleep.I haven't scrapped up the dough to switch to XP or Win2000.I think this will solve all my problems.
So it is hard to give up complete satisfaction untill I get these worked out.Everyone likes their toys to run right first thing!!!Are you or is anyone running ME on these boards.

 

[can564]

I am borrowing a thirty day trial of Windows XP Home.This seems to have cured all the problems I have been having.Windows ME had been faithfultome on all my other motherboards but it can't seem to resolve all the issues of a new cuttingedge motherboard.I guess I will be looking to get XP.

1)Has anyone run ME on their Aopen AK79G series board.?Any problems?

2)What is the general feeling about XP Home VS XP Office on a board with all the features?

3)With Windows XP installed I love this board.

 

[Blain]

I'm installing 98SE on a system I'm building for someone. I'm using a 2500+ Barton, the AOpen AK79G-1394, 2x256mb PC2700 and a 40GB WD JB.
From what I've seen so far, this thing boots up Wicked-Fast.

 

[StormRider]

Originally posted by: can564
I have the AK79G-MAX from Aopen.I am still trying to work out a few bugs before I give it a thumbs up or down.One of my major questions I have yet to answer is the sound system.Yes it is impressive but when I click on the last page of nvidia sound control panel called "information tab".I click advanced and read "effect processor usage 41%".That just seems like quite the draw on my cpu.I have not been able to determine if this number is true.Does anyone else have a nforce2 board with the mcp-t onboard sound??Do you list the same processor usage amount?

Maybe it's talking about the APU (Audio Processor Unit) and not the main CPU?