Asus A8V Deluxeor Gigabyte GA-K8NS Ultra

[Icepick]

Planning to build my first AMD system using a 939 processor (can't wait for nforce4). Either 3200+ or 3500+ 90nm. I am looking at these two boards:

Asus A8V - Deluxe (revision 2.0)
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=240412

Gigabyte GA-K8NS Ultra
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=241780

Does anyone have any experience with the GA-K8NS Ultra? I've been lurking around and so far it seems like there aren't too many problems with it. Would anyone recommend this board?

Also, I'm a little confused regarding the feature set. I understand that the GA-K8NSNXP comes with hardware -based firewall. Does the cheaper Ultra version also have the hardware firewall?

If anyone can recommend one over the other or suggest alternatives it would be greatly appreciated!

My specs:
Antec slk3700-BQE (purchased)
Antec tru480 (purchased)
6800GT (don't have yet)
(2x512) RAM (don't have yet)

 

[Squally Leonharty]

Asus A8V Deluxe, kthx. I have it and it truly owns. I've always had Asus motherboards, all of them working perfectly fine.

Dunno about Gigabyte, though. They are good, but I thought I read something about them that's bad. Unfortunately, I can't remember much of that. *_* Someone else knows? It's nForce3 Ultra, so yes, it has a hardware-firewall. Quite nifty, but software firewalls are good enough too. They are directly accessible, too. No need to use your browser to alter settings. And they don't take *THAT* much CPU power, so it's very negligible. ;p

Either way, I think you should still go for Asus.

 

[bap4201]

Yes, I agree. If you want something rock solid and stable, go with Asus. There are reasons why tom's hardware voted them the number 1 mobo manufacturer!

 

[Icepick]

Has anyone had success running an Antec TruPower 480 PSU with the Asus A8V? There seems to be some compatibility issues with some power supplies and certain motherboards. I already purchased this power supply but will try to exchange it if necessary. Thanks!

 

[jyp]

What kind of power proble are you talking about? I've never heard about that. I'm about to get Antec 1080amg which comes with Truepower 430W and ASUS A8V Deluxe. If there's potential I'd like to know.

I'm really puzzled whether to wait for nf4 MB's or just go with A8V. All I know is that PCIx's will perform better and pretty soon most will be PCIx so.... also if I get Radeon 9800 pro now they will drop their price as more of PCIx's come into the market.

What do you all think?

 

[Squally Leonharty]

There is absolutely no difference in PCI-E and AGP, because AGP's 4x's maximum bandwidth is still not fully utilized, let alone PCI-E's. I suggest you go for Asus A8V Deluxe and work with it. Upgrade again in a few years, where PCI-E has become the standard and AGP's bandwidth has (finally) maxed out. Most motherboards will then be already mature and reliable.

 

[Icepick]

Squally and bap, Thanks for the advice!! I might upgrade my vid card within two years. Do you think they'll still be producing AGP video cards by then judging from past experience?

 

[Appledrop]

if you dont mind RMA'ing, get the asus

 

[Squally Leonharty]

Originally posted by: icepik
Squally and bap, Thanks for the advice!! I might upgrade my vid card within two years. Do you think they'll still be producing AGP video cards by then judging from past experience?

You're welcome, and they might still produce AGP cards for the low-end PC's with "old" motherboards.

 

[Pohemi]

I would go for the Asus if I were you. There's been documented problems with ALL 939 boards for various reasons. Personally, I think one of the biggest problems is with the on-die AMD memory controllers not agreeing with certain types of RAM(especially low latency).

BUT....I have built a system with the Gigabyte GA-K8NSNXP-939 and I now HATE HATE HATE Gigabyte. They have no real customer technical support to speak of, and this board has more glitches and bugs than probably ANY other 939 board available right now. The ONLY difference between my board and the "ultra" you're considering is the new one is missing the northbridge HSF, and it's $80 cheaper. It hasn't been revised besides that.

In summary: Asus all the way!!

 

[Icepick]

Wow. Glad I asked. Looks like Asus is the clear winner. Thanks for your input!