ASUS M5A88-V EVO (AM3+) for $120 vs. Foxconn A88GMV AM3 for $55

[Krioni]

I ordered both of the boards (long story... tried to cancel one, they both showed up today).

Now i'm trying to decide which to keep.

I will be pairing it with a Phenom II x2 555 (and hoping I can unlock the other 2 cores) and 8GB of RAM.

I am not really into PC gaming much, though I wouldn't mind firing up TF2 sometime or maybe playing back through Half Life 2.

I need to decide quickly so I can install and return the one I don't choose.

Any comments are appreciated!

ASUS M5A88-V EVO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131733

Foxconn A88GMV AM3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813186205

 

[Krioni]

A little more info... I recognize that the ASUS is a little bit more "future proof" in that it's the AM3+ socket and will support the FX series of processorts.... (of course those are getting mixed reviews so far). It also has USB3 and SATAIII...

The FoxConn has what seems to be pretty good features for the low price...

So, I guess the ultimate question is... Are the additional features worth more than double the price?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Taft12]

Electrolytic capacitors are a big no-no AFAIC, so the Foxconn is not an option (personally).

That said, that Asus board is awfully expensive, kinda too high-end for your modest needs. I'd look for something halfway between the 2 in terms of price and features (I assume integrated video is a requirement?)

This Gigabyte is on sale and free shipping as of this moment:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128490

 

[Krioni]

Why are those capacitors a big no no?

 

[Krioni]

Integrated video isn't a requirement... I have a radeon x1800xt sitting here. But it's loud, so I probably wony install it for now.

 

[Taft12]

Why are those capacitors a big no no?

http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=195

This may not be as big a problem as it was a few years ago, but I've seen this many times and am soured on electrolytic caps for life. Today, you won't see them on any motherboard that costs more than about $75, only the ultra-low end.

 

[janas19]

http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=195

This may not be as big a problem as it was a few years ago, but I've seen this many times and am soured on electrolytic caps for life. Today, you won't see them on any motherboard that costs more than about $75, only the ultra-low end.

That's a great article, do appreciate you sharing! How can one avoid these if you are purchasing a new board, are they listed on the box?

 

[Caveman]

Same question as last poster...

 

[deimos3428]

I'd split the price difference and go for something like this, personally.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131673

Sorry, I see you've already made the purchase. Keep the ASUS.