Asus Motherboard Comparison for Socket AM2

[darklordbri]

hey everyone, long time lurker here but finally joined up to get some opinions and insight from those with far more experience than myself. i've chosen to build an AM2 system and i already have the processor picked out but i'm having trouble selecting a motherboard. right now, i'm between 2 different asus models:

ASUS M2N-E
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131022

and

ASUS M2V
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131024

i will be using this computer mostly for gaming, movie editing, dvd burning, and possbily CAD work. i dont see myself overclocking at all either. which one should i go with? i've read all the reviews on newegg for both but it seems like one is not really better than the other with both having problems reported from users.

 

[Zap]

Traditionally VIA chipsets have not been good FSB overclockers so the M2N-E if you ever decide to overclock, which you've indicated that you won't.

The M2V seems to only have Linux support issues. The M2N-E has a few reports of failing boards and RAM compatibility (seems very common with DDR2). What video card you using? If Nvidia, may as well go with Nvidia chipset. If ATI (or other) then go with VIA chipset.

If you haven't already bought RAM, may want to read up on what RAM didn't work for M2N-E owners and avoid those, plus if possible buy RAM that is spec'd to run on 1.8v.

 

[darklordbri]

the RAM i was thinking of getting is the Patriot 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 667. i looked at the asus info of recommended RAM modules and even though this wasnt listed, i dont see any issues from what others have said. i mean right now in my current rig, i have an asus board using RAM that wasnt on the approved list for that model and never had any problems. and if i dont go with asus, what other boards should i look at?

as far as video card, that was going to be my next big thing. not sure whether to go with nVidia or ATI right now either. i've had both brands in the past.

 

[lopri]

I guess you're looking for an ASUS board, but have you check this one out?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136015

If I built an AM2 rig right now this board would be my first choice. Check this review out.

http://www.pcmoddingmy.com/print.php?plugin:content.377

 

[darklordbri]

i see that board is nForce4 Ultra...will that be a problem in the future since nF5 is due out soon?

 

[darklordbri]

bttt

 

[lopri]

NF500 is already out. But the performance difference from NF4 is nil while price difference is huge. But it's my opinion and others' might differ. I tend to go with either ultra-high or ultra-budget when it comes to hardware purchase, and the board that I suggested seems to be a steal at that price. On top of that, there are many unhappy people with ASUS NF500 boards.