Can't decide!

[reichter]

For the past three days I've spent countless hours researching components for a new PC I'm about to build. However, I simply can't figure out which mobo would suite my needs.

I'm looking into a mid range gaming rig so my budget is $700-$1000 for all the parts. Unlike previous systems, I plan on doing some moderate OCing. My goal is to purchase a AMD 64 3200 Venice coure and increase it's output by 10-15%, nothing major. So ideally I'm looking for a board that would easily (because I've never OC'd before) achieve this and also give me good stability and compatibility with other parts, all while being reasonably priced (No more then $130 would be nice).

From what I gather the DFI lanparty has the most OC features yet I also read that it can be picky when it comes to high end RAM. The ASUS seems to be almost as good at OCing but seems to have less compatibility issues. Currently I'm leaning towards the ASUS A8N-SLI Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI. The price seems about right ($108), looks to be stable and I'm hoping it will allow me to OC the cpu without too much effort. I'd really appreciate any opinions any of you might have on this board and whether you think I should go with a different type.

 

[pkrush]

You can probably get an extra 15 percent out of a 3200+ with hardly any effort at all (Mine is running at 2.4, would probably do more if my motherboard wasn't so bad). I'd recommend the Epox 9NPA+ Ultra for a reasonably good overclocking board without too many compatibility problems.

 

[mb103051]

asus is the way to go.the a8n sli is a very good board,built 5 systems with that board.some stock some o/clocked.
Use the 3200 venice with a gig of corsair xms 3200c2 ram and the a8n sli and you'll hit 2500mhz with 1T ram timings and stock voltage just like my personal rig.i use the a8n-e board but only difference is no sli.its a rock stable setup.economical too.
cpu 150,ram 95,mobo 108.or get a 3000 venice and save 50 bucks and get the same o/clock.i garrantee if you run what im telling you its a sure thing.i build computers for a living and have built many setups with these specs and they rock.my personal rig is the finest running computer i have ever built for myself.these asus a8n series boards are awsome,their bios is mature and the boards are stable as a rock.the layout is damn near perfect.i only run the a8n-e ultra as im not a gamer and to me sli is a waste.ibuild fast systems for myself for speed not 3D graphics,but i run a powercolor x800gto just for benches.if you build it you will in no way be dissapointed....good luck

 

[pkme2]

I like ASUS too. My last 3 builds were ASUS mobos. I started quite a long time ago when AMD first came out. I've used Gigabyte, Abit, MSI, Epox mobos, but with failures and successes, the ASUS mobos are my choice today.
I like the A8N SLI mobo for its future expansion possibilities. I don't want to do more in the future, but the 939 socket sure is nice. With AM2 now, I have a chance to get a past CPU upgrade cheaply.

 

[acegazda]

i'm planning on getting an asus a8n-e because of the overwhelming success my buddies have had with it (and some great insight in the forums). If you don't need SLi, then get this. Its just $90 shipped and you can use the saved $$ to upgrade the ram or vid card. Personally i think you should go with the x1800xt. THe 256mb version is $225 shipped @newegg (lowest price...i checked)

 

[reichter]

I appreciate all the help. The Asus boards are looking all the more appealing and since I'm a gamer I'll definately need the SLI option. The ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe looks pretty sweet although I just took a look at the EPoX EP-9NPA+ SLi and now I'm torn again. Both are the same price but Epox has slightly better customer reviews on newegg (Asus also has 10x more reviews so it's hands down the more popular). Anyone else have any experience with how well the Epox boards run? As nice as it looks the Asus just seems like more a of sure bet.

 

[pkme2]

It really comes down to your choice. Popularity has its reasons. I had 1 Epox mobo a long time ago but I just liked ASUS better. My 3 newest rigs are ASUS based. They all work great. Its just a feeling sometimes when you buy something. The Asus mobos has a great following and so you go with whatever brung you.

 

[larciel]

I've been building for last 6 years. mainly dealt with AMD solutions, but I haven't built many s939 so my advice might not be too helpful, but it might be a little.

Asus models seems to be either hit-or-miss. It varies so much by models.

I remeber a7v, being one of first socket A boards, it almost ruled the early days, very good board indeed.

one of nf2 (low end) asus model flopped. It had various SATA issues as well as bad oc.

DFI seemed to fill every hole you can possibly think of when it comes to Overclocking. their stability is as good. but I didn't 'feel' those peace of mind when that I get when dealing with Asus.

I agree, MSI, gigabyte makes good board as well, but last couple years it seems DFI and Asus is at top when it comes to AMD solution.

good luck

*PS, I avoid Epox and Abit boards. Horrendous problem with CPU/Memory compatibilty.

 

[krotchy]

Originally posted by: reichter
I appreciate all the help. The Asus boards are looking all the more appealing and since I'm a gamer I'll definately need the SLI option. The ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe looks pretty sweet although I just took a look at the EPoX EP-9NPA+ SLi and now I'm torn again. Both are the same price but Epox has slightly better customer reviews on newegg (Asus also has 10x more reviews so it's hands down the more popular). Anyone else have any experience with how well the Epox boards run? As nice as it looks the Asus just seems like more a of sure bet.

If you are going to go with Asus, dont go with the A8N-SLI Deluxe, if you are going to go with an upgrade over the A8N-SLI go with the premium. I have heard the deluxe has a loud fan and tends to underperform compared to the regular/premium versions. However I must say the Premium and A8N-SLI boards are both fantastic, as is the A8N32 (probably out of your price range)