Choosing a motherboard

[clarnibass]

Hi

I finally narrowed it down to only 3 boards, but first some information.
This computer will be used for audio. I will record live acoustice instruemnts with microphones and also create electronic music with virtual instruments.

I'm not going to play games at all on this computer.

I'm not going to overclock.

Prices here are different than in the USA (but ordering from the USA will eventually cost more).

So far I narrowd it down to these options:
MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum - $195
MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum - $200
Abit AV8 - $130
I noticed the MSI has a small fan while the Abit has a heatsink. I've had a MSI motherboard for five years without any problems, so I'm leaning to that one, but if the fan is VERY noisy (maybe it's posible to replace it with a heatsink like a Zalman?) and also the Abit is much cheaper, maybe the Abit is a better option.

Thank you.

 

[The Pentium Guy]

You're recording Audio, don't bother with the MSI, or an ASUS (for nforce4) - loud active cooling.

First of all, Neo4 is PCI-E, and Neo2/AV8 are both AGP. Since you're only doing SOUND, I doubt it'll make a difference, but if you want some sort of upgradepath, go for Nforce4/VIA K8T890.

Check out the Abit AX8(VIA K8T890), Abit AN8 (nForce4 - most likely louder). If you're into quietness, the Gigabyte K8NXP939-SLi will be better for you. I heard the fan is nice and quiet, and for $160 you get a wireless card and a 6 Phase DPS.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128269

You COULD replace the fan on the MSI with a zalman, might lead to some instability though.

-TPG