Epox 8K3A+ vs. Epox 8K5A2+

[Deeko]

My 8K3A+ board is DOA, I was just gonna RMA it, but then I noticed the 8K5A2+ board. What's the difference?? I can't find anything, same chipset, same number of slots, highpoint RAID, only thing is the board is laid out a little differently, and the 5A2 costs like $25 less, and it has built in ethernet(other does not)...is there something I'm missing?

 

[Deeko]

Ok I found the differences. The cheaper one has integrated LAN, and it supports USB 2.0, whereas the more expensive one does not. Someone tell me again why you would pay more for less?

 

[Insane3D]

Not sure what board you looked at specs on, but the main difference over the 8K3A+ is as follows..

1. Uses the newest Via Southbridge, the 8235.
2. Has full USB 2.0 support (6 total) (8235 SB)
3. Has onboard LAN
4. Updated Vlink Connection between the NB and SB (533mb/s with the 8235 vs. 266mb/s with the 8233)


AFAIK, both the 8K5A2 and the 8K5A2+ have onboard LAN. The difference between the 2 and the 2+ are the same as with the 8K3A and 8K3A+, the former lacks 6 channel sound and the Highpoint RAID chip. The 8K5A2 and the 8K5A2+ are the replacements for the 8K3A and the 8K3A+.

 

[Deeko]

Yea, basically what I said...so its the replacement eh? So tell me why the older, worse board costs more lol

 

[Insane3D]

It's usually that way with an older board...it gets phased out of the retail channell and becomes more expensive...

BTW, the 8K5A2+ is available @ Mwave for ~$100..good deal.