Not an overclocker...skip DFI and MSI. Both are great boards but just more can screw up. Abit is not what they used to be, skip. Asus is good, but overpriced. Personally I'd suggest you to save your money and go with Chaintech. But of the higher end boards Epox or Gigabyte are your best bets.
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Help Me Choose an nForce4 Ultra motherboard
Page 3 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
Starbuck1975
Lifer
I may wait for AnandTech or one of the other sites to do another nForce4 motherboard round-up.
The reviews I am finding are largely inconsistent, although the ePoX, MSI and DFI boards all seem to come up fairly high on most reviews, even though there are those who have expressed concerns about all three of these boards in this thread.
The reviews I am finding are largely inconsistent, although the ePoX, MSI and DFI boards all seem to come up fairly high on most reviews, even though there are those who have expressed concerns about all three of these boards in this thread.
Starbuck1975
Lifer
Bump.
I am still looking for comments from those that have the MSI NEO4 Platinum...the ASUS A8N-E doesn't have onboard firewire, which is a problem...the MSI definitely has all of the features I am looking for, has received positive reviews, and it seems that the north bridge fan and bios issues from the initial release have been resolved.
So anyone who has this board, feel free to post a review...and yes I have read the reviews on NewEgg.
I am still looking for comments from those that have the MSI NEO4 Platinum...the ASUS A8N-E doesn't have onboard firewire, which is a problem...the MSI definitely has all of the features I am looking for, has received positive reviews, and it seems that the north bridge fan and bios issues from the initial release have been resolved.
So anyone who has this board, feel free to post a review...and yes I have read the reviews on NewEgg.
imported_Skorpio
Senior member
Ok i got the MSI K8N Platnium nForce4 Ultra with a amd 64 3000+ venice.
MSI is definitely a rich board, and I debated getting the MSI, ASUS, Gigabyte, & DFI and other brands.
I didnt choose DFI cause no need to overclock, ASUS because of horror stories, others because either were too expensive, or brands I didnt really hear about. Also they didnt come with other stuff like parrallel ports and firewire.
What made me decide to get the MSI was that I dont overclock, and it came with everything i needed, like firewire, usb ports....and accesories. I liked the board layout, + it supported PCI-e x 4 & other PCI-e slots. It also included 7.1 channel audio. I chose MSI besides I have not heard anything wrong with MSI and seemed to be in the mobo makers for quite a while.
Installation was relatively easy, althought I could not get the motherboard to post after trying for two hours. The problem is that the MSI board didnt like the reset button being plugged in from my antec cs600 case.....if you ever decide to get the MSI, besure to plug in the diagonstic led / usb port bracket....to see what is going on. Also be sure to get a good psu, I need to get one...because Im running the MSI board on a 300watt system.
MSI is definitely a rich board, and I debated getting the MSI, ASUS, Gigabyte, & DFI and other brands.
I didnt choose DFI cause no need to overclock, ASUS because of horror stories, others because either were too expensive, or brands I didnt really hear about. Also they didnt come with other stuff like parrallel ports and firewire.
What made me decide to get the MSI was that I dont overclock, and it came with everything i needed, like firewire, usb ports....and accesories. I liked the board layout, + it supported PCI-e x 4 & other PCI-e slots. It also included 7.1 channel audio. I chose MSI besides I have not heard anything wrong with MSI and seemed to be in the mobo makers for quite a while.
Installation was relatively easy, althought I could not get the motherboard to post after trying for two hours. The problem is that the MSI board didnt like the reset button being plugged in from my antec cs600 case.....if you ever decide to get the MSI, besure to plug in the diagonstic led / usb port bracket....to see what is going on. Also be sure to get a good psu, I need to get one...because Im running the MSI board on a 300watt system.
sthaznpride17
Senior member
Im pretty sure the DFI has better audio if you are going to factor that into your decision. The MSI has the regular ALC850 Codec (The Platinum and Diamond SLI have the Creative from what ive reasearched) and the DFI has the karajan Audio module
skicarver160
Junior Member
I am in the same boat. I looking for a good nForce4 card that is reliable and don't want to over clock. For some goofy reason I tried a Abit AN8 mobo. I got it working now, but the BIOS has some issuses. If you want to have a USB deviced plugged in when booting, forget it. Secondly, don't enable the CPU FanEq or you will get random BSODs. Both of these problems are documented in the forums on the Abit web site.
I wanted to put together seven computers for a Sunday School computer lab. I hoping I can find something better than Abit. Asus seems to have chip fan problems. Epox seems to be good for the overclockers, but I am concerned about longevity.
Anybody have a success stories with a nForce4 mobo?
Thanks!
I wanted to put together seven computers for a Sunday School computer lab. I hoping I can find something better than Abit. Asus seems to have chip fan problems. Epox seems to be good for the overclockers, but I am concerned about longevity.
Anybody have a success stories with a nForce4 mobo?
Thanks!
Just a thought -
You *may* wish to research the Pentium 630, especially for your digital imaging uses.
I'm no lover of Intel, and my understanding is that the latest Pentiums generate a fair bit of heat -- but comparably priced Pentiums *do* seem to beat the Athlon 64 series for those uses.
Check out:
http://www23.tomshardware.com/index.html
- rg
You *may* wish to research the Pentium 630, especially for your digital imaging uses.
I'm no lover of Intel, and my understanding is that the latest Pentiums generate a fair bit of heat -- but comparably priced Pentiums *do* seem to beat the Athlon 64 series for those uses.
Check out:
http://www23.tomshardware.com/index.html
- rg
Starbuck1975
Lifer
Bump...still haven't decided on a board...usually I always find a clear winner, but in this case, I keep changing my mind.
One route I am considering...in many cases, the nForce4 Ultra SLI motherboards for companies like Abit and ASUS come better reviewed then their vanilla counterparts. While I do not intend to run SLI at the moment, I always have the option to go SLI in the future.
I also realize that SLI boards tend to be more expensive, but I am willing to spend the extra money for more feature rich and stable boards.
It just seems to me that for the nforce4 ultra wave of boards, all the companies put their eggs in the SLI basket, and left the vanilla boards somewhat lacking.
Thoughts?
The DFI LanParty UT nF4-D is also suddenly becoming more enticing, even though I have no experience with DFI boards.
One route I am considering...in many cases, the nForce4 Ultra SLI motherboards for companies like Abit and ASUS come better reviewed then their vanilla counterparts. While I do not intend to run SLI at the moment, I always have the option to go SLI in the future.
I also realize that SLI boards tend to be more expensive, but I am willing to spend the extra money for more feature rich and stable boards.
It just seems to me that for the nforce4 ultra wave of boards, all the companies put their eggs in the SLI basket, and left the vanilla boards somewhat lacking.
Thoughts?
The DFI LanParty UT nF4-D is also suddenly becoming more enticing, even though I have no experience with DFI boards.
The Pentium Guy
Diamond Member
...Hey? I really hate to say this to you, and I hate to come across as condescending....but.
It's been almost two months.
Two.
Don't be like me, researching something anally to a huge extent. Just go out and buy something already 🙂. It's the fun of building really, regardless of what board you pick, problems just might pop up. No such thing really as a perfect board.
I'd really just stick with Ultra and skip SLI because as I've said before in many other threads, I feel that "SLI as a future-proof route" is really not a good idea. As most people said here - DFI and EPoX are the way to go. EPoX is sub $100 anyway and has all the features you're looking for. DFI's just a much better overclocker.
Go out, buy something, and have fun.
I leave the decision to you my friend
-The Pentium Guy
It's been almost two months.
Two.
Don't be like me, researching something anally to a huge extent. Just go out and buy something already 🙂. It's the fun of building really, regardless of what board you pick, problems just might pop up. No such thing really as a perfect board.
I'd really just stick with Ultra and skip SLI because as I've said before in many other threads, I feel that "SLI as a future-proof route" is really not a good idea. As most people said here - DFI and EPoX are the way to go. EPoX is sub $100 anyway and has all the features you're looking for. DFI's just a much better overclocker.
Go out, buy something, and have fun.
I leave the decision to you my friend
-The Pentium Guy
Starbuck1975
Lifer
Yeah it has been two months...it typically takes me 6 months to research and choose my components...call it anal, but being so deliberate about the process has resulted in my never having a system fail or give me trouble after a build...playing all the possible incompatibility and performance issues ahead of time definitely does have its benefits.
I would make a decision soon or you will be even more undecided. Too many new boards coming out. You'll only be more tormented with decisions. New Epox 2 x 16x PCI-E SLI and Crossfire, ATi's new boards look amazing and that Jetway seems like a winner that came out of nowhere.
Starbuck1975
Lifer
Not familiar with the Jetway board.
Given that I am not particularly leaning towards any of the nforce4 boards, perhaps it wouldnt be a bad idea to wait.
Given that I am not particularly leaning towards any of the nforce4 boards, perhaps it wouldnt be a bad idea to wait.
Starbuck,
Don't feel too bad about the time you spend picking these things out.
I'm in the same predicament and just joined up to find some help in making my decision - which will be in about a day or two now after keeping a running and constantly changing wish-list over at newegg for about a year now.
Most of that time was just waiting on availability of funds what with getting a house, a car, putting a kid through school, going through two hurricanes... you know, life. On top of that, I've also got some massive software upgrades to do too given my profession.
I'm in architecture and work almost exclusively with AutoCAD and render with Accurender. But besides that, as a hobby, I record my vinyl LP's and make my own cds of them. I'll spend hours and days cleaning every click and pop I can hear.
With that, I can't get a true dual processor MB (too much for that and the 2 cpu's) so I've settled on the Nforce Ultra and an X2 AMD. SLI is useless in Acad and Accurender (AR) which is pretty much strictly processor driven. AMDs also tend to run Acad and AR much more efficiently than Intel. AR is also multi-threaded so the X2 will be a big advantage there - on true dual processor machines, renderings really are done in nearly half the time (I once had a dual Athon MP 1800+ at work). I'll do renderings that take days to render and top out the cpu (both of them whether logical or physical) at 100% the whole time, so I'll need something fairly stable.
With all the motherboards tossed about in this thread, no one's mentioned (unless I missed it) the AOpen nCK804Ua-LFS. There are almost no reviews of this board and maybe that's the reason no one'e mentioned it, although the few posted reviews at newegg seemed to like it.
One thing going for it for me is the 2 com ports - yes, that's right... the 2 serial com ports.
Why?
I have a 12x12 Calcomp digitizer tablet I use for Acad - it uses a serial port connection. I also still have an old m100 Palm Pilot that still used the serial port hot sync. No one makes the USB version for this pda that was once available for what seemed like 2 days.
If I got a MB with only 1 com port or no com ports, I'd have to add a PCI to Serial port adapter (either the one or two port kind, depending) for another 30 to 40 bucks.
I know that AOpen isn't the only NF4 MB with 2 com ports. So does the Chaintech VNF4/Ultra and the BFG Tech which as I understand it, both are really the same board anyway.
Just reading everything on all the other MBs, I too got a little scared at first with all the issues that are brought up. But then, as posted elsewhere, no one posts what a great board they've got - only the problems they are having. And, I suppose every board will have issues given the nearly infinite possibilities of configurations and parts.
I've had MSI, then Foxconn, and now Asus on my list. But I'm also considering the Abit KN8 Ultra and the DFI nF4 Ultra-Infinity (the only DFI I found that had an LPT port too, which I also still need), all at lower prices which help make up for having to add the com port card to maintain 2 serial ports total.
I'll be keeping an eye on this thread.
Don't feel too bad about the time you spend picking these things out.
I'm in the same predicament and just joined up to find some help in making my decision - which will be in about a day or two now after keeping a running and constantly changing wish-list over at newegg for about a year now.
Most of that time was just waiting on availability of funds what with getting a house, a car, putting a kid through school, going through two hurricanes... you know, life. On top of that, I've also got some massive software upgrades to do too given my profession.
I'm in architecture and work almost exclusively with AutoCAD and render with Accurender. But besides that, as a hobby, I record my vinyl LP's and make my own cds of them. I'll spend hours and days cleaning every click and pop I can hear.
With that, I can't get a true dual processor MB (too much for that and the 2 cpu's) so I've settled on the Nforce Ultra and an X2 AMD. SLI is useless in Acad and Accurender (AR) which is pretty much strictly processor driven. AMDs also tend to run Acad and AR much more efficiently than Intel. AR is also multi-threaded so the X2 will be a big advantage there - on true dual processor machines, renderings really are done in nearly half the time (I once had a dual Athon MP 1800+ at work). I'll do renderings that take days to render and top out the cpu (both of them whether logical or physical) at 100% the whole time, so I'll need something fairly stable.
With all the motherboards tossed about in this thread, no one's mentioned (unless I missed it) the AOpen nCK804Ua-LFS. There are almost no reviews of this board and maybe that's the reason no one'e mentioned it, although the few posted reviews at newegg seemed to like it.
One thing going for it for me is the 2 com ports - yes, that's right... the 2 serial com ports.
Why?
I have a 12x12 Calcomp digitizer tablet I use for Acad - it uses a serial port connection. I also still have an old m100 Palm Pilot that still used the serial port hot sync. No one makes the USB version for this pda that was once available for what seemed like 2 days.
If I got a MB with only 1 com port or no com ports, I'd have to add a PCI to Serial port adapter (either the one or two port kind, depending) for another 30 to 40 bucks.
I know that AOpen isn't the only NF4 MB with 2 com ports. So does the Chaintech VNF4/Ultra and the BFG Tech which as I understand it, both are really the same board anyway.
Just reading everything on all the other MBs, I too got a little scared at first with all the issues that are brought up. But then, as posted elsewhere, no one posts what a great board they've got - only the problems they are having. And, I suppose every board will have issues given the nearly infinite possibilities of configurations and parts.
I've had MSI, then Foxconn, and now Asus on my list. But I'm also considering the Abit KN8 Ultra and the DFI nF4 Ultra-Infinity (the only DFI I found that had an LPT port too, which I also still need), all at lower prices which help make up for having to add the com port card to maintain 2 serial ports total.
I'll be keeping an eye on this thread.
Starbuck1975
Lifer
The DFI and Epox boards have received the most votes on this thread, which is consistent with the reviews both of those boards received.
The DFI board seems more catered to overclockers, so it is understandable that this board would receive such support in this forum.
The Epox board seems like a strong low cost vanilla board alternative.
I guess my disappointment is that the Abit nforce4 board is not a very strong offering, as I have always used Abit boards.
My greatest concern with any board is stability...while I know the basics in setting up a computer...how to install the hardware and software...if something were to go wrong, I am somewhat limited in my knowledge base from a troubleshooting perspective.
I have been fortunate in that the few builds I have conducted went without a hitch.
The DFI board seems more catered to overclockers, so it is understandable that this board would receive such support in this forum.
The Epox board seems like a strong low cost vanilla board alternative.
I guess my disappointment is that the Abit nforce4 board is not a very strong offering, as I have always used Abit boards.
My greatest concern with any board is stability...while I know the basics in setting up a computer...how to install the hardware and software...if something were to go wrong, I am somewhat limited in my knowledge base from a troubleshooting perspective.
I have been fortunate in that the few builds I have conducted went without a hitch.
Starbuck1975
Lifer
Decided to revisit this post, as I have narrowed down all of my components save the MOBO.
Parts I will salvage from my old system:
KINGWIN KT-436WM
Soundblaster Audigy 2
Plextor PX-504A DVD Burner
Kenwood 72x CD-ROM
2x40GB Maxtor IDE drives (may not use both or either)
Now for the new components:
DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D/MSI NEO4 Platinum/Epox EP-9NPA+Ultra
eVGA 7800GT
Antec TruePower II 550V
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Manchester
2x1GB OCZ PC 3200 Platinum Series Dual Channel Kit
Saitek Eclipse Keyboard
Logitech G5 Laser Mouse
6xCooler Master 80mm R4-L8S-18SB Case Fans
PLEXTOR PX-TV402U-NA ConvertX PVR Device
SONY IDE DVD-ROM Drive Model DDU1615/B2s - OEM
My greatest concern is stability at stock speeds and ease of configuration...should I go with the DFI, MSI or Epox board?
Parts I will salvage from my old system:
KINGWIN KT-436WM
Soundblaster Audigy 2
Plextor PX-504A DVD Burner
Kenwood 72x CD-ROM
2x40GB Maxtor IDE drives (may not use both or either)
Now for the new components:
DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D/MSI NEO4 Platinum/Epox EP-9NPA+Ultra
eVGA 7800GT
Antec TruePower II 550V
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Manchester
2x1GB OCZ PC 3200 Platinum Series Dual Channel Kit
Saitek Eclipse Keyboard
Logitech G5 Laser Mouse
6xCooler Master 80mm R4-L8S-18SB Case Fans
PLEXTOR PX-TV402U-NA ConvertX PVR Device
SONY IDE DVD-ROM Drive Model DDU1615/B2s - OEM
My greatest concern is stability at stock speeds and ease of configuration...should I go with the DFI, MSI or Epox board?
Hey Starbuck
I am in the same position as you - X2 3800+ is purchased, no need for overclocking, with the same desire for stock stability and ease of setup, and trying to decide on which mobo to get. Just wanted to le you know that all the builders I have talked to have said that although the DFI Lanparty nf4 Ultra-D is a great board, it is not the right choice if you are
a) not an overclocker and
b) not a really heavy mobo guy (because of the complexities of the BIOS, I assume - I am not a computer expert, this is my first build).
If you do decide to go with the DFI, I hope you go over to dfi-street and check out the lists for recommended RAM and PSU, since there are some fairly stringent requirements. I assume your OCZ Platinum will be fine.
I really think that if you are willing to spend the money to get one of the higher end boards from a good maker, you should just pick the one with the feature set you require and go for it. I am like you, I tend to analyze things a lot, but in this world I have found out that I could go around in circles for months, because for every review or bit of evidence that says board A is the one for me, I find something else that says get anything but board A, and this applies for all the respected makers.
Not sure if you got a board yet but please post here if you did. I would buy the Epox board in a second if it weren't for this rumour that their support sucks, something that I have heard from a few sources. It wouldn't have got so many votes if they were that bad... would it?
I am in the same position as you - X2 3800+ is purchased, no need for overclocking, with the same desire for stock stability and ease of setup, and trying to decide on which mobo to get. Just wanted to le you know that all the builders I have talked to have said that although the DFI Lanparty nf4 Ultra-D is a great board, it is not the right choice if you are
a) not an overclocker and
b) not a really heavy mobo guy (because of the complexities of the BIOS, I assume - I am not a computer expert, this is my first build).
If you do decide to go with the DFI, I hope you go over to dfi-street and check out the lists for recommended RAM and PSU, since there are some fairly stringent requirements. I assume your OCZ Platinum will be fine.
I really think that if you are willing to spend the money to get one of the higher end boards from a good maker, you should just pick the one with the feature set you require and go for it. I am like you, I tend to analyze things a lot, but in this world I have found out that I could go around in circles for months, because for every review or bit of evidence that says board A is the one for me, I find something else that says get anything but board A, and this applies for all the respected makers.
Not sure if you got a board yet but please post here if you did. I would buy the Epox board in a second if it weren't for this rumour that their support sucks, something that I have heard from a few sources. It wouldn't have got so many votes if they were that bad... would it?
Starbuck1975
Lifer
As its been some time since I originally posted, the market has shifted a bit in terms of MOBO offerings.
I decided on the Abit AN8 32X and ordered it today.
Will post my reflections on the board once everything is up and running.
I decided on the Abit AN8 32X and ordered it today.
Will post my reflections on the board once everything is up and running.
Starbuck1975
Lifer
Just thought I would report in that I built my system, and so far have been extremely pleased with the Abit AN8 32X.
Installation was rock solid stable, documentation with the MOBO was exceptional, and so far I have had no driver or bios issues. The MOBO layout was quite intuitive to cable management and installation...probably the cleanest looking case I have ever built, as the MOBO ports follow a natural flow to the position of the components in my case.
The uGuru interface, which you can run from Windows, is very intuitive...for someone who doesnt have any experience overclocking, having such a useful tool for managing overclocks is quite helpful. The uGuru interface also monitors system temps and allows you to tweak fan speeds.
Accessories wise, Abit provided a generous helping of cables and such for the install.
Recognized my 2x1GB modules of OCZ Platinum Ram without a problem.
Decided to disable the onboard audio and firewall to prevent any conflicts on that end.
So far my GEFORCE 7900GT KO and Soundblaster Audigy 2 are working without a hitch as well.
I would definitely recommend this MOBO to anyone looking for a stable SLI 32x system that runs very stable at stock speeds, and is easy to setup. This MOBO would also be appropriate for people interested in exploring overclocking, but dont have the expertise or knowledge to truly leverage the features of say a DFI alternative.
Installation was rock solid stable, documentation with the MOBO was exceptional, and so far I have had no driver or bios issues. The MOBO layout was quite intuitive to cable management and installation...probably the cleanest looking case I have ever built, as the MOBO ports follow a natural flow to the position of the components in my case.
The uGuru interface, which you can run from Windows, is very intuitive...for someone who doesnt have any experience overclocking, having such a useful tool for managing overclocks is quite helpful. The uGuru interface also monitors system temps and allows you to tweak fan speeds.
Accessories wise, Abit provided a generous helping of cables and such for the install.
Recognized my 2x1GB modules of OCZ Platinum Ram without a problem.
Decided to disable the onboard audio and firewall to prevent any conflicts on that end.
So far my GEFORCE 7900GT KO and Soundblaster Audigy 2 are working without a hitch as well.
I would definitely recommend this MOBO to anyone looking for a stable SLI 32x system that runs very stable at stock speeds, and is easy to setup. This MOBO would also be appropriate for people interested in exploring overclocking, but dont have the expertise or knowledge to truly leverage the features of say a DFI alternative.
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