If I can't get an Epox 8RDA+, then what?

[Balex99]

Seems that the EPOX board is in short supply so do I wait for it to become available or is their another viable option. I'll be moving my current board(K7S5A) to my wifes machine so any n2 board will be an improvement. Would also like to use the onboard audio. Money is somewhat of a factor because of upgrading the cpu. Here is what I'll be putting on it:

XP 2100
2x256 Crucial pc2100
Gainward 4200 64 meg
Iwill raid card
case-Antec 1040

I have had lack luster ocing results with current combo (ECS/1.33 tbird)

Would love to be able to OC that 2100 but not putting much faith in it, thats why I am not buying the 1600.

Just wondering what you guys/gals would do.

 

[DoubleL]

Newegg says they will have the 8RDA+ in two days if not the Asus is a top brand also

 

[NovaTone]

The non '+' version of the 8RDA is in supply at most places and is cheaper than the '+' version. From what I know, the major differences are 2 vs. 6 channel audio, and onboard LAN.

 

[CraigRT]

I am sure somewhere on the net you can get the 8RDA+...

I would strive to get the board you want. Don't settle for less.

 

[BlueEyedBeezlebub]

I have the 8RDA on the way from newegg. Couldnt wait and dont need lan/audio anyway.. saved a few dollars at least. Already have an audigy and linksys nic. I've read somethings that scared me away from the asus boards, the a7vnx doesnt use the standard nforce sound drivers for one, and ive other little complaints about the board. Very little from the epox crowd besides the close proximity of a gf4s transister to a dram clip that breaks the transister if your not careful putting in your video card.

Plus I had a asus a7v that absolutely was a piece of trash, mine just quit on me one day (thought it was funny so did the guys' a7v who started overclockershideout.com), and my cousins a7v would only start when it felt like it. so i wont buy asus again i feel their overrated.

now my kt133a Abit board was awesome.. only via i've had that ran properly with all my hardware and everyday.

giving epox their shot at my dollars this round.. but they sound great.

 

[VitoP]

Originally posted by: Balex99
Seems that the EPOX board is in short supply so do I wait for it to become available or is their another viable option. ... Money is somewhat of a factor because of upgrading the cpu. Here is what I'll be putting on it:
...

Just wondering what you guys/gals would do.

I ordered the 8RDA+ from www.tcwo.com on 12/16 and received it on 12/19. The price was (and remains $108); FedEx SuperSaver shipping is free. Good service. This was the first time I purchased from TCWO and I'd purchase from them again.

VitoPrimo

 

[Balex99]

Thanks for all the replies. TCWO is out of the "+" series and do not see any coming in the near future. Called them Friday. I have had good luck with them in the past though. The "non +" model is starting to sound good though. All I am going to be using for speakers is the Logitech 340s, I don't have anything that is firewire and I do have an extra NIC laying around. Is the 2 channel audio with the 8RDA as good or better than the SB live value cards? That is all I am using at the moment and it suits my needs. This board will still fix me up in the OCing category if I want to pursue that route and it is cheaper as long as the sound is OK. That Live card is going into another machine if possible.

Thanks again

 

[BlueEyedBeezlebub]

ive had a good experience with tcwo before also.. if they had it i would order the + from them.. but at newegg you get a free christmas paperweight for ordering!! and newegg is as trustworthy as they come.

i'll be able to tell you soon if the sound is good.. but it doesnt say anythign on the nvidia site that the nforce drivers dont power the audio on the 8rda so i'd assume its as good or better than most ac97 solutions (which have all been great for my 2.1 setups).

if you want better audio get a audigy 1 oem, they run about $50 and are better than any nforce audio.
i use the audigy with my logitech z560s

 

[Atif]

EPoX official reseller of 8RDA+ and 8RDA:

CensusPC

8RDA does NOT have FireWire, uses Realtek's ALC650 as its audio CODEC and your CPU for audio processing, and lacks the 10/100 LAN connector. For the extra $11, I'd recommend that you pick up the 8RDA+

Peace

 

[escapek]