Looking for a Stable Motherboard with Passive Cooling

[stimpy1]

I currently have an ATI chipset; my current mobo has been buggy since I've had it. I'm open to any other type of chipset. My main concers are stability and noise. I'd rather not have active cooling, as I don't want to hear the noise. I do game (Rome Total War, Swat 4, Sniper Elite). I will likely get a PCI Express Graphics card that will be 6600GT level or greater. I'd like to keep the motherboard under $100 if possible. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

 

[Bobthelost]

A8R MVP

Bout $105+ but it looks good.

 

[Rockhound1]

I use an Asus A8N-E and it has never given me any problems. It has a good layout and lots of great features except firewire support. I tried a MSI Neo4-F and had nothing but problems. I may have gotten a bad board since I have read that others on this forum have had good success with theirs.

The Asus has active cooling on its northbridge, but I can't hear it over the other fans in my case (i.e., PSU, grapics card, case fans, etc.). The board is right at or a little over the $100 budget you have set, but in my opinion, it is worth the extra $5 or $10.

Good Luck.

 

[stimpy1]

Anyone other suggestions?

 

[BernardP]

Don't discount it because it is Micro-ATX. It has everything needed for normal use. It is passively cooled because of the latest-generation .90 micron chipset, which naturally runs cooler. You can add a videocard thanks to the 16X PCIE slot.

MSI K8NGM2-FID on NewEgg

MSI K8NGM2-FID on MSI web site

Review/Analysis of the new chipset

 

[Cerb]

Mobo of your choice, with the chipset chip above the video card, or significiantly below it, and a Zalman NB47j.

 

[stimpy1]

Originally posted by: BernardP
Don't discount it because it is Micro-ATX. It has everything needed for normal use. It is passively cooled because of the latest-generation .90 micron chipset, which naturally runs cooler. You can add a videocard thanks to the 16X PCIE slot.

MSI K8NGM2-FID on NewEgg

MSI K8NGM2-FID on MSI web site

Review/Analysis of the new chipset

Funny you should mention this 6150 board because I just built someone a system with it. It is working very well so far. I can't say that for the other MSI MicroATX board with the ATI chipset. It's been really buggy. And, yes, I posted this topic in another forum in order to get more responses.

 

[BernardP]

Originally posted by: stimpy1
Funny you should mention this 6150 board because I just built someone a system with it. It is working very well so far.

Another good report card for the K8NGM2-FID then! I might soon get one for myself.

As you already have a positive experience with this board, are you considering it for your own use, or is there something about it that takes it out of consideration?

 

[stimpy1]

Originally posted by: BernardP

Originally posted by: stimpy1
Funny you should mention this 6150 board because I just built someone a system with it. It is working very well so far.

Another good report card for the K8NGM2-FID then! I might soon get one for myself.

As you already have a positive experience with this board, are you considering it for your own use, or is there something about it that takes it out of consideration?

It's in the running. The purpose of this thread was to get a broad view of the passively cooled stable boards that are out there.

 

[MDE]

My Epox 9NPA+ Ultra with a passive heatsink on the chipset has been great. I'd suggest it unless you don't want to void your warranty. The stock NB fan isn't all that loud either.