Motherboard suggestions for Barton XP 2500 CPU

[acfchef]

Hi everyone:

I just got my hands on a Barton XP 2500 (AXDA2500DKV4D) processor. I was wondering if anyone has suggestions for a good overclocking motherboard to pair with it. I heard the Abit NF7-S v2 is the board to get, if you can find one. Any other boards I should look at??

Thanks

 

[o1die]

I'd sell it if you can't find a decent board in your price range. Any nforce2 board will work, but the abit offers the best overclocking potential. I found 2 biostar nforce2 boards(newegg open box) for about $23 each 6 months ago, but good luck finding one now.

 

[thatguyant]

I had an NF7-S and it was a great board with lots of options for OC'ing. It's actually still running on my mother in law's computer. If you can find one, it'll be worth it.

 

[brencat]

Also consider Abit AN7, and Asus A7N8X Deluxe Rev 2.0 (or variants like A7N8X-E Dlx).

Only problem with the AN7 is that it doesn't like when all 3 RAM slots are filled so that means you won't be able to have 2gb (1 x 1gb + 2 x 512s) with it. The A7N8X doesn't have this problem. Also, very few nforce2 boards like 2 x 1gb sticks FYI.

I have the older A7N8X Dlx Rev 1.04 which doesn't have the Ultra 400 chipset. Mine is rated for 166 FSB (333 DDR) and maxes out at 188 stable. I'm at 186 right now. If you're willing to do the vdd volt mod (just google for it or check nforcershq site), the board can equal or exceed the OC cabability of a Rev 2.0...and get you to the 225ish FSB range.

 

[osage]

If you can find a Shuttle AN35 Ultra they are a excellent board. I have had 5 diff A7N8X ver 1 and 2, and for my money the AN35 is much less fussy about ram and general setup. Excellent mobo to OC with.

 

[bigsnyder]

ditto the suggestion for AN35 Ultra.

 

[metalmania]

My Shuttle AN35 Ultra with Barton 2500 OC 3200 is running 24x7 for 3 years.