MSI K7N2 Delta-ILSR? any comments?

[kormaster]

MSI K7N2 Motherboard for AMD Processors Model Delta-ILSR

I have shuttle sk41g SFF w/ XP2100+ ThoRB
512 Crucial ddr 2100
120g WD SE
60g WD
PNY GF4 ti 64meg
AUdigy
Pionner DVr-105


I am planning to give that to my sister and planning to purchase a new board. I was going to get SN45G Ultra 400 but i want to go back to a tower system for now.
1) NForce 2 chipset is the best out there for AMD for now right?
2) Are most Nforce 2 MOBO similar? I was thinking about MSI K7N2 Delta-ILSR. I am looking for On-board everything (except video) so such as LAN, Sound, USB 2.0, Firewire.
3) Dont really care about RAID.. but i want to eventually hook up more than 2 HDs, DVD-r (current pioneer 105) other peripherals
4) want a quite system. I had 6 fans on my last tower... it was like an airplane.. need a quite system.. minimize sound/heat with less fans?
5) dont really care about OCing but price of ram is pretty high.. do I have to go with PC3200 if i want to take advantage of barton 2500+?

I was planning on buying Barton 2500+ and recycling parts from my shuttle system. But i guess i have to buy new ram to take advantage of the 333mhz system.

Please help me choose the right board, right ram, right case. My budget is under 500 for sure. Less is better of course... like 400 ish is perfect.

I hope I dont sound a new system builder, but I am unfamiliar with nforce chipsets... i used to be pretty tuned in before that... it's amazing how things move so fast when you dont pay attention.

Thanks!

 

[kormaster]

bump?

 

[cubanx]

I'm using a MSI Model Delta-ILSR and like it. I like the onboard Audio better then the Audigy I was using before. I'm using two sticks of Crucial 512MEG PC2700 @ 200mhz Dual Channel with my old XP1600 O/C'ed to XP2000 speeds. I should be receiving a Barton 2500+ from Newegg monday to install to see how that goes.

Once you get it up and running it's good to go but the board can be finicky getting there.

 

[cubanx]

*Update*
Got and installed the Barton 2500+ from Newegg and it automatically booted as a 3200+ at 200FSBx11 Dual Channel no problems. It's seems like this Mobo meets your requirements so if if you get it for a good price go for it.

 

[TheCorm]

I have the bog standard K7N2 and it's an excellent board...well made....stable....reliable....and as for overclocking...I can choose with ease what speeds I want to run my Barton 2500+ at.....I have had it up to 3200+ but found that it got pretty hot and wasn't 100% stable....my best for good stability is 3000+ (10.5 x 200).

Definately recommended...especially with all the extra features you get with the ILSR....if it comes with the audio braket then use that over a live card....I would use the onboard probably but for 5.1 channel...it uses up the mic and line in that I need.