MSI K8N NEO2 Platinum

[imported_otto]

I?m trying to build my first computer. So far I have decided to go with an AMD 64 3500 (939) or possible the FX processor and MSI K8N NEO2 Platinum mother board because of the benchmarks. The reason I was thinking this combo was because or DDR ram and in the future to be able to use 64bit windows. But I have also heard quite a few issues with compatibility and set-up with this motherboard and I?m a little worried about ordering the Ferrari of motherboards (fast and temperamental) when what I really need is the mustang (fast and reliable).

Heres the thing, I don?t plan on over clocking my PC or using any of the advanced BIOS settings for that matter. This machine is going to be strictly for work using graphic and web programs. So my question is if there are better options for motherboards out there that would be just as fast and better for someone who is not planning on using all the options. I?m not so concerned about cost as much as I am about reliability and speed and I would prefer to have capabilities for dual channel memory and Raid 1.

Thanks for any help!

 

[WA261]

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...7842&enterthread=y

This seems to be a good board...if cost is an issue at all.

 

[Icepick]

I've been eyeing up this board: Soltek SL-K8TPro-939. It beats the K8N NEO2 in several tests and when the NEO2 wins, it's not by much. This looks like a nice alternative to the MSI board. It also costs $25 less than the MSI K8N NEO2. Check out the benchmarks performed by Anandtech in this article: http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2301