MSI Neo2 Platinum: A few questions

[dunkster]

I'm looking at upgrading to an MSI Neo2 Platinum mobo with Athlon 64 3000+ Winchester.

Question about CPU Fan/Heatsink:
Any problems mounting Thermalright XP-90 on this board?

Question about board-compatible memory:
I've read that this board can be a bit picky about what memory it likes. What's the best 2 X 512 memory kit for decent overclocking of this particular board?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Duvie]

I believe most have to remove the backplate.

I have tried 3 different kinds and have had no problems. The problem with memory is twofold...1) the vdimm adjustments only go to 2.85vand 2) once you get too high of an HTT all bets are off your ram can still do its rated speeds and timings. The last howevere may be less to do with the board and more to do with the cpus ondie memory controller.

I would t some ram capable of cas 2 timings at 400ddr speed and you will be fine. Save your money as it wont make a hill of beans...

 

[saaya]

if you plan to oc id go for antoher board, the latest revision neo boards seem to have ocing issues... might be a bios problem but im not sure.

id recommend the dfi nf4 for ocing and the asus nf4 for stability.

and if you want t stay agp then id recommend the dfi nf3 939 board (will be out soon, saw a sample at cebit) or the abit k8t800pro agp board

 

[Duvie]

MOst all of the ones I have seen still come with older bioses so you should get it and immediately migrate to a 1.41mod or greater bios. Stay away from the official bioses for the best ocing ability....

The DFI is a great board and the highest stable HTT overclock i have seen, but unless you were planning on scrapping you agp vid card as well for a pci-express crd this route you will not want to go.....

 

[Jeff7181]

I would suggest waiting for Venice before you make any purchases. See how the Venice cores work in this motherboard (I'll be getting one as soon as they're available as long as they're not grossly overpriced).

 

[dunkster]

There's the rub - I don't want to trash my 9800Pro - but I would like to run an A64 Winchester CPU.

The Neo2 appears to meet this gotcha.

Thanks for your help!