Noob needs a motherboard

[rhaer]

This is going to be for my first build so... what's a good Athlon64 nforce4 mobo for a first build? I don't want to have a huge headache trying to set it up but some okay OC features for when I want to try my hand at it would be great. Thanks!

 

[imported_Kensai]

DFI Ultra-D or an MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum (Non-SLI)

 

[Cheezeit]

If you don't want to tweak at all, get the asus a8n-e. It will run everthing very stable at stock.
If you want to overclock, get the dfi ultra d.

 

[rhaer]

Thanks for the responses. So I shouldn't run into too many issues with those suggested?

 

[Cheezeit]

I know that the dfi has problems with certain ram, so be very careful about what ram you chose.

 

[rhaer]

Kensai,

What are the pros and cons to both the DFI and MSI? If i plan on getting a stable, easy to set up board which would be better? Thanks!

 

[Puffnstuff]

I have both the neo4 and the ultra-d and the d wins hands down. The msi has been unstable and nothing but trouble and the ultra-d has been rock solid since day one. This is my 2nd neo4 as the first one had to be rma'd and the second isn't any better. I bought it because I'd heard good things about it and the two I've had were both garbage. I bought my fatal1ty while the first one was being rma'd so I could get my system back up and thought I'd use it in my sons machine. That lasted about a week before it started refusing to boot unless you disconnected every usb device which it didn't do in the beginning. I got him an ultra-d and it has been a solid performer and very stable.

 

[Promethply]

If you're after a stable system, then the ASUS A8N-E should be your choice.

 

[KoolDrew]

DFI Ultra-D

 

[Mucker]

The key to the DFI is a good quality PSU and recommended memory. You will have a great experience with it if you concentrate here. Visit the forums at www.dfi-street.com for good info...

m

 

[rhaer]

Thanks for the info guys. Will look into it!

 

[rhaer]

I am leaning towards the Lanparty, but if I decide I don't want to splurge too much on the psu (just a OCZ 450 as opposed to a 520W) or memory (around $100 as opposed to 150) what board would I get? Been reading dfi-street and everyone is suggesting that you need at least a 480W and the 450W might work but you will probably have to get one better. and twinmos ram seems like a risk. some people's work and some don't.. THanks!

 

[Mucker]

I have used an OCZ 450 Modstream ($79 shipped from Monarch) and Corsair Value with no problem on the Ultra-D. If you're really going to push things, you may want a little better of both.

m