Reccomended Mobo for noob?

[Thurgo0dy]

This will be the first time i've ever built a computer, and was wondering if you would reccomend the DFI NF4 Ultra-D? I've heard of alot of problems with this board. Is it easy to set up, or does it take hours just to get it to run? If you would'nt suggest this board which would you suggest for a noob like myself and why?

 

[gvayl]

I'm building my first computer too...and I am getting the DFI NF4 Ultra-D. I heard that it is the best board out there? I dunno where you got the "problems". If anyone heard anything please let us know...

 

[DfiDude]

i have heard a lot too about memory, also that the bios sucked. Msi PWns Joo

 

[gvayl]

I've had a lot of recomindations on this forum for the DFI card...wierd...

read this thread http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=29&threadid=1509127&enterthread=y



oh and here is the bit about memory...
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=29&threadid=1535663&enterthread=y

Does not sound too serious to me...

 

[ChineseDemocracyGNR]

The DFI board is amazingly popular in this forum -> high number of problems reported.

As long as you pick good components (PSU and memory specially) you shouldn't have much problems.

 

[Thurgo0dy]

how is this TwinMOS memory with the Ultra-D? It could take advantage of the 4 volts supplied to the RAM and It's supposed to be like Value OCZ VX....looks promising.

 

[DfiDude]

dfi is just basically oc board..dfi is good stable..but msi is still better at stable speeds. Also that dfi is only 1-3% more oc'able than the msi which is only like 3 fps. Doesnt make a difference.

 

[keeleysam]

get an msi neo2. you will thank yourself later.

 

[gvayl]

it does not support socket 939

 

[DfiDude]

you guys like abit? the new an8?

 

[Waylay00]

For a beginner, I recommend the ASUS A8N-E or the A8N-E Premium. ASUS boards are typically very easy to setup, making them ideal for first timers. The A8N-E is already out, and the A8N-E Premium should be out shortly. The Premium includes WiFi, 8 SATA ports, and Firewire, while the regular A8N has 4 SATA ports, no included WiFi, and no Firewire. Correct me if I'm wrong though.

 

[arswihart]

maybe its just me, but i am amazed when people say Asus are the easiest to set up. As far as I know, they are exactly the same to set up as any other motherboard. What a rediculous statement, of course you aren't the only one who seems to believe that. An Epox, DFI, Abit, etc, take the same steps of installing the motherboard into a case, then the CPU, memory, cards, and then Windows installation. Does Asus include some card with those steps written on it for first-timers? If so, believe me Abit and Epox have the same thing in the front of their manuals and I don't see how it could be any easier than that.

 

[Waylay00]

Of course the physical installation will be the same ...

When I say setup, I am talking about BIOS settings, etc. The DFI boards come with SO many BIOS options, and it may seem very overwhelming to a first time builder. You don't have to worry as much about RAM and such with ASUS boards either. For example, the DFI boards are very picky about memory. However, if you are an experienced builder, go for the DFI, as it is a great board, once you get it running stable. I am not intending to bash the DFI board.

 

[Thurgo0dy]

Are the options so complex that I wouldn't be able to get it running right? Also, price has to go into consideration. How much will the A8N-E Premium be? I plan to use the DFI with Corsair VS.... I thought that many people use it successfully with this board.

 

[BrokenVisage]

Originally posted by: DfiDude
i have heard a lot too about memory, also that the bios sucked. Msi PWns Joo

Gotta love it when someone with DFI in their name backs an MSI board on this forum. And yes the DFI board is popular here but when I made my component choices some weeks back and used this place as a major reference I found it too fanboish to go with the norm. That being said I'm VERY happy with my choice of the MSI Platinum NF4 and haven't had one BSOD, not one errent reboot, and no compatibility problems to speak of. My first build worked right off the bat that first time I pushed the power button, so don't be afraid to deviate from the more popular choices on here.. I did the same going with ATi when I was very set in my ways to go nV, another choice I'm happy I made.

 

[gvayl]

So you're saying MSI is more stable? Look I'm not trying to play popularity contests and the ATI NVIDIA flames really don't interest me. I am building my first sytem. If DFI is the popular choice wouldn't it make sence for it to be quality? I know MSI is quality, but then why is DFI more popular? If MSI is more stable I would go with it....for sure...
Anyhow...I'm waiting for Venice to come out...so I still have 3-4 weeks to decide....

 

[DfiDude]

hmmm ic your point. Both of them are good mobos of course. I still have until summer