So I will be building a rig with an nForce 2...

[Mean MrMustard]

What is the most stable board out there? fastest? best overclockability?

I mostly likely won't be oc'ing but you never know. I need a stable board (duh).

I figure by now most of the kinks in any board should be worked out by now so can I just my pick or what?

 

[MrCodeDude]

Aibt NF7-S 2.0

[/thread]

 

[mechBgon]

I only have a sample of one unit to judge by, but my Asus A7N8X Deluxe has been fantastically stable. The ABit NF7-S seems to be the most-recommended around here, though. Remember that PSU quality and memory quality can make or break an otherwise-stable setup.

If you don't need the stacks of deluxe features like the nVidia audio processors, Firewire, and SATA RAID, then look at the Shuttle AN35N Ultra too. It's priced lower but also overclocks, and mostly seems to be getting peoples' approval. Last I saw, it was just $62 at Newegg. Aha, as of this posting it still is: link And that includes shipping.

 

[pspada]

I've sold numerous FIC AU13s, and was so impressed that I am now using one for my own main box.

 

[Texun]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
I only have a sample of one unit to judge by, but my Asus A7N8X Deluxe has been fantastically stable. The ABit NF7-S seems to be the most-recommended around here, though. Remember that PSU quality and memory quality can make or break an otherwise-stable setup.
If you don't need the stacks of deluxe features like the nVidia audio processors, Firewire, and SATA RAID, then look at the Shuttle AN35N Ultra too. It's priced lower but also overclocks, and mostly seems to be getting peoples' approval. Last I saw, it was just $62 at Newegg. Aha, as of this posting it still is: link And that includes shipping.

DITTO! The NF7's and the AN35N Ultra are very clean and reliable boards. I've also got an ASUS. It isn't an nForce but it is a rock. My suggestion is to pick any of the three depending on your price point. I doubt that you would be disappointed with any of them.

 

[OCNewbie]

I just got this one today from Newegg, but haven't yet installed it as I lack any DDR memory today. It has Integrated Video, options for overclocking just about everything I believe, and is supposed to be a nice little board, and is very cheap.

Biostar M7NCG 400

It's a MicroATX board. It has almost all positive reviews on it in the reviews section at Newegg, many talking about positive OC'ng experiences with the Barton 2500+ chip. I got it for the IGP and good OC'ng features, and supposedly has really good performance and stability, etc. Just don't think a ton of people here at Anandtech have given it a shot yet to be able to comment.

 

[catnap1972]

Originally posted by: OCNewbie
I just got this one today from Newegg, but haven't yet installed it as I lack any DDR memory today. It has Integrated Video, options for overclocking just about everything I believe, and is supposed to be a nice little board, and is very cheap.

Biostar M7NCG 400

It's a MicroATX board. It has almost all positive reviews on it in the reviews section at Newegg, many talking about positive OC'ng experiences with the Barton 2500+ chip. I got it for the IGP and good OC'ng features, and supposedly has really good performance and stability, etc. Just don't think a ton of people here at Anandtech have given it a shot yet to be able to comment.

Am I mistaken or is there no P4 connector on it? Is that a huge issue?

 

[batmanuel]

Originally posted by: cougarls88

Originally posted by: OCNewbie
I just got this one today from Newegg, but haven't yet installed it as I lack any DDR memory today. It has Integrated Video, options for overclocking just about everything I believe, and is supposed to be a nice little board, and is very cheap.

Biostar M7NCG 400

It's a MicroATX board. It has almost all positive reviews on it in the reviews section at Newegg, many talking about positive OC'ng experiences with the Barton 2500+ chip. I got it for the IGP and good OC'ng features, and supposedly has really good performance and stability, etc. Just don't think a ton of people here at Anandtech have given it a shot yet to be able to comment.

Am I mistaken or is there no P4 connector on it? Is that a huge issue?

It hasn't been an issue with my A7N8X Deluxe, which also lacks the extra 12V power connector most other modern motherboards have. Never had any power related issues, but then again I'm also running all of my fans (even the CPU fan) straight off of the power supply molex connectors and not off of the fan headers on the motherboard, so I'm really not using all of the 12V power on my board that I could. Since the A7N8X Deluxe is in general regarded as very a stable board, I doubt the lack of the P4 12V power connector makes a big difference on a properly designed Athlon board.

 

[wicktron]

DFI NF2 Ultra Infinity

Easily the best OC'ing NF2 mobo.

 

[MrCodeDude]

Originally posted by: wicktron
DFI NF2 Ultra Infinity

Easily the best OC'ing NF2 mobo.

The Abit NF7-S 2.0 is the most recognized OCing mobo for the NF2 Ultra 400 chipset. The DFI isn't as stable as the NF7-S at the OC speeds.

 

[Bonesdad]

Originally posted by: MrCodeDude

Originally posted by: wicktron
DFI NF2 Ultra Infinity

Easily the best OC'ing NF2 mobo.

The Abit NF7-S 2.0 is the most recognized OCing mobo for the NF2 Ultra 400 chipset. The DFI isn't as stable as the NF7-S at the OC speeds.

Where do you get that information? I've been looking for info on this board, but no one on this forum is familiar with it.

 

[MrCodeDude]

Originally posted by: Bonesdad

Originally posted by: MrCodeDude

Originally posted by: wicktron
DFI NF2 Ultra Infinity

Easily the best OC'ing NF2 mobo.

The Abit NF7-S 2.0 is the most recognized OCing mobo for the NF2 Ultra 400 chipset. The DFI isn't as stable as the NF7-S at the OC speeds.

Where do you get that information? I've been looking for info on this board, but no one on this forum is familiar with it.

I don't own either board, so I don't have a bias on either one. I've just read a lot of reviews on both boards (along with practically the whole nForce 2 Ultra 400 line), and a lot of user reviews/comments, etc.

MBreview.com is a good place that has a database of all reviews for certain mobos.

 

[Texun]

Bonesdad

Try AMDMB.COM
And HERE.

I can't vouch for it being the numero uno overclocker, but I do see tons of posts from some very happy users. Sure, you'll find those who got a dud but they are few and far between.

 

[wicktron]

Originally posted by: MrCodeDude

Originally posted by: wicktron
DFI NF2 Ultra Infinity

Easily the best OC'ing NF2 mobo.

The Abit NF7-S 2.0 is the most recognized OCing mobo for the NF2 Ultra 400 chipset. The DFI isn't as stable as the NF7-S at the OC speeds.

The NF7-S was the best, but no more. They are still recognized here, but elsewhere, the DFI NF2 Ultra Infinity is considered the best overclocker.
People here seem to agree: HERE
You can also find people through this forum recommending the DFI NF2UI as the overclocking mobo of choice.

 

[T2T III]

Remember that PSU quality and memory quality can make or break an otherwise-stable setup.

That is so true. I quickly learned more information about better power supplies when I upgraded to my nForce2 motherboard.

 

[CraigRT]

Soltek SL-75FRN2-L

can buy this board for a ridiculously low price.... stable? thing is flawless. not such as a single problem with this board. Soltek totally owns! 100%!

 

[Bonesdad]

Originally posted by: Texun
Bonesdad

Try AMDMB.COM
And HERE.

I can't vouch for it being the numero uno overclocker, but I do see tons of posts from some very happy users. Sure, you'll find those who got a dud but they are few and far between.

OK, I have been reading the same things for the last couple of weeks, the comment above about instability was new to me. From what I have read, it shapes up to be one of the most stable boards out there.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

nForcersHQ DFI forum

 

[GR8Madmax]

If you don't need all the extra onboard stuff (raid, sata, etc.) and don't have a lot of $ to spend, I'd recommend a Shuttle AN35N. It's my first AMD board and am very happy with it.