Torn between the DFI, Abit, and EPoX...

[GML3G0]

I'm moving to PCI Express, and the general consensus seems to be to get the DFI.

I've heard some bad things about it, i.e. the DDR VTT (which is sensitive to flunctuation) drooping under load.

So, it's between the DFI Ultra-D, Abit AN8 Ultra, and EPoX EP-9NPA+.

I want a board that can handle high overclocks (plan on getting an Opteron 146 and some OCZ Gold 2 x 1GB 2-3-2-5, or maybe the EB PC4000 ones), but be stable at the same time.

 

[n7]

I like to be different, so i'd take the Abit.

Actually, that's not really why.

I like the passive cooling it has, & from what i've seen, it OCs well without extra tweaking like the DFI.
(I'm lazy, & like an easy OC )

 

[the cobbler]

Originally posted by: GML3G0
I want a board that can handle high overclocks (plan on getting an Opteron 146 and some OCZ Gold 2 x 1GB 2-3-2-5, or maybe the EB PC4000 ones), but be stable at the same time.

then you want the DFI

 

[mxzrider2]

every abit board i had was much slower than all of my dfi boards. i got the ultra d and love it

 

[Pr0d1gy]

I have the ABiT Fatality and it overclocks very well and is extremely stable. I really like it, but it has been discontinued. If you want a motherboard that overclocks great & will open up a whole world of tweaks & stuff for you to play with, then get the DFi. If you want one that overclocks well, is stable, and relatively simple & pain free to use then get the ABiT.

 

[CP5670]

You don't necessarily need to tweak the DFI a lot; it just gives you the ability to do so, if you want to get every last bit of performance out of your overclock. I didn't have to do anything that I wouldn't also do with other boards.

 

[raildogg]

The Epox 9npa ultra is the ultimate nforce 4 ultra board. I own one and if I were to build another system today around that platform, I'd buy another in an instant.

 

[Tweakin]

I'd even go a little farther and spend the extra $50 and by the Expert for the 4-phase voltage and additional pci slot.

 

[Diasper]

As I see it choices for overclockers are:

Moderate-high overclocks with Passive heatsinks:
Abit K8N SLI (refresh of the A8N just cheaper and a little simpler - questionable layout)
Asus A8N SLI Premium (nice but expensive for the price?)

All round decent mobo with high overclocks:
Epox (solid, good price but has a fan)

Extreme overclocks / extreme tweaking
DFI (but problems with compataibility + finicky & with fan)

Extreme overclocks with passive cooling but for a price
Asus A8N32 SLI (best overclocker but very expensive and arguably not worth it)

I know I've missed a few other overclocking boards but that is because some seem to have issues (ala MSI - maybe resolved now?) or lack features (eg Sapphire Grouper with Sata 2 and slow USB). If there are other real choices just add them in


(edit) Jetway is another option to look at - their nForce4 board did well in relataively recent Anandtech tests

 

[EndGame]

Where's the "none of the above" option?

 

[Fallengod]

Id have to agree. Ive owned two. Both rock solid and no problems. Overclock great also. As well as being the cheapest around. The 9NPA3 ultra is only $85. 9npa+ultra is about $100

Originally posted by: raildogg
The Epox 9npa ultra is the ultimate nforce 4 ultra board. I own one and if I were to build another system today around that platform, I'd buy another in an instant.

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: raildogg
The Epox 9npa ultra is the ultimate nforce 4 ultra board. I own one and if I were to build another system today around that platform, I'd buy another in an instant.

Agreed!....I'm happy with mine, solid in all areas.

 

[dali71]

DFI ftw!

 

[n7]

Uhhh...he got the Abit board 2.5 months ago :laugh:

A n00b bumped this up again

 

[chocoruacal]

Originally posted by: raildogg
The Epox 9npa ultra is the ultimate nforce 4 ultra board. I own one and if I were to build another system today around that platform, I'd buy another in an instant.

Layout sucks. Even bankrupt I'll take Abit's support of Epox's terrible support.

Unless you're betting on getting an extraordinary chip, any of those boards should be fine. The fact that you even ask means that you could probably pick a name out of a hat and be okay.

I passed on the Epox because of the poor layout and Epox's utterly terrible support. Personal choice: I very much doubt I'll need to buy an Epox board again.

I passed on the DFI because of the power supply requirements and price, though I firmly believe the Lanparty boards are the top performers. If I was interested in squeezing every last percente out of my components, DFI would have been my choice. Awesome performance, great features.

I chose the Abit because of the board layout and the passive cooling; I seem to always ending yanking those damn noisy NB fans anyway. My AN8-Ultra does 300 HTT no sweat, which is more than enough for my overclocking needs. In typical Abit fashion it required no special tweaking and has run flawlessly. My biggest grip is that the BIOS doesn't allow lowering the CPU voltage below stock and it overvolts by .02-.05. I'd like the option of running less voltage to decrease heat and run even slower fans.

 

[Fallengod]

Well the new Epox 9npa3 ultra fixes some layout issues so..... He could choose that one if he wanted. I dunno, it sorta depends on your case if youd have layout issues with the epox. I have antec p180 and works fine for me. The ATX power connects are not in the "best" spot but I made due.

I think all motherboards could potentially have layout issues. It depends on the case and PSU you use it with. Different cases could have different problems.

Ya there support isnt "#1" but...... I hardly think thats a reason to pass on a great stable mobo. Like I said, if you want layout fixes, get the newer 9npa3 ultra. Of course that new one lacks firewire and accessories unlike the 9npa+ultra.