What Nforce2 board to get?????

[jonnyapple83]

I just built 2 computers using Epox 8rga+ MB's, unfortunately it seems that EPOX neglected to prefect their dual channel memory controller thus I cant run the board in dual channel mode and I have 2 sticks of ram being unused. I am going to return these boards and get a more reliable Nforce2 board (with build in graphics). If you all have any good suggestions for a reliable nforce 2 board with integrated video I am would be very interested in what you have to say. And of course the less expensive the better!

 

[Sniper82]

I'd say ABIT NF7-M is a good choice. Looks like its around the same price range as the Epox.

 

[yodayoda]

first off, did you make sure the memory you have is validated to run in dual channel mode with the nForce2 chipset? i was about to pull my hair with some Crucial mem sticks in my nForce2 board until i read that they were not validated. Crucial.com swapped them out for me even though i bought them in the FS/T forum for two sticks validated for dual channel. check the mem first dude.

 

[jonnyapple83]

thanx i will check the mem, it is crucial but i didnt know it needed to be validated

 

[Techie333]

what do you guys mean by validated? I am running 8rda+ w/ dual ddr and one mem is 256mb x-mem pc3000, other is 256mb pny 2700.............runs fine like tht.

 

[Skitzer]

Just a suggestion but check this one out.
LEADTEK K7NCR18G-PRO Nforce2-GT.
I used this mainboard to build a system for my daughter. $105.00 shipped from newegg, (was $124 when I bought it).
It was simple to set up and is rock solid. I used an XP 1800+ and Kingston PC2700 memory running in dual channel. The CPU is running at 166x12 with an SK7 heatsink.
She used the onboard GeForce 4 graphics for a couple weeks then upgraded to a GeForce 4 TI200 8X video card, (this board has an 8X AGP slot for future upgrades).
Regards, Skitzer.

 

[novice]

Take a look at the Shuttle Nforce 2 boards. The AN35N Ultra 400 in particular seems to provide pretty solid performance for a bargain price. I got mine for $66 shipped from newegg and I think Multiwave has a variety of them available for very good prices as well. Like all Nforce 2 boards, they do seem to demand quality ram and a decent power supply, but my AN35N Ultra 400 has proven to be quite stable and fast, even at 11.5x175 with my XP1700+. I don't think there is a better board available for anywhere near its around $70 price.

 

[Corporate Thug]

NF7-s

 

[batmanuel]

Originally posted by: Techie333
what do you guys mean by validated? I am running 8rda+ w/ dual ddr and one mem is 256mb x-mem pc3000, other is 256mb pny 2700.............runs fine like tht.

Got you beat: 256MB Kingston ValueRAM PC2100, 256MB KByte PC2100, and 512MB Corsair ValueSelect PC2700 running dual channel on a A7N8X Deluxe. Somehow the 1004 BIOS can run this config stable where the earlier versions had MAJOR issues. Maybe your BIOS is a better revison than the one johhnyapple is using?

 

[jiffylube1024]

Originally posted by: shady06
NF7-s

^ I second that. NF7-S or A7N8X.

 

[gwuasg]

Biostar M7NCG, but dual channel is hardly worth the trouble. see this -http://www.amdmb.com/article-display.php?ArticleID=244

at best its a 5% performance increase because of the FSB bottleneck, but it does immensly help out board with the built in graphics.

 

[Cesar]

NF7-S V.2 period