Which board for a first time builder

[Akita52]

Hi Everyone,

I've been a on again off again lurker here for awhile.

I'm planning to build my first system soon. This site has been great for information and I've been doing a ton of research. Of the 2 boards below would either one be better for a first time builder than the other?

The 2 boards I'm choosing between:
EPOX 9NPA+Ultra
ASUS A8N-E

They both seem pretty good from the feedback I've read, is one simpler than the other for a first build?

Thanks in advance for replies.
Akita

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Either one should be a good choice. I personally have an Asus board so I can say they are very user friendly and easy to setup and easy to overclock. The ePox board has gotten great reviews, its is perhaps a better overclocker than the Asus, but I don't know about ease of setup. I've heard there instructions leave something to be desired, but all of the A64's are pretty easy to set up. There are many good guides on the internet that are great for first time builders, one of my favorites is mechBgon's guide to building your first PC from parts

 

[n7]

Epox 9NPA+ FTW!

 

[M0RPH]

I have an A8N-E with a A64 3200+ Venice.

The board is easy to set up, with good documentation included. THe lack of a Firewire port is a bit of a bummer, IMO.

I changed my HTT bus from 200 to 250, reduced the HTT multiplier to 4x and turned the memory divider down a notch. So now I'm running my A64 at 2500MHz, a 25% overclock, and it's perfectly stable. Anyways, the point is it's a good overclocking motherboard with great stability.

 

[CraigRT]

I can't speak for the EPoX, but I am loving my A8N-E.... trouble-free, I'd say it's fine for a first time builder.

 

[ncage]

id go with the epox for one and only one reason.....COST

 

[jotosuds]

either one is good. i've owned two boards, an ASUS a7n266vm and the 9npa+ ultra. both are great.

 

[route66]

I may be biased (I have the EPoX), but I would take the EPoX. Great reviews and probably the cheapest NF4 Ultra motherboard.

 

[Akita52]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Looks like I can't go wrong with either one, believe I'll probably get the Epox.

Thanks again for your input.

Akita