which board should I get?

[rbanas3]

I'm putting together a new system and I'm wondering what the difference between the A7N8X and the delux version is. Which one would you recommend.

 

[mechBgon]

Here's Asus' answer

A7N8X Deluxe has serial ATA, RAID, Dual-LANs, IEEE 1394 and Post Reporter function while A7N8X doesn't.

Amazingly, they don't remember to mention that the Deluxe has the nVidia Audio Processor Unit and an S/PDIF digital Dolby AC3 output jack. Also, to be more correct, the Serial ATA and the RAID are really the same feature... the RAID is through the SATA chip.

Because the small price bump gets you the Firewire and the nVidia APU, I'd lean in that direction. In fact, I got the Deluxe myself, although it's in my work computer. You could also consider the EPoX 8RDA+ (note the +, there's a non-plus version but get +). Welcome to the Forums rbanas3, hope that helped 🙂

 

[screw3d]

Many would also suggest the Abit NF7-S too, but I have the 8RDA+ myself and it rocks 🙂

 

[Kindjal]

I would like to put a new system together as well.

I have been contemplating ASUS A7N8X (non Deluxe), Abit NF7 (not S or M) and the EPOX 8RDA+.

I do not need RAID or some of the other features. I will most likely install a SB Audigy 2 card, so I don't see a need for soundstorm. Additionally, I plan on replacing my XP 1800+ with a Barton flavor, probably 3000+.

Price is not a huge concern so I'm leaning toward the Abit board.

Any thoughts?