Which mobo? Leadtek K7NCR18G-PRO II or ASUS A7N8X Deluxe?

[DJDDRDan]

Hey all! I am looking for people's opinions on these two motherboards. Links to specs for the Leadtek are here ,and here for the ASUS. I like the integrated video on the Leadtek, but I like the 400Mhz FSB of the ASUS. I plan on O/Cing a 1700+ to start, and later on getting one of the 400 Mhz FSB Athlons. I love the onboard sound of the Nforce, and both of these boards have it. Basically, I want to know what others think is more important: onboard graphics (cheap) or the potential for a faster processor. I won't be gaming all that much and I need the dual monitor support.

 

[Insane3D]

Have you checked out the Epox 8RDA+, 8RGA+, or the Abit NF7-S?

 

[tlam617]

asus all the way!!!

 

[rocketbubba]

Either one is good. I have that Leadtek board (without the integrated video) and I really like it. The layout is nice and I like the Speed Gear overclock program that comes with it. The main reason I bought it was price. As for your choice, it may depend on how often you upgrade. If you keep a mobo for a few months and go to something new, the ASUS might have better resale value because lots of people like them. If price is a factor and you plan to keep it for awhile, the Leadtek is a solid choice too. They have been building a good reputation with their video cards and they'll probably do the same with their motherboards. Good luck.

 

[DJDDRDan]

I have indeed looked at those boards. I chose against them because it seemed that the Leadtek and especially the ASUS have better sound options. Also, the 8RGA+ doesn't have a TV out, which is something I need. rockectbubba: Have you had any problems changing the multiplier? Have you tried 400 MHz? I'm not concerned about the price so much, as the 2 boards are within $1 of eachother . But I wouldn't be planning on reselling it anyway...I don't want to have to upgrade for a while.

 

[KF]

Does the Epox 8RGA+ use the nVidia sound? I was about to settle on this mobo, and somebody said it didn't.

A lot of mobo makers, when they do the IGP version of their nForce board, dump the nvidia sound.

 

[DJDDRDan]

It does not. One of the reasons I didn't want to go with that one.

 

[rocketbubba]

I haven't tried to change the multiplier as I'm happy with the Barton 2500+ performance. However, I may try to mess with the multiplier at some point. BTW, the onboard sound was causing problems (lockups in certain games), so I disabled it and installed a sound card. Then I discovered that the mobo assigned the sound card and my video card to the same IRQ, I moved the sound card down one slot and things got better.