WHICH MOTHERBOARD IS THE BEST????

[sianof]

Well I know that this question is just about useless in a sense because everyone has their favorites, experiences,etc.
I am debating on purchasing an XP1700 or XP2100 and overclocking a little bit. Trying to run 2 pc3200 512MB ram chips as well.
I have been told that these three boards are very good.
Which is the best for my situation? I just want to do some minimal overclocking to the processor and keep the machine quiet.
Here are my three choices:
Epox 8RDA+
Abit NF7-s
Asus A7N8X Deluxe
I really would like the Asus but I am trying to keep costs down.
Let me know from experience, or from reviews etc. I am coming close to purchase time.
Any help appreciated.
** ALSO **
The Big Question that has been asked thousands of times, what chip do you recommend, the XP1700 or the XP2100 for overclocking???? Keep in mind I only want to overclock a bit because I don't want a loud machine.
Thanks Everyone
Frank S

 

[bgeh]

i'd get either the Epox 8RDA3+(new one) or the Abit NF7-S Rev 2.0

 

[Macro2]

soltek

 

[slackerinabox]

As far as best overclock/bang for buck I'd say it's really hard to say.. If I was buying a chip I'd hope to get the fastest BASE speed that I can afford, because overclocking is never a sure bet... The xp 1700 is going for like 50 bucks- that's a great price... The 2100+ is 85 for about a 60% premium.. I haven't read many benchmarks but it's up to you to decide whether the $35 bucks is worth is

 

[Megatomic]

I don't think you'd make a mistake with any of the choices you are pondering sianof. Both the 1700+ and the 2100+ o/c well (very well actually). And all 3 of those boards are proven performers.

If you need tons of onboard goodies at a decent price, go for the NF7-S v2.0.
If you need great performance with a middling amount of onboard goodies at a really decent price, go for the 8RDA+ (and hopefully you get a really new rev. of the board).
The ASUS A7N8X DLX is an all-around heavily recommended board, it's just very costly to most people (me included).

I was in your shoes a month and a half ago. I wound up choosing an Epox 8RDA+ and a 2100+ "B". The system overclocks very easily and quite high too. My FSB tops out at 197MHz though (low Vdd). Overall I am very happy with my choice and I'd recommend it to others as well (as long as they aren't planning on using 512MB modules of Kingston ValueRam PC2700 or Crucial PC2700).

 

[floccus]

The A7N8X delux is the best.
The 8RDA+ is second.
The NF7 is third.

Thats according to the benchmarks i've seen from various sites. With OCing you'll achieve different results just b/c some systems will OC better for god only knows what reason.

If price is a really big issue, then get the 8RDA+. If you just want the best, then you know what you're lookin at.

 

[TonyB]

i have 3 computers all with the A7N8X deluxe, all i can say is this board rules, no problems whatsoever. Installation was a breeze everything runs smooth as silk. Dont know about the epox or the Abit brands so I cant say anything about them but I dont think you will notice anything different with either brand unless you are overclocking because the Nforce2 chipset just rules plain and simple.

 

[wicktron]

Originally posted by: floccus
The A7N8X delux is the best.
The 8RDA+ is second.
The NF7 is third.

Thats according to the benchmarks i've seen from various sites. With OCing you'll achieve different results just b/c some systems will OC better for god only knows what reason.

If price is a really big issue, then get the 8RDA+. If you just want the best, then you know what you're lookin at.

I would reverse that order.

 

[Bonesdad]

I went with the 8RDA+ and a 2100+ from Newegg just 2 weeks ago. I got the latest board, but have not OC'd it yet. It is stable as hell tho. All 3 boards are good, just a matter of minute details and your budget. The EPoX fit my budget and is a great board.

 

[Bartman39]

I have 3ea. 8RDA+`s and all run flawless at 220fsb or higher (2 of them run 245fsb the other max`s at 235fsb) This is with various bios in each and no problems using either WinME or Win2Kpro...

Sad to say I recommended an A7N8X to a friend and it has been a nightmare for him...? (I used to be an ASUS nut... thought they were the ultimate...?)

Would like to try the NF7-S (1.2 or 2.0...?) Had good luck with Abit but they seem to push to many features before they have matured their product...?

 

[Macro2]

Aren't Abit bords being built by ECS now? I know Shuttle is.

I've used a lot of Soltek boards and rarely get a complaint.
LINK TO REVIEW
I suppose the cream the crop the the Asus a7n8x deluxe. I have one and it's very impressive, even down the the sockets for the power and drives.

If you can't afford that maybe a plain a7n8x? Maybe the deluxe has a bunch of stuff you'll never use.

Then again there may be some features you are looking fo on some of the other boards.