What Mobo do you have?

[Scottler]

When you guys first started building your PC, did you ever think you'd never understand any of it?  LOL

I'm seriously considering building one.  Don't get me wrong, I'm quite happy with my system.  P4 2.0GHz, 1GB RAM, 200GB HD, FX5200 128mb PCI card, CD/DVD burner, etc... but I've had it for a few years now, and I'm starting to feel like it's time, ya know?

The problem I'm having is the motherboard.  I don't know CRAP about mobos.  And it seems like the more I read about them, the less I understand.  So I was wondering what you guys run, and what your thoughts are on the board.

Most of my components have already been upgraded through the last three years.  The DVD/CD drive is brand new, the HD is only 2 months old.  So most of it I could salvage.  All I'd really need to upgrade is my mobo/CPU and the case.  Just looking for a starting point.  Thanks!

[Jared]

Are you looking for a 64-bit system in the end?

[Scottler]

Well, from my understanding, that's the way things seem to be going anyway, so I might as well, right?

[Dan]

I have a DFI LanParty UT NF3 250Gb.

DFI boards are supposedly very stable - mine certainly is! If your after AMD64, then you musn't get Slot A, or socket 940. Both are obsolete / rare.

Mine is socket 754, which is good but not as fast as socket 939. Thats the one to get!
I would suggest the new DFI board, with nForce 4, and socket 939. Its at DFI.com.
dan

[congo]

That's a pretty good call Dan, but the DFI board is only one of many very nice nForce4 boards.

The LAN party series are very "cool" boards and offer plenty of features for the geek enthusiast.

I've seen a few different layouts based on the nForce4 chipset now, but most are dual SLI boards. (two graphics cards). The nForce3 Ultra chipset offers another set of alternatives with variations more common.



A word about SLI (dual PCIexpress graphics cards).

1. FS9 doesn't like it

2. It's a trendy gimmick in the long run, a single graphics card (high end) is quite adequate.

3.By the time you'll need a second card to keep up with future software, there will be much better cards available, leaving the SLI people in the dust. (sorry guys)

4. I have doubts about the future support of SLI, however, if too many people shell out big money for it, then it could stick around for a while. Double the profits, right?

5. Imagine the power and heat problems.

6. Very few software titles currently benefit from SLI.



I currently run 2 quite different systems, an AMD based one and an INTEL based one, both have similar performance and similar clock speeds on their CPU's.

The AMD rig....

Soltek SL-75FRN2-L mainboard / nForce2 Ultra 400 chipset

The P4 rig....

Gigabyte GA-8IPE1000 Pro mainboard / Intel 865PE chipset

Both of these chipsets are awesome performers and have been mainstream products for over two years. They are being replaced by more modern chipsets with new features and performance.

[Dan]

The LAN party series are very "cool" boards and offer plenty of features for the geek enthusiast.

I geuss thats me lol... Its hardly peer pressure mind!

I know I am biased by having a DFI myself - I have heard good stuff about everything, especially ASUS and mixed feelings about MSI.
Dan  ;)

[the_autopilot]

For AMD's, the nforce4 board is unbeatable.

If you can't afford sli (or don't want it), they have single card boards.

Its what I use and I have absolutely no complaints. The board has never given me a problem no matter what kind of stuff i pull on it (and being a crazy overclocker, I pull all sorts of stuff that fried at least 20 or so mobo's throughout the years.)

[Scottler]

Funny you mention SLI.  One of the books I'm currently reading mentions SLI and they're of the opinion that it's an illogical process.  After doing some more reading on the subject, I've gotta agree.

[GunnerMan]

Yes I to think SLI is jus a Fad and although ATI is making their version I don't and hope it never atches on, 1 500 dollar GFX card is enugh cash as it is now 2!!!

Yeah DFI boards are stable and are also a favorite in the overclocling community. Good chipset, good quality with many options and it will allow you to crank volatges to VERY extreme heights. And yes def go Socket 939, its gona be around for a while on the AMD 64 end with the upcomming Venice and San Diego cores to work on most current S939 boards. Intel well honestly I have no idea what they are up to...

[the_autopilot]

Funny you mention SLI.  One of the books I'm currently reading mentions SLI and they're of the opinion that it's an illogical process.  After doing some more reading on the subject, I've gotta agree.

I agree actually. Sli only supports 70 games right now and of those 70 only 2 get a signifcant performence increase with SLI. On the other 68, a single card solution offers enough overkill already.

Others get about the same or even worse performence.

However, my SLI computer can still beat up your non-SLI computer. LOL.