NF7-S v1.2 or 8RDA+ v1.1?

[Svenn]

Well, with all the problems with this old KX7, I think I may just buy a new board... I've been out of the loop for a bit due to school and A Tale In The Desert (http://www.atitd.com). So can someone educate me on this new NF7-S v1.2 rev? Every other post seems to be about it. Voltages? Stability? Benches? Is it better than the Epox? Should I replace my 8RDA+ with the NF7-S and give my girlfriend the Epox? ;)

[twiztdskatr]

From what i know, it gets higher FSB and it has more voltage options about equal to the 8RDA+, and it costs $30 more.:(

I just returned my NF7-S 1.1 for an 8RDA+, and i got work to do on it tomorrow:

1. Lap NB.
2. Install SK6+36CFM Delta on NB.
3. Cut up TT Memory kit and put it on Mosfets.
4. Put Passive Heatsink on SB.

[TruBD]

Originally posted by twiztdskatr

2. Install SK6+36CFM Delta on NB.

how are you gonna hold that on? epoxy?

[Svenn]

Originally posted by twiztdskatr
From what i know, it gets higher FSB and it has more voltage options about equal to the 8RDA+, and it costs $30 more.:(

Higher FSB and more voltage = better... why the :( face?

[fibonaccov]

There are some 8rda+'s that do very nice even without a mod - especially rev 1.0's btw...There seems to be quite a few people who can't go above 210fsb with the NF7-S rev 1.2 still ...Some feedback here (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10074)

The Epox 8rga+ (with a 'g') is a nice one too...some feedback here (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10108)

--fibo

[Entuscan]

After having nothing but bios problems with the Epox 8rda+ I got myself a Abit rev 1.2 today.

I wouldn't get a 8rda+ anymore, better opt for the 8rga+ better voltages, better performance clock for clock etc then 8rda

[RichBa5tard]

Having owned 2 8rda+'s, i'd say quality control sucks at Epox.

If i had to buy one right now, it 'd prolly be a NF7-S rev 1.2.

[fibonaccov]

Originally posted by RichBa5tard
Having owned 2 8rda+'s, i'd say quality control sucks at Epox.

If i had to buy one right now, it 'd prolly be a NF7-S rev 1.2.
I have 3 8rda+ and have no problem so it all depends - go to the Abit forum and you'll also notice that people are reporting quality issues with the nf7-s (at least rev 1.0 and 1.1)...

here is some 8rga+ benchs (http://www.lejabeach.com/sis-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=13;t=000002#000000) and preliminary review (http://home.arcor.de/ivo.draschkow/EPoX%208RGAeng.htm)

--fibo

[Alexandrus]

Another vote against 8RDA+ from me, my rev. 1.1 is suxor, can't do 200MHz FSB sync.
And I won't do the VDD mod because I'd rather sell the board and buy NF7-S rev. 1.2. I doubt it can be worse than my current board.

[TerroH8er]

I had my heart set on an 8RDA+, then when the NF7-S v1.2 came out I was sold :)

I don't feel like doing a VDD mod on the 8RDA, and I can live with a 2.9vdimm.. until I practice some soldering skills at least :)

[mdzcpa]

So far it seems most users are in the 220mhz range on the NF7 v1.2 without any mods at all. I'm getting 225mhz stable for all apps, and 230mhz stabe for everything but 3D which will run but CTDs after a few loops.

This would appear to me to be the best NF2 board without mods so far. Sure...some do better, and some worse, for both Epox and Abit...but the trend seems clear enough at this point.

[Svenn]

Well, my 8RDA+ won't do over 180FSB or so stable... I'm wondering should I give my 8RDA+ to my girlfriend and buy a NF7-S rev 1.2? Also, what are voltage options on 8RGA+? Any mods I need to do on the NF7-S, voltage or cooling? I'll be putting water on nb of whatever I get.

[TerroH8er]

Give it to the girlfriend :D

I believe the only difference between the 8RGA+ and 8RDA+ where voltages are concerned is the addition of VDD adjustments.. up to 2v i think

[fibonaccov]

Originally posted by TerroH8er
Give it to the girlfriend :D

I believe the only difference between the 8RGA+ and 8RDA+ where voltages are concerned is the addition of VDD adjustments.. up to 2v i think
and improved mobo voltages regulation...

--fibo

[Svenn]

Decisions decisions.... I think I may be picking up a NF7-S for myself in the very near future....

[twiztdskatr]

i say screw it, i got an 8RDA+ 200fsb is fine for me :)

[Svenn]

See, the thing is, I have to buy a new motherboard for my girlfriend's computer anyway, so I'll buy the NF7-S and give her my 8RDA+...

[muzz]

If I were to buy a board right now I would probably get the NF7/s 1.2 ..... I have been watching the 8RDA/+ closely( I should, I've owned 2), and I am not impressed with the amount of folks that can't even hit 220 with vdd mod, where as alot of those boards seemed to get to that point in the beginning......

I am not coming out and saying the rev 1.0 is actually better, but it SEEMS that way to me from what I have seen lately thats for sure.
I get the impression everyone thinks I'm an Epox HO , but that is not the case.... I go to who has the best performance, and as of right now I am seeing an awful lot of RDA's that can't hit 200 without vdd.. which is downright sad......... maybe there are alot of folks who are asking the boards to do :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana: with crappy components, and not doing COMPLETE mods ( lapping is INCLUDED IMO), and those are the folks I am seeing, but it sure seems that right now ver. 1.2 has a better chance of hitting 220 than the 1.1 RDA/+ that is hitting the streets today( actually it should it's their 3rd revision)...
That being said there is a SUPPOSED 8RDA+ ( don't know the version exactly) that is SUPPOSED TO ( RUMOUR?) be out that has adj. VDD like the 8RGA+...... not sure how well it will perform, but I would THINK EPoX is paying attention.... we shall see.

I personally am watching the 1.2 closely as it MAY be MY next board for the above reasoning.. plus I need to build another soon anyway.. :D

[airwolves]

Well Guess I got a lucky one 8rda+ as I can bench at 10X205=2050 2t 422 and almost booted at 10X210 But just tryed once. 1.7v cpu guess If i went up to 1.8 or 1.85 should boot. I have no mods except I put a vantec iceburg on the nb.

Max overclock I did try was at 1.8 15X160=2400

AIUHB 0250 mpmw 2100+
Epox 8RDA+
2 256 corsair pc3500
ati 9700pro
antec 430
lite on 52x24x52 black

[Svenn]

Question about the NF7-S rev 1.2....
Can I fit a northbridge waterblock and a Prom on together? Is there enough clearance all around for the Prom?

[muzz]

Don't get me wrong here.... both of my boards have done over 230fsb dua/100%/synchl at agressive timings.... that being said I have SEEN alot of folks who say they have good components ( IMO) that should equate to at least 210fsb ( MOST NOT ALL.... but not even seeing that)...

I think EPoX sat on there laurels too long IMO..... they had the best clocker( again IMO) and they didn't upgrade( revisions including the vdd mod- they KNEW it was an attractive seller and wanted option) like their competitors....... they will lose some sales because of their mistake ( again imo).

[fibonaccov]

Muzz, the 8R"G"A+ looks like a good board indeed - rev 0.6 is pretty fast according to early benchmarks and 210-220fsb looks easy to reach...Am just curious as to why you would move to Abit nF7-s 1.2 if you can currenly reach around 230fsb dual-sync with your 8rda+? (is that just because you need to build another system or is that to replace that jewel you've got :))?

I've seen reports of nf7-s 1.2 users not being too happy with their OC so it is not a done deal for sure IMHO...I'd like to see what the 8rga+ does in its 1.0 version (kinda like the vdd adjustment up to 2v and the improved voltage regulation) - onboard video (backup/spare) is nice too and does not seem to affect high fsb reachs...

Am not (at the moment) convinced that the nf7-s 1.2 is the best nForce2 mobo right now...sure a few users will hit 237fsb - like a few did with their 8rda+ ...

--fibo

[mdzcpa]

I dunno guys.

I went through a good handful of NF2 boards (asus and epox) looking for a keeper. I tried two of each brand before throwing in the towel. One died on BIOS freeze, another had severe cold boot issues, all had multiplier "issues", the remaining two I sold quickly. None would hit 200mhz with any kind of repeatable stability out of the box....forget the mods.

On the other hand...the NF7 1.2 right out of the box did 225mhz prime stable, and 220mhz rock stable including 3D apps....all dual channel. Putting a little copper orb on the NB allowed for 3d at 225 (with very relaxed timings at 225 3d though).

Fluke?....maybe.

Yesterday my buddies 1.2 showed up. Out of the box he's at 217mhz with XMS 3500 dual channel running prime and 3d just fine. With some burn in and a real NB cooler who knows.

I'm going with the odds now and saying the 1.2 is it.

[muzz]

fibo don't get me wrong bro, I think this is a very good board, it's my 2nd 1 that'll do over 230 which btw put's me in the minority.
My gf uses my puter, and I want here to have her own box so she don't go messing up my :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana: ( she was manning my old clocker will it went bellyup, doesn't know what to do if something go's wrong.... stfto heheh).
I am not DEF. going to get 1 fibo, but I AM looking into it, which means going to forums and looking for clues, and quirks , to see if it is solid.

I know it's luck of the draw, I keep telling other folks that, and I swear some STILL DONT BELIEVE.......

I am not going to buy tommorrow anyway, so I have time to research, and Pox has time to get off their as* and get the new rev. out B4 I will buy .

Just'a watchin' .......... heheheh

[twiztdskatr]

@ TruBD - I just put AS3 in the middle of the NB and a drop of Superglue on 2 corners and i did the same thing for putting my Stock NB heatsink on the SB :D

[blockhe]

same here giving up on epox 8rda+ I had 4 just 1 will do 210 fsnb sync 100% memory and dies whithin 2 days and since then my last 3 won't do above 195 ( got extra one newegg screw up)so I too order a abits hope I get better luck this time my abits nf7-s 1.1 was very bad will give 2 chances so order a nf7-s 1.2 from excalber.com will see.Ray


edit= replace 2 bios on 8rda+then now running fine but not above 195.

[muzz]

blockhe do you happen to use a 333fsb chip by any chance?
If so did you try and pull the JCLK jumper?

[blockhe]

Muzz yes I did use this jumper it make my 2700 xp run like a 2100 at 133 but that's all my 2700 only do 2425 or so but use my 2100 who can run more stable at 2450 so that jumper don't do nothing for me so far with this board.


1x256 = KINGSTON HyperX Series 184-pin 256MB DDR433 (PC3500) 1 more coming had 2x256 corsair xt 3200 c2 (5 2 2 2 )


slk800 with delta

now 8rda+ WITH BIOS 1/29/03
too a7n8x -d with 1 = 256 samsung 3200

[muzz]

Thanks blockhe.

[Namtaru]

i dont know why everyone is having probs with their EPoX boards....
im running my 2100+ at 11.5 x 200 with no problems......

also... i have had it at 10 x 220 w/ no probs either

I may not have run prime for 3421934812 hours but i can do everything i need to do without any problems whatsoever