Looking for a new Athlon XP motherboard... [Archive]

jjcom

10-30-2004, 01:22 PM

O.K. Next weekend theirs going to an X-mas thing with my family..I know its odd...anyway. I was looking at getting a new board and some new RAM as well. I know what RAM i'm going to get (OCZ EL 3200) but I don't know what board i want to get. Its either
A.) DFI Lanparty
B.) ABIT
C.) SOYO DRAGON V2 or something like that

what would you guys reccomend. Don't start on about A64s. I do not want to get one yet...I don't have the money. but next i will.

Anyway which one would you reccomend. I've heard about BIOS problems on the DFI and the Abit I've heard may not be the best. I've heard good things about the SOYO Dragon boards however. SO which one would be the best. I'm looking for a board that likes unlocked T-breds. It also must like 400mhz FSB..unlike my current board. it must also have RAM voltage ajustments which I know the DFI and the Abit seem to have unsure about the Dragon board tho.

Any other idea for RAM will be welcome as well!

Lithan

10-30-2004, 01:29 PM

DFI for fsb/ram overclocks
Abit for CPU overclocks

jjcom

10-30-2004, 01:53 PM

that makes the decsion even harder....I was wanting a fairly good CPU overclock...I can do 2.4ghz I know but would like to go farther...I don't know how well my RAM overclocks since I'm stuck @ 2.5v...anyone know how well my RAM probly overclocks...
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-146-835&depa=1
heres where I got it...any ideas. An insane FSB would be great but I want to have my RAM run 1:1 with it.....

jjcom

10-30-2004, 02:06 PM

Alright the Abit has been removed my list of things....it may be cheaper but its got the power cable and other things in bad locations for me. :( o'well....that Infinty DFI looks nice as well....

jjcom

10-30-2004, 02:11 PM

I just relized something about the SOYO.....copasitors are way too close to the socket for my heatsink....:( o'well...maybe the ABit will be an option again....but I really like the Neon colors the DFI Lanparty :D

Lithan

10-30-2004, 03:09 PM

My 2600+ xp-m did 2800mhz on a modded a7n8x, I figured I could have probably gotten 2850 on an nf7. Stopped just short of 2700 on a DFI. I used 2x512megs ram, so I can't really brag about FSB/memory performance on the DFI, but 230-240 is pretty common with 256meg sticks without having to do mods. The a7n8x could do like 190 with the ram settings I wanted, DFI could do 195-205 (never really bothered trying to find max stable).

jjcom

10-30-2004, 03:27 PM

This is making me lean toward the Abit...but I still like how the DFI board looks. I need a board that I can get a nice overclock out of with OUT mods.

Eversor

10-30-2004, 04:23 PM

DFI is very nice, but your cpu would be limited to like 2700MHz without a i-sense(ocp) mod.
Abit AN7 with modded bios also clocks nice FSB and RAM wise. And isnÂ´t limited to cpu speed as with DFI.

jjcom

10-30-2004, 04:32 PM

alright...I may just get the Abit...I can work around the locations of cables...

jjcom

10-30-2004, 06:38 PM

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-166&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-167&depa=1

what's the different between the two? as in OCing. Should I get the more expensive one or save a few bucks? I also need to know this...can I run these boards in single channel mode with out stabilty issues...I know with the kt880 you can have problem if you run single channel...thanks...I sure hope I can get this stuff...it will give my system just the boost it needs to live on for another year or so.

Occidere

10-30-2004, 10:43 PM

I have the AN7 and don't have any stability issues running single channel. As for oc performance, I've reached above average clocks but haven't touched the bandwidth max due to my ram. From what i've seen the AN7 can run at least as good as any nf7 plus it's got the uguru which seams to work rather well.

jjcom

10-30-2004, 10:49 PM

thanks! That uguru thing looks interesting and I may just have to try it out. Alright current plan:
Get this board as a "present to my self" for this early "X-mas" thing
Later get OCZ EL 3200.
Sounds good :D I've been wanting to use my processor to its full potencil and now maybe Ican. Anyone know of AMD rebranding mobile chips for desktop usage...I wonder if that happened to me...

EQuito

10-30-2004, 11:30 PM

The NF7-S v2.0 overclocks much better than the AN7 and the uGuru stuff doesn't work 100%

Be careful! DO NOT buy the NF7-S2 or S2G

Occidere

10-31-2004, 12:46 AM

I wouldn't say the nf7-s is much better then the an7, my clocks have been rather decent stable and required little voltage all together, now I may not be able to touch 12.5x210 with a 10 foot air cooled pole but I wouldn't chaulk that up to nf7-s over an7. There are a number of nf7-s that out perform my board but everyone and their little brother runs a nf7-s so theres a ton of chances for someone to get that select chip mobo and ram combo, not many people run an7 so it's harder to compare the two. If you want a tried and true clocker go for the nf7, if you want to try something slightly different give the an7 a shot.

the uGuru stuff doesn't work 100%

The only thing I use of the uGuru is the abitEQ which to me was worth the extra money because it gives peace of mind knowing theres a system onboard with the intent of monitoring rather then relying on a 3rd party system.

EQuito

10-31-2004, 12:57 AM

now I may not be able to touch 12.5x210 with a 10 foot air cooled pole but I wouldn't chaulk that up nf7-s over an7...
...not many people run an7 so it's harder to compare the two...
...rather then relying on a 3rd party system.I hope you're being sarcastic otherwise you have no clue cause 12.5x210 is nothing to be proud of. I run it like that so I can fold 24/7 with peace of mind.

Exactly and you know why? because the AN7 sucks compare to the NF7-S v2.0 so only a few suckers bought it. :p:

There is nothing wrong with 3rd party monitoring software like MBM. In fact, I trust MBM over any built-in stuff.

Occidere

10-31-2004, 01:13 AM

Anything over 2.6ghz gets hotter then I'd prefer and takes more voltage than I'd like, I've never even tried to run and see if it's stable because I prefer safer temps and voltages. I wouldn't even prime or fold at my higher low temp settings, I just prefer to keep it towards the safe side. If you don't think 2.65ghz air is good.. well maybe my clocks just aren't as good as I'd like to believe or maybe i'm just not pushing my system enough. I still don't think you can say the AN7 sucks because theres almost no one running them, maybe if I can get some respectable clocks an7 views will change.

EQuito

10-31-2004, 01:42 AM

First of all I'm sorry if I sounded rude, I didn't mean anything by it.

I didn't say it sucks, I said it sucks compared to the NF7 which is by far (along with the DFI) the best OC'ing board for the Athlon XP.
The only advantage the AN7 has is higher vdimm and that's about it.

:toast:

Occidere

10-31-2004, 01:05 AM

no offense taken :D

I'm just saying that if more people tried out the an7 you might find some that clock real nice, the way it is now everyone thats looking into real clocking is told to stick to the nf7 so it never really gets a chance. You may very well be right that it can't perform with an nf7, I'd just rather see it myself then be told. I'll start putting some real voltage into mine and see what I can get out of it, I've hit my max on air so i'm hopeing it pulls alot better on water

EQuito

10-31-2004, 01:11 AM

I'll start putting some real voltage into mine and see what I can get out of it, I've hit my max on air so i'm hopeing it pulls alot better on waterThere you go, that's the spirit! go for it and prove me wrong. :up:

jjcom

10-31-2004, 07:54 AM

the board with uguru costs a bit more....mmmm...but you said it has a higher Vdimm...mmm..I have no idea if my RAM is TCCD...who knows...I'd like to try out the uguru stuff...but it costs ~$12 more :(

tictac

10-31-2004, 07:55 AM

ABIT NF7S Rev 2.0 or DFI Lan Party B :)

jjcom

10-31-2004, 08:03 AM

both of which you have modded BIOS's for...mmmm..that makes me lean toward one of those in case I want to try out a different BIOS...but I wouldn't feel safe flashing the DFI board....The Abit board seems to be a good option here...but I really want to try out both the boards..but then I would be broke...:( lol

I'll still have yet to decide....the DFI is probly off my list since I don't want to spend that much...The Abit would probly make more sence, because I don't think my RAM will overclock that well...chip is unlocked so I'd probly start out doing 200x12 @ 1.75vcore.....so tictac you would reccomend the Abit without Guru and slightly cheaper..this may just make my decision....

jjcom

10-31-2004, 02:15 PM

TEDY

10-31-2004, 02:18 PM

DFI is very nice, but your cpu would be limited to like 2700MHz without a i-sense(ocp) mod.
Abit AN7 with modded bios also clocks nice FSB and RAM wise. And isnÂ´t limited to cpu speed as with DFI.

explanation please

tictac

11-01-2004, 06:06 AM

but I still would like to try out uguru...I need more info...does it work. I mean actuly *do* something? I know its got overclocking controls and audio stuff, but does it really help me out? does it make my life easier????

thanks jjcom

ABIT NF7S Rev2.0 will do.... (cheap&realiable) ...

you dont need uguru in nforce2....

you will get alot more features than uGuru with 3rd party software such as 8rdavcore @ (www.hsaw.net) & nForce2 Tweaker for memory timing in this forums...

dont messed up with other version NF7S2... this board dont have multiplier option in bios...

DFI LPB good in FSB ... :toast: if you plan for FSB... DFI LPB will do the job :banana4:

I²K

11-01-2004, 07:12 AM

I think the combination of CPU clocks and FSB on the Lanparty will give you a better overall performance than the higher CPU clocks on the NF7.

Holst

11-01-2004, 07:18 AM

I know you told me not to say this but...

You would be better off buying A64.

Save up a little more money, buy an 754 A64 board and a cheap chip instead of the new ram.
MUCH bigger performance increase, and you might be able to sell your socket A stuff..

Socket A boards are rubbish... well unreliable.. the DFI will "probably" be the better overclocker, but I doubt you will get any huge gains over what you have now.

Bit of a pointless upgrade IMO....

jjcom

11-01-2004, 01:21 PM

but I could have gotten a Socket 754 processor and board when I got this computer...I just wanted to give the Athlon XP with the T-bred core one last go before I got a "future proof" computer. I could get a Socket 939 if I felt like it but I'm not. I want to give the Athlon XP one last try. Even if I do kill my chip I can get another for cheap.

I²K

11-01-2004, 01:35 PM

NF7 and 2600 XP-M would be my advise...
Overclocked for sure :)

jjcom

11-01-2004, 01:41 PM

I've got an unlocked chip already...I may consider a mobile if my current chip dies/doesn't preform well...

tictac

11-01-2004, 05:55 PM

Mobile need L12 mod on NF7S .... just FYI

bypolar

11-01-2004, 06:26 PM

Get the LanParty B. I dought you will have a chip that will do above 2.7G without Phase change.

I have Had a AN7 and 3 Lanparty B's. The DFI is the clear winner. no modes just install the chip and go. Order a bios saver Just to be safe. I borked a chip on the AN7 and none on the DFI but Plenty of people have had bios issues on the DFI's.

My humble Opinion.

jjcom

11-02-2004, 01:43 PM

I'd like the DFI Lanparty...but...how close are the copastors to the socket? I don't have that small of a heatsink...I need to know other wise the AN7 will remain my choice...but I'd really like to use the Lanparty board...its just ~$30 more...:(

Der_KHAN

11-02-2004, 02:25 PM

jjcom

11-02-2004, 02:27 PM

I looked somemore at the board and reviews....3.3v...to the RAM :slobber: that has to be the highest I've ever seen without mods...I really want this board..but I don't think it will work...the copasitors are so close to the socket..please someone tell me if that will cause a problem...I've a POLO 735 heatsink...its basicly a Volcano 12. :(

mcnbns

11-02-2004, 02:48 PM

If you want a do-all motherboard that will allow you to use any heatsink you want, get an NF7-S and do the VDD and VDIMM mods. The VDIMM=VIO is the easiest VDIMM mod I've come across for the NF7-S. If you have good RAM, that combo should allow for 250FSB. :D

VDD mod (http://www.motherboardfaqs.com/content.php?content.13)
VDIMM mod (http://mitglied.lycos.de/sexyfu/v_vdimm.jpg) <Just solder a wire from the left leg of that mosfet (the one with VDIMM and an arrow pointing to it) to your 3.3V line.

jjcom

11-02-2004, 03:35 PM

jjcom

11-02-2004, 03:54 PM

I think I know what you mean by needing some volt mods...2.7v on the RAM...seems so sad don't you think :(maybe the AN7 looks better now...its got the NF2 ultra chipset..has a higher RAM voltage..without mods....but its price keeps going up...I'll just have to keep an eye on it.

Occidere

11-02-2004, 03:56 PM

sounds good...I'll need info on this mod tho. I don't have that great of RAM. VDD...I should know this by now..whats wrong with me :( is that the vcore?
What do these mods do? How much will I gain? Remember i'm only using a heatsink and have RAM that isn't that high FSB worthy....:(

I'm only useing pc2700 ram on my board, can only hit 10x222 11x220 12x217 and just hit my highest 13x210 (1.75vcore@13x205 2.8ddr 1.7nbridge). Not to sure whats holding me back but I can't test alot cause my pumps on it's death bed. It's starting to eat more voltage but I'm just gonna have to hike up my britches and push it till something breaks (hopefully the ram, got three sticks of it). I too didn't go for the a64 because this is my first ocing rig and if worse comes to worse I'm out $300 for my entire cpu/mobo/ram whereas alot of people will spend that on just their chip

edit: I think your hsf might fit past the caps, I had a thermalright slk on my board and it fit no problems. If your still interested in an AN7 I can try get some exact measurements for you of the distances from the socket on the capacitors

an7 voltages: vcore: 2.3 ddr: 3.2 Nbridge:1.75 agp:1.65

jjcom

11-02-2004, 03:59 PM

yes I didn't want to worry about if I killed my chip...

What is going on!!!??!?! I need to know the max voltages/FSB speed on this board. one place says 2.3v vcore another says 1.85, one says 2.7v max for RAM and another says 2.9v I need to know whats real and whats not

*this board refers to the NF7-S

jjcom

11-02-2004, 04:24 PM

Ahh...I understand now...their have been two revs. of the board :D I was worried about getting an old one, but since the new ones came out over a year ago I feel I'm safe.

bypolar

11-02-2004, 04:49 PM

the volcano 12 will work on the DFI. Yes the socket Placement on the DFI really sucks.

but the board makes up for it.

jjcom

11-02-2004, 04:54 PM

its just really hard to get the POLO on a board and the NF7-S looks really nice. 2.9v RAM, ...nice socket placement. WAY cheaper than the DFI Lanparty....:D

mcnbns

11-02-2004, 05:43 PM

Actually, you'll find that the NF7-S overvolts on the RAM. 2.9V in the BIOS is closer to 2.95-3.0V. With my non-vmodded NF7-S and Tictac's Mantaray BIOS I can get 230MHz FSB completely stable.

VDD is chipset voltage, BTW. Max VDD on stock board is 1.7V. Max Vcore is, indeed, 2.3V.

Like I said, a vmodded NF7-S is tough to beat for the price if you're willing to smack some solder on it.