Can't decide A8N32-SLI or K8N Diamond Plus

[SHR1MP]

I have been here awhile but I need to post more. But anyway, I am building my new rig, it's gonna have kickass watercooling and a FX60 (most likely). As for the Video Card I am more interested in a X1900XTX (Not SLI or Crossfire because to me it isn't worth it at all, or am I mistaken).

Right now I am stuck between two Mobos the A8N32-SLI or the K8N Diamond Plus. They both have features I want and for the past FEW weeks I have been weighing them out in my head, but right when I make a decision I read something and it changes.

Basically what I am trying to weigh is the A8N's 8 phase power against the MSI's better RAM Voltage (Epecially since I wanna OC). Then there is the fact ASUS dropped the mobo 1394 slot for a eSATA slot which I would never use. And that ASUS made all the ports I would use PCI brackets which I cant fit in a standered 7 slot case anyway.

The MSI has it all the slots I want and the Creative sound card. IT also has heatpipes as well. The only port it is missing is the Joystick port (My trusty Sidewinder 1 needs it). Also the MSI has the Vacuum tube which I will use.

It kinda seems like I have already made my decision, but the main question is, will I miss the 8 phase power or not. The MSI obviously has a better layout and a better placed CMOS button (good for an OCer like me).

I want the SLI X16 chipset because it is the best (and most likely last) nForce 4 chipset for the 939 chip. I am also not ready to go with the R580 or ULi.

I also need this PC to be pretty stable, I know it is semi hard to do OCing, but I don't want something that is super picky and will constantly give me problems.

I have also spent the last month searching past threads, but ultimatley, nobody has made a true thread with them against each other.

[SHR1MP]

So far this is what it looks like I am getting with one of those MoBos:


FX-60
X-fi SoundCard
X1900XTX
2GBs of RAM
WCing


Also, I have 2 more questions:

Is SLI or Crossfire really even worth it? Is there really a noticable difference, or does the general rule of thumb of "Next gens card will outperform last gens in SLI" still apply?

Is nForce 4 the best chipset or should I be looking at the R580 or even the ULi? I really just hate how if I do go with nVidia, I am stuck with SLi.

[Ic3man]

For me SLI/Crossfire is worthless unless you have a monitor capable of displaying 1600x1200. I have a 512mb GTX7800 but with a lcd with 1280/1024 SLI would be a waste (for me).

The A8n32 has firewire and a joystick port with adapters that attach to the motherboard that come with the package. Why cant you use them on a standard 7 slot case?

I have dual slot 7800gtx cooler, XFI soundcard, Fire wire bracket, USB/game bracket, wifi bracket and adjustable TT cooler bracket on my P180 case.

I have no experience of the MSI board but it seems to me that the A8n32 ticks all the right boxes for you if you only intend on running one ATI card or 2 NV cards.

[gmod]

Both boards are great you wont go wrong with either. Except the MSI really needs a bios update. There are a few glitches in the bios..One of which you will get a phantom PCI MODEM in your device mgr...Not sure if there is a fix for this yet. Definetley does not hurt stability...OCing on the MSI is a chore. 300htt is a pain to get...Other than that the board is awesome and extremely stable right out of the box..

The Asus board well its great but I just hate Asus's bios..Just cant get use to them I more of a fanboy for Award...

[OCme]

It depends... if you want a board with better audio features and not as good @ OC features then get the MSI, but if you want a better OC board with not as good audio features I would go with the ASUS. Both seem to be stable performers from the reviews I have read.

[SHR1MP]

Okay I am going to go with the A8N32, but, the main thing is, the RAM voltage is so low on it.

EDIT: I want the better OC features because I am getting an Xfi anyway. But does the joystick port still work if I disable the onboard sound?

[Fission]

If you are interested in 2x 1GB for RAM you won't need much voltage, so don't let that hold you back. Most chips used on performance 1GB modules react best to 2.6v-2.8v.

[Absolute_0]

Hey Shrimpster, i keep telling you, pick up an 0550VPMW 170 instead of the FX60. FX60 is too much for you to handle! :P

[SHR1MP]

Whitney that's the first time you have told me, and I think your right. The $500 saved is definatley worth it. Thanks man :D.

[Ic3man]

Yes the game port works if onboard sound is disabled, why wouldn't it?. The A8n32 allows upto 3.2v to go through the ram...would you really want to put more through it?

[thinkingbear]

The A8n32 allows upto 3.2v to go through the ram...would you really want to put more through it?
Exactly. No 2 GB kit you buy today is going to take more than that, my OCZ EB's run @ 2.6v and I would try lower if that was not the lowest the A8N32 will go.

[SHR1MP]

BH5 likes to go into the 3.Xv's. But I guess if I was gonna go that high I would be going with a eXpert or Venus :P.

Also I think I will be getting a 170 now

[thinkingbear]

BH5 likes to go into the 3.Xv's.
Sure, there is RAM out there that likes high voltage, but I think you are going to have a very hard time finding any BH-5 in a 1 GB module :stick: :)

[flashnc]

ive had a MSI diamond plus, and i will say now that i found it to be a great overclocker up to 300 area, anything much over that takes some real overclocking memory skills, but up to 300 the MSI diamond plus i dont think can be beat for its stability.....to me, from a novice overclockers veiwpoint, it was equal to the sapphire grouper i have....i just ordered another MSI Diamond plus today with no reservations as to that or another Sapphire grouper..i didnt have the A8N32 to compare with, but in any case, either one will be a good choice.