Get a DFI SLI-DR? Opty 148 CABNE

Ok, I have some questions. First of all, here is my current system:

Opterown 148 CABNE
Asus A8N-SLI Premy
2GB OCZ Plat. 2-3-2-5 DDR400
2x74GB Raptors
Audigy ZS 2
PC P&C 510 SLI

I'm having trouble with good overclocks on the Opty and I have a few options. First, I ordered some Ballistix Z503's to replace the OCZ as I need a higher HTT/FSB with this chip than the FX-57 I had before it.

Second, I'm thinking about removing the IHS for better temps and possibly better overclocks with lower temps/volts. This is not definite as I don't want to kill my precious CABNE, but I might do it tonight if I find my balls ;)

Third, and the main point to this thread, is should I switch to the DFI SLI-DR from my A8N-SLI Premy?

I've heard nothing but good things about the board when it comes to overclocking and need the options it can provide, but I have a few questions about it before I go ahead and order.

1. Will my 7800GTX's with 80MM fan mods on them fit on the DFI board. There's between 7/8 and 1 1/8" between them in the Asus and I don't want to have to reverse the mod if I get the DFI.

2. Will I have to totally reformat and reinstall Windows if I switch motherboards? I don't know a lot about that sort of thing and know it'd be best to, but is it required?

3. Is there anything I would need to know about in switching from my current rig to the DFI board that would be issues?

4. What is the difference between the UT and non-UT SLI-DR and why is the non more expensive?

Any help on any of this would be greatly appreciated.

yes, yes and YES!!! and no.

Switch to a DFI nF4!!

Lop off the IHS, take your time and do NOT allow more than 5mm of blade under the metal!!

And you prob won't be able to fit big HS/F on your 7800GTX's!

C

i've seen a couple of Asus users with Opterons and nothing but trouble.....just can't get the clocks right......yeah DFI is probably a safer bet if you want to squeeze everything out of the CPU and RAM

ok ok calm down. I need precise answers to some of the questions you left out, I'll number them and you respond to each number lol.

1. Will 80x80x25 mm fans fit in SLI on the 7800GTX's in the DFI board.

2. Will I have to reformat/reinstall windows

3. Is there a diff between the SLI-DR and the UT SLI-DR? Which is better?

4. I have an XP-120, will I have problems with crushing the core of the Opty if all I do is remove the IHS? Will I need to modify anything else, or just pop the IHS, apply AS5, and mount HS?

I think that's it, again your answers are greatly appreciated.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by oC|-TiTaN

3. Is there a diff between the SLI-DR and the UT SLI-DR? Which is better?.

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i'll attempt this one.....No difference in boards.......only difference is in retail packaging with a frontx panel with non-UT....who cares...just buy the UT SLI-DR or if you are patient wait for the new revision of the board coming out next month.... Expert board that is

1: should be able to
2: yes
3: get the UT SLI_DR if you can afford it, or wait for the Xpert
4: any heatsink could crush a core if it wasn't mounted properly, the heatsink bracket's feet on the mobo will need to be sand down couple mm to compensate height after you'd removed the IHS, otherwise the heatsink base won't contact the core properly and you might end up frying the opty.

1 : probably
2 : yes reformat or be killed by BSODs and stuff
3 : get the UT or the Expert if you can wait
4 : be careful, listen to us and dont be stupid and your little core should be fine

Well, here are my Opteron 148 CABNE results on my A8N-SLI Premium:

225x11 @ 1.2v (2475mhz) 36c load
234x11 @ 1.25 (2572mhz) 38c load
241x11 @ 1.3v (2647mhz) 40c load
248x11 @ 1.35 (2730mhz) 42c load
254x11 @ 1.4v (2788mhz) 44c load
256x11 @ 1.45 (2814mhz) 47c load
259x11 @ 1.5v (2856mhz) 52c load
SAME! @ 1.55 (SAME!) 55c load

that made me determined to pop the IHS and get the DFI, as many many others have topped out at 2.9 on the Asus board.