ASUS CUSL2 - The good, bad and ugly?

[testocules]

I'm trying to decide if I want to get this mobo or not. I definitely want the i815E so my choices are somewhat limited. I've read 3 reviews pro and 1 semi-con so far but I want some feedback from the trenches.
I'd like to hear about your success stories and failure/nightmare experiences with this mobo.

thanks for the help,
testoc

 

[han888]

so far this board is a good board for me, i just dont like the asus make the 125 fsb with 41 pci bus speed, so u must go to 133 fsb to get a normal pci bus.

 

[Vegito]

I had no problem.

CUSL2 - Locally bought...
PC133 - Crucial
P3 733 - Retail Intel
3D Prophet - Retail
Intel Pro/100 - OEM
SB Live! - Retail

Runs so solid, makes me wanna get one to replace my BX6R2 550@733.

 

[masterskartrg]

this board to me is the cream of the crop after all the bx and via boards i had imo

 

[SmartPCUSA]

Well it's not all roses...there are some odd little problems, like the BIOS flashing issue. They've updated their website, but when you first went to update the BIOS when you rebooted you would get no signal from an AGP or PCI video card. Also, it's really great at overclocking, but if you need to bump up the voltage, watch out cause there is a problem with that. It will do it, but when you do a cold boot it will go into the BIOS 'Safe Mode'...real pain in the rear. SBLive's have a small problem, but doesn't always rear it's ugly head for some reason. And the Socket 370 placement is a little small for Golden Orbs. Don't get me wrong, I own one and love it!!! It's just like every other product, you have to know the kinks and how to fix em BTW, for more in depth info, check out www.cusl2.com...guess what it is all about Later!

 

[bigd480]

If you don't mind spending a week getting little bugs out then it's a great board and you will have no shortage of help from people who already have it...

After I flashed bios, installed new drivers for my vid/sound card, and played with the settings, I could take my p3-700 to a gig easily... It's stable in WinMe without games...

I took it down to 933 so I can run CAS2 and 4X AGP and not worry about stability... I have some Infineon on the way that will do 143 CAS2 or so they claim...

 

[testocules]

Thanks for the input
I was kind of expecting a few horror stories but I guess the fact that there aren't any speaks volumes in itself:Q I'm pretty sure this is the way I'll be going so you may hear a cry or two for help soon!

Thanks again for the help,
testoc

 

[Vegito]

It's weird how some board just crash and burn and some just works w/ no problems.

 

[SiberianTiger]

perfect here. haven't upgraded the bios yet. great overclocker and easy to use. can't go wrong with 6 PCI slots. i also like the layout of the board except if you have a fan bigger than the Gorb.

 

[testocules]

That brings me to the next question(s)
Which CPU cooler should/can I use?
I like the PEP66, FOP32, G orb or C orb from all the reviews and comments I've read.

For the CUSL2 and its socket placement:
Which ones fit best? Which are a total pain?

And although this is the wrong forum, the related issues of:
Which is the most reliable? Which is the most effective?

 

[masterskartrg]

for heatsink go for fop32 or alpha pal35t the pal35t is probably the best dont get pep66 unless you have it already,because i had to mod my pep66 to make it fit perfect a bit its made for slotkit cpu