DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D ATX AMD Motherboard

[reddem0n]

Alright so here I go, going to be my first time building my computer and from all the recommendations I've been getting I have decided to go with this one. The specs I am looking to install on my new comp will be an AMD 64 3500 + Venice Core, x800 xL, 1gb memory, 160gb-200gb SATA HardDrives, CD/DVD-RW Drives. I'm not interested in getting an SLI right now as it is a little above my budget and I still don't see any need for two video cards in once. Here's the mobo I am talking about

DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136152

Since I am new at this, would anyone give me some experiences with this board or their line of products if you've used them...Also I would like to know if there is a retail version to this, because I can't find it : (

 

[Rip the Jacker]

It's the best/best OC board for A64 939. Lets memory run up to 4v. Very stable. And I hear you can turn it into an SLI with a pencil mod?

 

[AristoV300]

Agreed, it is the best overclocking 939 board available.

 

[reddem0n]

Sounds great, where do you guys suggest I can find a retail version of this though? I've already emailed newegg to see if they will carry or if they even do in stock....Haven't received any responses yet

 

[rise]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136152

edit-i didn't realize you had actually linked newegg in your OP. oh well, you must be concerned/confused on retail packaging? that is retail, see how the box in the picture and the descrption will show whats in the box.

be sure to visit dfi.street for some info/tips.

 

[reddem0n]

Hmmm maybe you have missed what I was trying to emphasize here.... The RETAIL version not OEM. : )

 

[Raduque]

reddem0n, that IS the retail version.... Look at the box in the pics. OEM equip doesn't ship in a box like that, it's shipped in a white box with no markings, and sometimes, no accessories.

Edit: I am pretty certain newegg doesn't even SELL OEM mobos.....

 

[reddem0n]

I'm a little confused here...Your saying it is the retail version? When on the newegg product site for the item it clearly says OEM. Aside from that, I think I found the retail version here http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=246486 ...The only difference I see is that one has 1000fsb on the newegg one while the zipzoomfly has 2000fsb.

I've also done a bit more research found a little benchmark tests anandtech did on the motherboard here at this link
http://anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2337&p=8

Does anyone notice how they compared the nf4 with nothing but nf3 motherboards? Not exactly what I would call a fair test there...

 

[Stokes]

This is a little bit off the general discussion here. But I have heard that NB chipset fan is extremely loud and needs to be replaced if you are looking for a quiet PC.

Being that graphics cards go right over the chipset fan, what is suggested for a quieter solution? I heard people discussing the Zalman NB-47, but I don't know if it will fit. What else is there?

 

[rise]

reddem0n, those are the same boards looking just quickly. they both are retail. etailers sometimes have inaccurate or misleading specs. visit dfi site if you want and you can see the nf4 models they have available.

as far as the review, they compare it to an nf4 reference board as they do with all skt 939 boards. if you want some side by side, kind of, look at the sli version. the ultra d is the same board as the sli-dr less the extra si3114 raid ports and the sli capability. the pcb is the exact same and that is also why you see the dual 16x pci-e slots. in fact the chipset was for a while at least easily modded to full sli with a pencil line or conductive paint.

stokes, as far as the chipset fan, i find it unbearable at full speed (7,000+ rpm) but since applying as ceramique i never run it over 2,000 rpm and my chipset load temp is max 45c. thats a 3200 @ 9x275 and a 6800gt on top of it. if i had the foresight to use as5 i bet i'd be maxing around 40c. either way, the chipset is fine up to 60c from what i hear then it could be problematic.

edit---stokes forgot the noise, all i can say is my case isn't as quiet as i'd like but the nb fan is not the culprit. like i said at full blown it is terribly loud. i heard some using a passive but i didn't look into it more as i can';t hear this one at reasonable levels. i also have the vantec iceberg kicking around, a copper chipset cooler, that looked like it would fit perfectly but i didn't use it as i wanted to see how much the as ceramique would help first, which was ~5c.

 

[Stokes]

How did you slow the rpm down on the fan? I never knew there was a control for it where you could slow it down?

I'm not sure if this is THE board I will get yet, but it is what I have been planning. I'm wondering what ATI will introduce in the next month before I build my new PC.

Anyone else change the cooling on the chipset?

 

[rise]

the driver cd comes with "smart guardianITE" program that lets you set your rpms and monitor your temps/volts in windows or you could set them in bios.

i think i saw a thread about ati changing there focus from r520 and onto amr here today with new mobos being introduced in some form by the major manufacturers in a month or so with card coming out late this year but we all know how paper launches go.

 

[reddem0n]

Originally posted by: rise4310
reddem0n, those are the same boards looking just quickly. they both are retail. etailers sometimes have inaccurate or misleading specs. visit dfi site if you want and you can see the nf4 models they have available.

as far as the review, they compare it to an nf4 reference board as they do with all skt 939 boards. if you want some side by side, kind of, look at the sli version. the ultra d is the same board as the sli-dr less the extra si3114 raid ports and the sli capability. the pcb is the exact same and that is also why you see the dual 16x pci-e slots. in fact the chipset was for a while at least easily modded to full sli with a pencil line or conductive paint.

Yeah looks like newegg may have made an error on their part by putting it as a 1000fsb when it should be 2000fsb....Here is the link to the motherboard on the manufucter's site
http://www.dfi.com.tw/Product/xx_produc...ODUCT_ID=3471&CATEGORY_TYPE=LP&SITE=US