Epox 8K5A2+ Questions

[BaboonGuy]

Hey guys, I know a lot of you have the 8K5A2+ here so help me out!

I'm building a new computer and I originally wanted the MSI KT3-Ultra2. It's got the great price (82 bucks) and has great reviews. However, I've recently decided that I want to get the Athlon XP 1600+ and overclock it to a 2100+. I've read some things that have made me think that the KT3-Ultra2 is not the best mobo to oc with. So since most of you with the 8K5A2+ have done this very same overclock, I've got some questions:

1) Will the KT3-Ultra2 really not be as good as the 8K5A2+ at oc-ing this 1600+?

2) How is the onboard sound of the 8K5A2+? Is it just as good as the KT3-Ultra2's? I really hope it is because I am really on a budget (under $800 for EVERYTHING I am going to need) and if I have to get a sound card then this mobo may not be worth the cost.

3) How good is the onboard ethernet? Another reason this 8K5A2+ is apealing is that it has onboard ethernet which will save me $16 on a card.

4) Unrelated to the mobo...How will Kingston 512MB DDR333 PC2700 Retail (CAS 2.5) perform in this overclock, will it be sufficient? It's only $127 at googlegear so it fits my budget nicely.

Thanks for the answers guys.

 

[BaboonGuy]

bump

 

[Actaeon]

I saw this earlier, i was hoping someone else would answer, as I only have the 8K5A2, so I cannot comment on the network.

1.) Epox is known, and probally has the highest OCing ability out of all the motherboards. I'm not sure how high the KT3 Ultra-2 OCs, but I'm pretty darn sure it won't be as high as the Epox 8K5A2+

2.) I think the onboard sound is fine, but I have crappy speakers. So I may not be able to tell a difference between an Audigy and the onboard sound. I think it sounds fine, as good as my old Sound Blaster Live!

3.) No comment, but I havn't heard anything bad about it, I don't think you could get a "bad" ethernet. Considering most connections won't even make use of 100mbs.

4.) Sounds like nice memory. I know the brand is pretty good, but I'am not sure how high it'll overclock. Sounds like a guaranteed run at 166mhz FSB @ CAS2.5

 

[Liquidcool]

I can tell you this much.

1) I no longer have a SB live in my pc.
2) I no longer have a nic card in my pc.
3) got a stick of kingston up to 200mhz
4) I have owned a few mobo's in my time. None of witch O/C'd like this one does!!!

Think I am Epox for life

You will be happy with this mobo. I have always been a Asus or Abit. But I will no longer look down that road!