EVGA NF4 SLI (NF41-AX) report

[motoxpress]

So, what's the verdict on the 7800gt combo and Dual cores? I am about ready to pull the trigger but, I want a solid MB too. Did the bios updates address the memory, splash screen and other issues?

-mx

 

[Heckler 5th]

thread necromancy! actually, i was thinking about this deal too. a friend of mine went for it and he's quite satisfied but he's not OCing. i noticed evga's site has a new bios update addressing the creative x-fi problem as well as temp monitoring issues. seems like they're committed to improving this board's stability. i think i'm just gonna get it anyways...
btw, many run dual-cores on this mobo w/zero issues so i wouldn't worry about that. i'm thinkin of getting an opty 148 (venus).

 

[Fuelrod]

Originally posted by: Heckler 5th
thread necromancy! actually, i was thinking about this deal too. a friend of mine went for it and he's quite satisfied but he's not OCing. i noticed evga's site has a new bios update addressing the creative x-fi problem as well as temp monitoring issues. seems like they're committed to improving this board's stability. i think i'm just gonna get it anyways...
btw, many run dual-cores on this mobo w/zero issues so i wouldn't worry about that. i'm thinkin of getting an opty 148 (venus).

I've had this board since mid August and have grown to hate it. If you plan on overclocking I would not recommend this board. I just purchased a new Abit board to replace the EVGA because I just couldn't take it any more. Here are the biggest issues I had:

1. My board would not clock past 250 HTT which obviously limited my options as far as overclocking. Although some people didn't have this issue, many did, just read EVGA own forums.

2. The temperature readings on my board were never right. Yes I know EVGA put a bios out they claim fixes the problem, but trust me, they didn't. Once again go on EVGA's forums; you will see there were many people that the bios didn't help. For me and a buddy of mine (Balex99) it didn't help the temperature issue at all. This wouldn't be so bad if you could say the readings were off by a certain amount consistently. Unfortunately for me it seemed to vary from day to day.

3. EVGA has a stupid splash screen that covers up the post screen when booting. It's very annoying and it can't be disabled in the bios. You can hit TAB during the post to remove the splash screen but half the time it removes it so late you see the post screen for 1/2 second. Some may not care to see the post screen but I do.

EVGA has been aware of all three these issues since at least August. Now it's almost December and none of these issues have been fixed for many people. This weekend I finally gave up on them and ordered another board. If you get lucky and get a good board great for you; but if I had to do it all over again knowing what I know now, I'd pass on this "free" motherboard. Good luck to those that purchase, you've been warned ....

 

[Heckler 5th]

thanks for the heads-up, fuelrod. maybe i'll get another board and ebay the evga.

 

[n7]

After reading thru this thread, i take it this mobo is crap overall.

Good to know, since the eVGA mobo + 7800GT for $460 Cdn. was tempting.
After using my Neo2 for so long though, there's no way i'll go back to using a POS OCer.

 

[Megatomic]

I wouldn't say it's crap. I've had mine running at 240HTT with the memory running on a divider (200MHz) at 1T since the day I got it. I'm pretty happy with it myself.

 

[acroig]

ATTENTION EVERYONE:

I need for everyone to read what Keith (EVGA Engineer) has posted here regarding the logo issue:

http://www.evga.com/community/messageboard/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8855&whichpage=2[/url]

This means WAR guys! PLEASE EVERYONE, write a note on this subject at the EVGA forum so the idiotic suit at EVGA that does not want the logo removed gets the message LOUD AND CLEAR!

WE SHALL OVERCOME CORPORATE STUPIDITY!!!

 

[Yreka]

Originally posted by: Megatomic
I wouldn't say it's crap. I've had mine running at 240HTT with the memory running on a divider (200MHz) at 1T since the day I got it. I'm pretty happy with it myself.

I am fairly happy with mine as well. My OPT 170 will run up to 2800. Memory was on the 166 devider at 1t, however it isnt TCCD which is what most of the complaints are about.

My gripes with the board are:

EVGA Logo, not a dealbreaker I just press tab to view post data.

Heatsink Mounting isnt standard. I had to use extra hardware to attach an XP-90 and then Scythe Ninja mounts.

I will still most likely replace it with the new Asus once it hits the shelves for at or less than $200

 

[acroig]

Attention all!

Wade Shelly of EVGA has asked for our help! Please read the following:

"Would it be too much for me to ask your help in compiling a list of memory modules that HardOCP members are having trouble with.

We would need actual model numbers and settings they are trying to use.

I will do my part with reports in our forums at the same time.

Thanks"

This is important guys as it shows EVGA may be trying to fix the TCCD / 1T RAM issue that has plagued the NF41 fo so long. Anyone that has any info please post in this thread or here:

http://www.evga.com/community/messa...p?TOPIC_ID=9789

Note that Wade wants RAM model numbers and settings used on the NF41.

I'm gonna try and go back to the start of this thread and work my way back here to gather as much info as possible. Thanks everyone for contributing!

 

[imported_MrDisco]

Hello everyone. Newbie computer builder here. I saw the deal for the 7800+mobo combo and have been tempted to buy it. What is the final word on this? If all I want to do is build a stable, reliable computer w/o OCing will I regret buying this combo? Also what are some specific models of PSU and Memory I should buy for it?
Thank you for your help.

 

[acroig]

Originally posted by: MrDisco
Hello everyone. Newbie computer builder here. I saw the deal for the 7800+mobo combo and have been tempted to buy it. What is the final word on this? If all I want to do is build a stable, reliable computer w/o OCing will I regret buying this combo? Also what are some specific models of PSU and Memory I should buy for it?
Thank you for your help.

I'll show you what I have and it works great!

RAM:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16820148007

PSU:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16817103512

As far as the RAM goes for $120.00 I don't think you should consider anything less. This can do 260HTT 1:1 @ 1T no problem. The PSU is SLI ready and has all the power you need. The board is not hard to set up, just make sure that if you want to flash to the newest BIOS please do it from a floppy. Hope this helps.

 

[imported_MrDisco]

Originally posted by: acroig
I'll show you what I have and it works great!

RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16820148007

PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16817103512

As far as the RAM goes for $120.00 I don't think you should consider anything less. This can do 260HTT 1:1 @ 1T no problem. The PSU is SLI ready and has all the power you need. The board is not hard to set up, just make sure that if you want to flash to the newest BIOS please do it from a floppy. Hope this helps.

Hi there! I tried clicking your links but they didn't work for some reason.

Sorry I have no idea what HTT or 1T means..i'll assume thats good?

Does the bios have an 'auto' mode? (i.e can i just plug in the cpu and memory and it will automatically set the stock settings needed?).

Finally is it worth jumping into an x2 if i'm using it for ripping, playing games, watching movies, etc or will a single core amd64 do just fine? i'm concerned about compatibility issues with the x2 chips.

thank you for any help you can provide a newbie.

 

[acroig]

RAM:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820148007

PSU:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103512

BIOS Guide: (look on the left)

http://www.rojakpot.com/

X2's are good and video drivers are beginning to take advantage of dual cores. If you don't oc that may be the way to go.

 

[Yreka]

If you aren't going to Overclock, I wouldnt worry about 1t or HTT. Let the BIOS autoconfig everything, in most cases it will be pretty close to where you need to be. As you learn more you can wade into that stuff later and start tinkering.

The Dual Cores are well worth it IMO. I am running a Dual Core Opteron equivilant of the X2 4800 and it works just fine with this board. As for if you need it or not, well that only you can answer. I am not a benchmark guy, but I can tell you I noticed a big gain in system responsiveness upgrading to my dual core over a single core A64 Winchester at the same speed. I use my PC for games, DVD shrink, Internet, etc.

As for memory, I am using 2 x 1GB sticks of Patriot, and a Seasonic S12-600W power supply and they work just dandy. You can probibly get away with a smaller, less expesnive power supply depending on what you are running, and there are several different quality brands of memory out now so take your pick.

 

[acroig]

Originally posted by: Yreka
If you aren't going to Overclock, I wouldnt worry about 1t or HTT. Let the BIOS autoconfig everything, in most cases it will be pretty close to where you need to be. As you learn more you can wade into that stuff later and start tinkering.

Not quite. The NF41 has shown issues with certain brands of RAM that causes instability when set to 1T. I linked Mr.Disco to the Crucial Ballistix because it has no issues with the NF41 and it oc well, not that he cares about that now but he might in the future. More info can be found on the EVGA motherboard forum.

 

[imported_MrDisco]

Thank you both for your answers.

Acroig would you be able to check the psu link? you posted the ram links twice

I was reading some other forums and they mentioned ram instability and how this board is quite picky. If the Crucial balisticks will keep me up and running then i'll be happy.

so just to confirm this board/bios can autoconfig everything for me w/o much manual intervention?

any thoughts on the fortron (sp?) line of PSUs?

 

[acroig]

Originally posted by: MrDisco
Thank you both for your answers.

Acroig would you be able to check the psu link? you posted the ram links twice

I was reading some other forums and they mentioned ram instability and how this board is quite picky. If the Crucial balisticks will keep me up and running then i'll be happy.

so just to confirm this board/bios can autoconfig everything for me w/o much manual intervention?

any thoughts on the fortron (sp?) line of PSUs?

Link updated. I linked to the Ballistix because that's what I use and I know what it can do. The BIOS can autoconfig, but I would advise manual settings on any BIOS. BTW, if you EVER want to update the BIOS on the NF41 make sure you do it via the floppy method.

 

[Insane3D]

How high does the HT usually go on these boards? I'm currently running my 3200+ Venice @ 8 x 315HT, and I haven't seen one sign of instability yet. Prime has been cranking for 21 hours....

Oh, also, I removed the stupid orb chipset fan and put on a normal passive heatsink...

 

[acroig]

I've had mine to 330, but it was faster @ 260 1:1.

 

[Bad Dude]

What is the highest Vcore for the Venice on this board?
Thanks.

 

[acroig]

Originally posted by: Bad Dude
What is the highest Vcore for the Venice on this board?
Thanks.

3.15v I believe.

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: acroig
I've had mine to 330, but it was faster @ 260 1:1.

Faster in benchmarks...or real world use?

I don't have memory that will do 520mhz DDR, what are you using and what are your timings at 520?

At 312, I'm running the max of my Venice, 2.5ghz, memory at ~220 (440mhz DDR), CL2 6-3-3 2T. I can't get 1T to run at anything above 240 or so...regardless of mem settings.

 

[acroig]

Originally posted by: Insane3D

Originally posted by: acroig
I've had mine to 330, but it was faster @ 260 1:1.

Faster in benchmarks...or real world use?

I don't have memory that will do 520mhz DDR, what are you using and what are your timings at 520?

At 312, I'm running the max of my Venice, 2.5ghz, memory at ~220 (440mhz DDR), CL2 6-3-3 2T. I can't get 1T to run at anything above 240 or so...regardless of mem settings.

Faster in everything, plus the NB would get EXTREMELY hot at 330. I use Crucial Ballistix PC3200 1:1 @ 260 2.5-3-3-7 1T, 2.85v. This is one on the few RAM sticks that has no problems on the NF41 doing 1T. Here's the egg link, FYI:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820148007

 

[Insane3D]

Hmmm..my NB doesn't get more than warm and it's passively cooled. Also...2.85v? Seems a little on the high side...but regardless...nice!

 

[acroig]

Originally posted by: Insane3D
Hmmm..my NB doesn't get more than warm and it's passively cooled. Also...2.85v? Seems a little on the high side...but regardless...nice!

The Ballistix is rated for 2.8v so it's not very far off. The HS Fan on the NF41 northbridge is a big POS and it gets hot no matter what. At 330 it was even worse.