gaming rig mobo

[JLevine]

I am planning to build a gaming system that can comfortably run quake 4/dod:s with hdr. I plan to utilize the 7800 gtx (only one to start, but will go to SLI), 2gb of ram (512 sticks) and probably use a cheaper processor like the AMD 4000+ San Diego and when more applications use dual core upgrade to the top of the line atm. I am having one problem with the configuration that could possibly make or break the system, the mobo.

I am been considering two mobo's the ABIT Fatal1ty AN8-SLI and the DFI LANPARTY nF4 SLI-DR. Can anyone point out some key differences between the two to help me make my decision?

 

[MatrixVPR]

As far as I know both companies are geared toward the enthusiast over clocker and not much difference. I'm not a big over clocker so i have stuck with ASUS since they have been good to me so far and I'm familiar with their format. Also, I liked the all black PCB Go with what you like. I would go with the DFI since it really seems to be the most capable which leads me to believe they use better quality components. I love my ASUS though, at stock it's a rock and moderate overclocking is fine. My non bias opinion says go with the ugly DFI board...

 

[JLevine]

very tru the DFI is one insanely ugly board unless you are building a lego comp lol, but it seems that DFI is the best for overclocking (which I would like to do with my 4000+). The downside I have heard DFI is really a buggy board or something?

 

[Murr0w]

Originally posted by: JLevine
very tru the DFI is one insanely ugly board unless you are building a lego comp lol, but it seems that DFI is the best for overclocking (which I would like to do with my 4000+). The downside I have heard DFI is really a buggy board or something?

No, it's just ignorant people that try to blow through the installation and end up screwing up their mobo by not paying attention to what they're doing. Building any computer is hard enough, DFI motherboards give you an overabundance of BIOS options, thus it is compounded. But people want to have something to blame, so oh well.

 

[TraumaRN]

Check out the Epox SLI boards, just as good as the Ultra series boards, just have SLI support added, overclockability second only to DFI and a very similar BIOS, as a personal experience is the fact that I got my computer to boot and run windows stable at 305x9....

EDIT: And the Epox boards are generally WAY cheaper if ordering from Newegg or the like

 

[JLevine]

I also heard good things about the fatal1ty board, any comments on that?

 

[lifeguard1999]

The DFI board allows you to make all sorts of changes in the BIOS. This is great if you know what you are doing and follow the guides that are in these forums and at dfi-street.com. This is bad, as was pointed out above, if you are careless. Personally, I love my DFI board.

 

[JLevine]

So what im getting is most people would choose the DFI over Fatal1ty right? Also what do you all think about the new asus sli-32 board?

 

[TraumaRN]

Originally posted by: JLevine
So what im getting is most people would choose the DFI over Fatal1ty right? Also what do you all think about the new asus sli-32 board?

ask yourself if what you want is just the brand name and whizz flash and bang or do you want stability, good speeds etc. Asus, DFI and Epox all make high quality boards, Epox boards are usually the cheapest but they perform at similar levels of the more expensive mobo's....I'm not trying criticize your choices, I'm trying to say there are more choices and if you want to save a little money do some research and find the board that fits you...I love my Epox board and it was only 100 bucks...great deal for a board with the same BIOS as a DFI board...*shrug* just a thought, but find some reviews from reputable sites(like AT) and make your own choice, it's your money spend it wisely