:roll: Well....Supernoob comp builder here, 1st post. Haven't started build yet.
This is a long one, but rather complete, so please forgive.
Please tell me that the MSI Neo4 Platinum MB I purchased as a B-day gift to myself two weeks ago wasn't a mistake? I've read so many positive reviews from experts and civi's, and the price point was great @ 114. I KNOW that the A64 3000+ Venice I bought sitting next to the new MB is a winner, but after finding and reading this most excellent thread, I don't feel good about tearing down my current system for what may be the most stressful, time-consuming, and expensive upgrade project I could have imagined.
I'm not currently a gamer, but with a system better than an XP1700+ and a fully integrated PC Chips MB, I could be. Mostly, I focus on audio/video encoding/burning, and the 3.5 hrs req'd. now for a movie burn is unacceptable, so along with a solution, I thought I'd upgrade entire system, without spending $800-1000 to "just get me there".
I'm getting the impression that most of the build/BSOD/shutdown/auto-restart/game problems stemmed from faulty BIOS versions, overclocking(which I'm interested in), and incomplete product compatibility info.
It's almost as if MB manufacturers just can't wait to get their profitable product out into the hungry, trusting marketplace, even though it was obviously still in it's "beta" phase. Is it flaming to tell the truth? Or, have recent BIOS revisions "fixed" most all of the problems I've read about, in which case, I don't have much to worry about?
I bought this MB because of the excellent reviews by so many ppl, and because it should allow for substantial future upgrades. And, it looks awesome as well.
Here's what I've filtered out, and will someone please reassure me about this build, or tell me not to waste my time:
---drivers from nVidia are better than MSI Update, and STANDALONE is perhaps the
best way to go
---BIOS v1.6 may be best for OC potential of the Venice cores
---disable nVidia Firewall
---verify/set suggested memory timings
---it doesn't like double-sided DDR mem modules
---psu should be 420w+, and 20 pin connector fits just fine
---for NB fan problems, best to just get something like the Vantec Iceberg cooler
---120mm case fans are a very good idea
---USB keyboard over PS/2 is definitely a good idea
That's all I've got so far, except for the most important fact: How many ppl bought this MB and had virtually no problems whatsoever, either with the original build/startup, or with lasting durability. What's the percentage there? Would MSI be proud of that statistic, since they put the board out there? I know I'm just panicking....please set me straight.
Thank you, and apologies in advance to MSI.
( Today's my birthday )