OK - Just picked a P4 motherboard... there is still time to cancel the order. HELP!

[DevilsAdvocate]

http://www.msicomputer.com/product/detail_spec/product_detail.asp?model=845G_Max_L

Got it for $77.25 shipped at newegg.com (refurbished)

What do ya'll think?

 

[oldfart]

Not a big fan of MSI. Their boards usually lack the overclocking features that make a good board. I'm not positive, but I think that board lacks PCI/AGP lock, and has no mem ratio control . Its a refurb besides. IMHO, you'd be better off with a NEW Epox 4G4A for ~ $100 @ Mwave.com.

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

What is a PCI/AGP locK? Does this matter for a non-overclocker?

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Nah, if you don't overclock AGP/PCI locking is a non issue brudda. I'm no fan of MSI or refurbs myself though and the board oldfart recommended is great, he is an Intel Guru so I'd listen to him! Besides, the Northwoods are so easy to overclock you'll end up doing it

 

[Evadman]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
Nah, if you don't overclock AGP/PCI locking is a non issue brudda. I'm no fan of MSI or refurbs myself though and the board oldfart recommended is great, he is an Intel Guru so I'd listen to him! Besides, the Northwoods are so easy to overclock you'll end up doing it

Yep, pickup a 1.6a and off ya go! I have heard reports of 3+ GHZ from that chip ( phase change cooling ) 2.2-2.4 is very common.

 

[Mark0999]

I have an 845G Max-L board and I think it's great. The layout of the board sucks if you have a full tower case, but that's my only real complaint.

PM me if you have any specific questions.

 

[oldfart]

If you are a non overclocker, PCI/AGP lock is not a big feature. I would still always want mem ratio control. If you get one of the new 533 FSB CPU's and want to run DDR333, you will be stuck @ DDR266 without it.

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

oh...

i didi want to run my memory at 333. I guess i should cancel.

 

[oldfart]

I'm not positive on that. The MSI 845G may be very well able to run DDDR333 now that I had more time to look. Anybody have this board that can say for sure? You were looking for a quick answer. I always try to have all bases covered. I like to see 4:5 and 3:4 ratio support that is user selectable, a PCI/AGP lock, decent Vcore range. If you aren't overclocking, the MSI should be OK.

 

[Jaggu]

oldfart, is the memory ratio user selectable on the Epox 4G4A ? Thanks

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

Oh well - too late to cancel Damn newegg ships fast

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Post how it does!

 

[oldfart]

I think it will be fine,

 

[Acer]

oldfart, tell me more about the 4G4A Epox board.

I am interested in the Vcore, Vmem, PCI/AGP lock and so forth. Is this DDR?

Thanks

 

[oldfart]

There is a logg thread about it here.

It is an 845G DDR board with
PCI/AGP lock
4:5 and 3:4 mem ratio support. Both are available above 133 FSB which is not the case with all 845G boards
Vcore is 1.85 max (I'm not sure on that one).

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

The board looks ok from the thread that I read about it, but I still have one question

Does PC2700 actually work?