Hi, my MSI KT3 Ultra has finally given up - the last PCI slot has died. I need to get a new motherboard, for the set up (socket A barton 2800+) and 2700DDR memory. I'm not interested in overclocking, i just want something thats rock solid - and if poss has a decent soundcard on board. I've had a look, but it seems socket A boards are getting very thin on the ground now, so its hard to make a choice. I do not want to upgrade my processor etc, i just want to replace the board. Whats a good board? Thanks JB
I've found the MSI K7N2 to be a stable board, and the reviews on Ebuyer seem to agree. The only problem is that the nForce2 chipset will not support off-board gameports. If that's a problem, then don't buy.
Older soundcards came with a port on them that used to be used for joysticks and the like, but is also used for MIDI interfacing etc. It's mainly been superseded by USB but if you have any legacy hardware, such as an old MIDI adapter or whatever, then it would be a problem for you.
Actually im gonna sell my Asus A7n8x Delux Rev.2 soon so if ur interested LMK...also its prob the best Skt A board apart from the Abit NF7-S also many many people can vouch for how good and stable it is...and also it does have a midi port but you dont have to actvate it if u dont want also its on a PCI back plate so you dont need to install it if you dont want.
im getting rid of some items i dont really need...and me mum + dad are on my case so...with the project log and stuff , i need to get some more space to do my work and project
The Abit NF7-S 2 was the one i have been recommended elsewhere. It does seem to have all the options i want. I may end up getting that.
i have both an Abit NF7-s rev 2 and an Asus a7n8x-e delux and have to say at stock clocks there isnt much to choose between them. The onboards sound on the NF7 is excellent as it is soundstorm approaved, im not sure if the asus is or not but its still not poor by any means. The asus seems a little better in the bios (for stock speed stuff) as if you accidentally alter a setting that results in a failure to boot, it will re-boot on the lowest settings meaning you can get back into the bios to correct your error withough having to clear the cmos (like you have to with the NF7). I recently picked up my asus a7n8x-e delux for the paltry sum of £18 as a used board from ebuyer (it came with nothing but the board) and its now happily residing in my media pc without any issues. My NF7 is in my main rig and again has been working perfectly since i got it just over a year ago. You wouldnt be disappointed with either choice.
na mate u got the wrong idea...theres 2 versions. abit nf7-s rev.2 and nf7-s2...u will want the nf7-s rev.2 not the "s2". the"s2" is a crap version of the Rev.2 and its performance is pants compared to the proper rev.2 board. if ur confused which one to get they buy my board off me as it has the exact features of the abit nf7-s rev.2
I recently asked the same question when my soyo died. I bought the NF7 Version 2. I did not buy the -s version because i will not need SATA for some time. I have had no problems for the past few months, seems to be a rather stable board.
I had a nf7-s rev.2 and can safely say that its not only the best Socket A board but also the best overclocker. Miss that ole' board (sniff).
yep thats the one....thats the best board avail. but ill offer mine for £35 if yer want!! http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/prod...2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=58198 but mine is just the previous delux version.
Another vote for Abit NF7-s here. Got mine around a year ago, and love it. Haven't had a single problem, and has all the features I need.
Have just put an order in for an abit board - thanks very much to all who posted their recommendations! Jon B
