Which one to buy?
- Thread starter dsella
- Start date
None of three models are SLI capable so you won't have any worry on that. Each has only one 16x slot. The MSI model sees not only the 1333/1066 memory standard over the Asus model's 1200 but is the only one with an nForce chipset while the other two are strictly Intel there.
The Asus board does see a 1600mhz fsb over the other two on further note. Here I've been running Asus boards and now have to consider a Gigabyte or MSI model for the next build due to seeing bad boards more frequently(bad caps, bad bios eproms) in the last few years when helping others as well as the first of two boards on the current build. Other then that these are about the top three favored brands to start with.
The Asus board does see a 1600mhz fsb over the other two on further note. Here I've been running Asus boards and now have to consider a Gigabyte or MSI model for the next build due to seeing bad boards more frequently(bad caps, bad bios eproms) in the last few years when helping others as well as the first of two boards on the current build. Other then that these are about the top three favored brands to start with.
Actually, the MSI P6N is SLI, but when SLI mode is enabled the second card runs at 8x.
Anyways, I am fairly sure I'm going with the GIGABYTE. After my ASUS went bad, not too sure if I want another...
Asus boards are generally quite reliable and the support is good while the batches of boards seemingly one model out of each series has been a concern lately. The second board exact same has been reliable ever since. For SLI nForce is a mandate anyways while it would be ATI/AMD for Crossfire.
Gigabyte as well as MSI generally puts out quality boards to consider so the choice comes down to which one will suit your needs there the best. You have to decide on the chipset as well as other things too.
Gigabyte as well as MSI generally puts out quality boards to consider so the choice comes down to which one will suit your needs there the best. You have to decide on the chipset as well as other things too.
alchemist83
New Member
Well they kick ass, provide regular updates and their MB's r great for O'Cking.
get the ASUS
get the ASUS
Not sure if I will be doing much overclocking, but I will get it I guess. I am not too sure though since the GIGABYTE is the best rated and has everything I need.
The_Other_One
VIP Member
The Gigabyte board looks nice and solid, with decent specs and quite a few reviews to back it up... The Asus would probably be my second choice, but I'd like to see more reviews on it first.
The MSI model supports SLI but at a reduced caoacity unlike other boards seeing the 16x mode available. The idea behind SLI or Crossfire is to sync two cards together to see a performnance boost not to see a reduced capacity. That's where MSI has been lacking lately.
The Asus model used here has 3 pci slots while being an AMD model. If the third slot is needed or simply a sound card would take up one while two are needed empty there are PCI-E 1x sound cards for using that type of slot. Here the extra is needed for additional devices and why the M2N-E was the one selected.
While the Asus model sees the faster fsb there I tend to lean on the Gigabyte model since Asus seems to be slipping in the last few years.
Cleric7x9
Active Member
no, asus model used here is socket 775, which is intel, not AMD
Vizy
New Member
he was talking about his x2.
I mentioned that since the fact that the Gigabyte model sees 3 not 2 pci slots. When goiing to put the current build together the 3rd slot was something being looked at while maybe nothing of concern to dsella. There I was also looking at one or two ide channels and decided that one with 6 sata ports would be a preference over two ide with only 4 sata ports. But dsella would have to explain further on what type of build is being planned there. All we can do is point out the differences between each model until then.
Cleric7x9
Active Member
yeah, thats true
The quesions now would be if this will be for a strictly gaming build looking at performance, occasional gaming and multimedia, a work horse for multitasking, and whether or not any heavy ocing is even being considered or simply a stock build in mind. With those things to consider it may even take a look at a larger selection of boards to find the best choice depending on ??? budget, type of build, available features, hardwares supported, etc.
You'll have to help us out a little more dsella since we are pulling both teeth and hair at the moment.
You'll have to help us out a little more dsella since we are pulling both teeth and hair at the moment.
The reason it runs them in X8 in SLI is because its a 650 chipset, has nothing to do with it being a lacking MSI. But I consider MSI lacking as a motherboard maker to start with. But the 650 runs SLI in 8-8.