Well, from what I've seen here the one to pick is the NF7-S rev. 2.0 by Abit.
I know that the IC7-Max3 is the one to beat for Intel O.C. joy so I'd say that these guys with the NF7 are probably spot on.
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Geeky1University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA, USA)
I would say the NF7-S 2.0 also. It's a great board and has been out a while, so Abit has had time to fix any issues the board might have had when it was first released. The AN7 is a new mobo and I've also read of folks having issues with it.
EDIT: BTW, I fixed your thread title header, Bud.:)
Nope. In mhz terms yes, but in ease of use and just overall satisfaction, no.
I agree with Al, and I also own both boards. The Abit board definitely has more and better overclocking options.
EDIT: The Abit board also uses 3 phase voltage regulation where the Asus board only uses a 2 phase solution and I think the voltage regulation on the Abit is a tib more stable. The Asus board is a good board, but the Abit is better.
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Geeky1University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA, USA)
edited December 2003
I've got an A7N8X-Deluxe and an NF7-S as well; the A7N8X is a very nice board, but as an overclocker's board, the ABIT is better.
Asus: for stability, and great extras (both on the MoBo and in box!)
Have built over 30 systems from the ground up, only use Asus or Abit MoBos. In all these systems, had 2 DOA Abit boards(got replacements in 4 days), and 1 DOA Asus board (replaced in 3 days)
Of the one's i have tried, NF7-S, but there is a new kid on the block. The word that goes around is that DFI snatched a few guys from the Abit Bios Engineers team and came up with it's DFI Lanparty Ultra Revision B board. I have seen some unbelievable bandwidth from that board and i am tempted to get one.
The only drawback is that i would have to move a few capacitors since they are a little to close to the socket for the Mach II to fit.
I own an A7N8X deluxe only becouse it is a good mobo and I got it for $45 off of a freind. He sold to me after I convinced him to go with the NF7-S . Hes getting better overclocks with the abit on all the same hardware.
The DFI's are a mixed bag..I've heard some have terrible problems and some are good.
Overall, stick to the NF7 rev2. The Asus board is good but not as good as the NF7
Can anyone please give me a step by step procedure- or a link-on how to overclock my Athlon 2500+ Mobile...I have an ASUS A7N8X-E and an ABIT NF7-S...I will most likely be using the ABIT board for this CPU...Thanks a bunch...
1 gig DDR
ATI Radeon 9600 Pro
CoolerMaster Aero 7+
2 case fans
400+ watt PS
Can anyone please give me a step by step procedure- or a link-on how to overclock my Athlon 2500+ Mobile...I have an ASUS A7N8X-E and an ABIT NF7-S...I will most likely be using the ABIT board for this CPU...Thanks a bunch...
1 gig DDR
ATI Radeon 9600 Pro
CoolerMaster Aero 7+
2 case fans
400+ watt PS
The NF7 doesn't do too well with double sided ram and since you have a Gig it's probably double sided.
Start by getting a good modded bios with CPC Off and drop the multi and up the FSB step by step 'till you reach as far as your memory will go (up the Vdimm when needed)
At around 215-220 FSB up the chipset voltage to 1.7 volts
Once you have established how high your memory will go, see what is the highest multiplier you can run at that FSB.
Go easy on the Vcore and take into consideration the quality of your cooling equipment. Do your best to stay under 50C at full load and by all means don't abuse your processor with super high Vcore unless you have very good cooling.
Each processor is unique and it will tell you when it's maxed out. Above all, be aware you're not going to do it in one day. Take notes so you can review all your settings and have fun while doing it!
Besides openening up the case---is there another way to verify the type of memory installed??? I know that in control Panel under the system heading it specifies the type of CPU and how much memory is installed...Thanks
Besides openening up the case---is there another way to verify the type of memory installed??? I know that in control Panel under the system heading it specifies the type of CPU and how much memory is installed...Thanks
You should at least know the brand of memory you're running. If you have to open up the case just remember to place a hand on some of the bare case metal to discharge yourself of any static electricity. Nothing to it! I've worked on many computers and never had a problem. Should you neeed to remove the memory, look at the orientation and just make sure you put it back in the way it came out.
You should have some paperwork that came with the computer, perhaps the information is there? If you are hesitant about taking the cover off the case perhaps you should get the owner's manual for your particular setup and study it. If you are serious about OCing, taking the cover of the case is an unavoidable thing. Might as well learn to do it!
This is for real: Before you know what procedure to use in OCing, you need to know what kind of memory you've got!
Sound advice. I would never recommend an overclock to someone without first knowing their memory and the stepping on their CPU.
Hi Thrax and all,
Thrax, you are right on the money!
There are so many things to learn about OCing and having the basics down is a good start. Knowing the stepping of your CPU is basic too, of course!
I was a newbie at one time and I remember how "iffy" I felt about taking the cover off my computer the first time. I'm glad I did!
There are so many reasons for doing it and you get a real education. If in doubt, just get the owner's manual and a good book about computer basics and take it from there.
The basics of overclocking start with being willing to remove the cover and look in there to become familiar with all the components. Heck, I know many OCers that hardly ever install the cover back on!
The Aero wouldn't be the first choice of many OCers. Sure, it looks good but there are better performing coolers.
The SP97 from Thermallright would be an excellent choice. I don't think the Aero is a real OCers cooler.
BTW, you should give consideration to the above because even with the SP97 you'll be getting near the limit of air cooling and you might as well spend your money on something capable of cooling your processor for OCing and the Aero ain't it!
The memory I have is as follows: (1) 512mb DDR of Crucial PC2700 333 mhz and (1) 512mb DDR of Elixir 333mhz...I have the Thermaltake Volcano 7+ which pushes out 49 CFM...I have the ABIT NF7-S Version 2.0 CPU is the AMD Athlon 2500+ mobile...Also my case only has 1 case fan...The side is made of Acrylic and I purchased (2) CoolerMaster Blue LED Fans...Any suggestions on how I should drill to accomodate the extra fan??? Also,,,I purchased a tube of Silicone-based thermal compound at Radio Shack...I had read somewhere that there brand is decent...Thanks...
The NF7 doesn't do too well with double sided ram and since you have a Gig it's probably double sided.
Start by getting a good modded bios with CPC Off and drop the multi and up the FSB step by step 'till you reach as far as your memory will go (up the Vdimm when needed)
At around 215-220 FSB up the chipset voltage to 1.7 volts
Once you have established how high your memory will go, see what is the highest multiplier you can run at that FSB.
Go easy on the Vcore and take into consideration the quality of your cooling equipment. Do your best to stay under 50C at full load and by all means don't abuse your processor with super high Vcore unless you have very good cooling.
Each processor is unique and it will tell you when it's maxed out. Above all, be aware you're not going to do it in one day. Take notes so you can review all your settings and have fun while doing it!
Comments
I know that the IC7-Max3 is the one to beat for Intel O.C. joy so I'd say that these guys with the NF7 are probably spot on.
EDIT: BTW, I fixed your thread title header, Bud.:)
It simply kicks ass!
Nope. In mhz terms yes, but in ease of use and just overall satisfaction, no.
I agree with Al, and I also own both boards. The Abit board definitely has more and better overclocking options.
EDIT: The Abit board also uses 3 phase voltage regulation where the Asus board only uses a 2 phase solution and I think the voltage regulation on the Abit is a tib more stable. The Asus board is a good board, but the Abit is better.
Asus: for stability, and great extras (both on the MoBo and in box!)
Have built over 30 systems from the ground up, only use Asus or Abit MoBos. In all these systems, had 2 DOA Abit boards(got replacements in 4 days), and 1 DOA Asus board (replaced in 3 days)
The only drawback is that i would have to move a few capacitors since they are a little to close to the socket for the Mach II to fit.
My Votes for Abits NF7-S
Overall, stick to the NF7 rev2. The Asus board is good but not as good as the NF7
1 gig DDR
ATI Radeon 9600 Pro
CoolerMaster Aero 7+
2 case fans
400+ watt PS
The NF7 doesn't do too well with double sided ram and since you have a Gig it's probably double sided.
Start by getting a good modded bios with CPC Off and drop the multi and up the FSB step by step 'till you reach as far as your memory will go (up the Vdimm when needed)
At around 215-220 FSB up the chipset voltage to 1.7 volts
Once you have established how high your memory will go, see what is the highest multiplier you can run at that FSB.
Go easy on the Vcore and take into consideration the quality of your cooling equipment. Do your best to stay under 50C at full load and by all means don't abuse your processor with super high Vcore unless you have very good cooling.
Each processor is unique and it will tell you when it's maxed out. Above all, be aware you're not going to do it in one day. Take notes so you can review all your settings and have fun while doing it!
Gives lots of relevant info. Second tab from right has good memory detail.
Once set up, minimise the screen and it will drop down to the bottom and show what Mhz you are running at.
You should at least know the brand of memory you're running. If you have to open up the case just remember to place a hand on some of the bare case metal to discharge yourself of any static electricity. Nothing to it! I've worked on many computers and never had a problem. Should you neeed to remove the memory, look at the orientation and just make sure you put it back in the way it came out.
You should have some paperwork that came with the computer, perhaps the information is there? If you are hesitant about taking the cover off the case perhaps you should get the owner's manual for your particular setup and study it. If you are serious about OCing, taking the cover of the case is an unavoidable thing. Might as well learn to do it!
This is for real: Before you know what procedure to use in OCing, you need to know what kind of memory you've got!
Hi Thrax and all,
Thrax, you are right on the money!
There are so many things to learn about OCing and having the basics down is a good start. Knowing the stepping of your CPU is basic too, of course!
I was a newbie at one time and I remember how "iffy" I felt about taking the cover off my computer the first time. I'm glad I did!
There are so many reasons for doing it and you get a real education. If in doubt, just get the owner's manual and a good book about computer basics and take it from there.
The basics of overclocking start with being willing to remove the cover and look in there to become familiar with all the components. Heck, I know many OCers that hardly ever install the cover back on!
So you'll know:
The Aero wouldn't be the first choice of many OCers. Sure, it looks good but there are better performing coolers.
The SP97 from Thermallright would be an excellent choice. I don't think the Aero is a real OCers cooler.
BTW, you should give consideration to the above because even with the SP97 you'll be getting near the limit of air cooling and you might as well spend your money on something capable of cooling your processor for OCing and the Aero ain't it!
just my 0.02 cents!
Hi!
How good is it and how much does it cost?
..could be an option since I imagine it's easier to install.