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SnappyTom
13-09-2003, 02:21 PM
Sorry, my mistake - here is my question again

Which of these two motherboards do you recommend?

For 2500+ Barton, 333DDR, Radeon 9700 Pro. Want a little overclocking potential (i.e. active nb hsf and clock multiplier)

Soltek SL-75FRN2-L
Gigabyte GA-7N400-L1

Thanks :)
WhiteDragon
13-09-2003, 02:45 PM
I would go with the Soltek, but I am a bit biased given I have one ;)

Check out: http://forums.overclockers.co.nz/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9279
SnappyTom
13-09-2003, 02:50 PM
Yes I read that post thanks, there's where I got the Soltek on my list. I'm just reading a shootout on Tom's hardware and the Soltek didn't stand out :( The Gigabyte wasn't tested...

I'm leaning more towards gigabyte, but that's because I've got one now and am pleased with it (well, except that it doens't work with 166FSB cause it's rev 1.0 :( )
SnappyTom
13-09-2003, 03:29 PM
Oooo... hello... just saw the Gigabyte has a passive NB hsf :eek:
Method
13-09-2003, 03:37 PM
Most boards have active nb coolers. Some like epox dont. My epox nb tends to get hot.

But the thing is the company wouldn't put a passive nb cooler on the nb if it won't do the job..
WhiteDragon
13-09-2003, 03:45 PM
Originally posted by SnappyTom
I'm just reading a shootout on Tom's hardware and the Soltek didn't stand out :( The Gigabyte wasn't tested...
Toms hardware is the last place you should be basing a decision on. While it can be useful for general information, you can't trust anything they do :rolleyes: You would be far better to get reviews from other sites (like here :D )
swiftynz
13-09-2003, 04:15 PM
Gigabyte all the way. Dual bios is actually DAM handy given the problems nforce boards have been having with bioses (just helped hot flash an NF7-S 2.0 yesterday :D), the multiplier issue is rare, and its the NF2 Ultra 400 chipset so will run at 200mhz fsb anyway. It also is a more complete package than the soltek - Gigabyte don't skimp on the extras.

Either way you'll be happy with either of those boards, they're both very good.
SnappyTom
13-09-2003, 09:30 PM
Just had a look - that Gigabyte board doesn't have dual bios :( It also doesn't have a lot of the other features that even I already have on my motherboard :( I think it's the 'lite' version...

Now I don't know which to get! :eek:
swiftynz
13-09-2003, 10:52 PM
Oops, my bad.

7N400 Pro ;)

Otherwise I'd now probably lean towards the soltek.
SnappyTom
14-09-2003, 12:09 AM
:D Heh, looks like you all seem to agree then :) Does worry me that it got an 'average' review at OCNZ... but who knows...?! The real truth would be in the actual users I guess...

Can I ask, why is this board so cheap tho - $155 seems like an absolute steal. The board I have now (GA-7VAXP) still costs $275 for some unknown reason...
SnappyTom
14-09-2003, 12:57 PM
Nevermind everyone

http://forums.overclockers.co.nz/showthread.php?s=&postid=128826#post128826

With a last minute tip I have fixed my Radeon/GA-7VAXP problem and don't need a new mobo! But just for reference, would've definately got the Soltek, from your recommendations and cause of awesome reviews on the internet :D
Drew
28-09-2003, 02:55 PM
SOLTEK.. agree