S939 mobo recommendations please

[SteveI]

I'm looking at the A64 3000+ for $150. It's come down in price a bit faster than I expected. I think I'll upgrade at least 1 system by new year. Anyway, since this is a low multiplier CPU, I need a good FSB mobo.

Ideally, a mobo that can handle 300 fsb (yes, I know it is called something different).... in other words, a 50% increase from stock. I would need something like this running sync and async. The memory I would initially start with is 2x PC3700.

I'm not impressed by PCIx, so I don't see anything to wait for (I'm not going to spend $200+ on a gpu). I think nVidia is necessary since it would be PCI locked.

Any suggestions?

[RussianMissile1]

arent the via s939 boards also pci/agp locked?

[GrahamGarside]

What chip are you planning on getting up to a 50% overclock? or is that with a reduced multiplyer?
Yes all s939 boards have the agp/pci locks as the newer k8t800pro chip has them
The MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum is a good board from what I've heard, I'm not sure about the fsb reaching 300mhz though

[Frank_G]

Well the epox 9NDA3+ reached an O/C of 283fsb when it was tested at PC Stats highest O/C I have heard about on any review site yet!!

[SteveI]

Originally Posted by GrahamGarside

What chip are you planning on getting up to a 50% overclock? or is that with a reduced multiplyer?
Yes all s939 boards have the agp/pci locks as the newer k8t800pro chip has them
The MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum is a good board from what I've heard, I'm not sure about the fsb reaching 300mhz though

As I mentioned, I'm looking at the low end A64 3000+, running 1.8ghz. I figure it may get to 2.6ghz, but will need a really high fsb mobo to get there.

[cadaveca]

I've read of lots of boards hitting 275, 280. I'm not too keen on anything that isn't SLi, but the VIA chip seems to be a common favorite...i think bradmax might know better as he has gone through a few boards.

[GrahamGarside]

Originally Posted by SteveI

As I mentioned, I'm looking at the low end A64 3000+, running 1.8ghz. I figure it may get to 2.6ghz, but will need a really high fsb mobo to get there.

the 3000 is at 2ghz and an overclock to around 2.5-2.6ghz shouldnt be a problem with the fsb

[bradmax57]

Originally Posted by Frank_G

Well the epox 9NDA3+ reached an O/C of 283fsb when it was tested at PC Stats highest O/C I have heard about on any review site yet!!

Im at about 275htt with mine at moment, not sure where to go from here?

[bradmax57]

Originally Posted by SteveI

I'm looking at the A64 3000+ for $150. It's come down in price a bit faster than I expected. I think I'll upgrade at least 1 system by new year. Anyway, since this is a low multiplier CPU, I need a good FSB mobo.

Ideally, a mobo that can handle 300 fsb (yes, I know it is called something different).... in other words, a 50% increase from stock. I would need something like this running sync and async. The memory I would initially start with is 2x PC3700.

I'm not impressed by PCIx, so I don't see anything to wait for (I'm not going to spend $200+ on a gpu). I think nVidia is necessary since it would be PCI locked.

Any suggestions?

Id say Neo 2 or 9nda3+ at moment if your not fussed about pci-x, both are good boards from my own experience

[bypolar]

The 3000 winchesters are default 1.8G 200X9. I had one running 250X9 on the Soltek board =2250MHz @ default voltages 1.425V.

The retail 3000 Like the one I had are 1.4V the OEM's are 1.5V not sure this makes a difference?

I have another retail 3000 on the way along with the Epox board, annatech had the epox up to 291 FSB.

The MSI is the board of choice for high HTT/FSB The gigabyte is in second I would presume.

I would say the Epox MSI or Gigabyte. The MSI being the one that has seen 300FSB more readly, the gigabyte being one that has seen 300FSB but not as steady as the MSI and the Epox really yet to be user tested.

I'm not sure your 3700 will do 300FSB maybe if it is EB. That is what is really going to hold you back.

[SteveI]

Thanks bypolar. Good info.
Regarding MSI, oddly, I've never owned or tinkered with one before... and I've gone through quite a few boards over the years. Has your experience in the long run been positive? Is there a specific model I should look for?

[bypolar]

The MSI Neo Here

These are the new revision and seem to be the best sofar. NewEgg has them on the way.

It is funny the stock before the revision was 139.00 I think the popularity and the new stock warranted a price increase.

The MSI boards I have owned have been solid boards. although not the best Overclockers. MSI has really out did them selfs on the New Neo series.

[Ol'Pal Gary]

What memory, [brand, speed, cas latencey] are you guys using to attain these great overclocks ???
I Am going with Epox 939pin motherboard, AMD64 3200 90nm Winchester core or maybe 3500 if they come down in price a little !!

Thanks; Gary

Any other tips you guys can share ??

[GregP24]

I'm having great success with my MSI board. My memory is TCCD based. It runs 1T all the up to about 292FSB, then I have to set it to 2T. But it WILL go to 300FSB, as will my mobo with a reduced multi.
From what I have heard, the 3000+ is a better OCer than the 3200+. Seems like many people are hitting 2.7ghz on them, while most 3200s top out around 2.5-2.6ghz. I could be wrong with the observation, though.

My chip seems to be an exception. As is my OCing skill

[dsio]

ive had both the msi and an abit av8 and i must say they both do a more than adequate job at high fsb. both have been recorded at 300 fsb and both are stable boards. i think they both have that same epox/msi/abit quality feel that ive come to enjoy along with the award pheonix bios. to be honest i think these days there isnt a huge difference between the boards so get whichever brand your more trusting of. both my msi with a 3000+ and abit with a 3200+ are flawless at high fsb and have good layouts. "go with your gut".