Great Moderate-Priced AMD Motherboard
Written: Oct 31 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fast, smooth-running, and affordable AMD nVidia2 chipset board; decent Asus support
Cons: Not for gamers, cannot be overclocked, no dual channel DDR.
The Bottom Line: Affordable AMD nVidia2 chipset board that runs great and is easy to install. Decent web support and it is good for budget gamers and business machines.
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| critic27's Full Review: ASUS A7N8X Motherboard |
This is the first AMD machine I've ever owned and I love it! (My prior machine was an Intel PIII).
SPECS
The processor is Socket A for AMDŽ Athlon™XP/Athlon™/Duron™ 600MHz ~ 3000+ and Thoroughbred/Barton core CPU ready.
It has an NVIDIAŽ nForce2 400 North Bridge chipset and an NVIDIAŽ nForce2 MCP South Bridge chipset.
It has 1 AGP and 5 PCI expansion slots.
It supports 400/333/266/200 MHz FSB.
It supports DDR RAM 400, the motherbaord has 3 x 184-pin DIMM Sockets, max. 3 GB unbuffered 3200/PC2700/PC2100/PC1600 non-ECC DDR RAM Memory.
It also comes with a CD with utilites on it and cables.
Further specs can be found at http://usa.asus.com/prog/spec.asp?m=A7N8X-X&langs=09
PROS
It's affordable ($74) compared to higher-end motherboards that can go up to about $180. It also has a decent nVidia2 chipset.
Asus gives you a really good manual that details every part of the motherboard, including which pins is for what, etc. It made building my computer pretty easy (for the most part, and it had nothing to do with Asus -- it was the horrid AMD processor heatsink installation instructions.)
NOTE:The manual assumes that you have a moderate knowledge of computer anatomy. Even though it's detailed on what's on the board and how to change the pins, it gives no further explainations of what things are for; so if you're a complete beginner, consult a "How To" book before proceeding.
The Phoenix Award Bios that comes with the board gives you the ability to configure the computer easily. It also gives you a chance to "overclock" the CPU, but I'd be reticent to do so unless you absolutely know what you're doing. More on this later.
The CD that comes with the motherboard includes a nifty utility to monitor the temperature of the motherboard and warns you if it's too hot or that your fan's not working (it happened to me and it most likely saved my motherboard and processor from frying). It also includes PC-cillin 2002 antivirus program.
Asus offers downloads for updated BIOS and other utilities on their web site. The web site is moderately easy to use but can be a bit confusing because a simple search of "A7N8X-X" only pulls up the product specs and nothing else. You would have to click on "support" on the main page in order to access the knowledge base or click on "downloads" on the main page to find updated software.
Performance-wise: it's pretty smooth and quick (this depends on processor speed and RAM). Thus far, I have no problems with operating all my most used business software and internet browser. It also starts up faster than my prior computer. I did not do benchmark testing and the like. However, if you wish to know more about the board's performance, check out http://ads.lostcircuits.com/cgi-bin/ads/adcycle.cgi?group=1&media=3&id=140&delivery=iframe
CONS
Do not try to overclock this motherboard! Unlike it's better cousin (A7N8X Deluxe), the A7N8X-X is the trimmed down version and does not support dual channel DDR. Nor does it come with bells and whistles like it's cousin. If you are a gamer, do not buy this board! This is a decent board for business computers or budget gamers who cannot afford the A7N8X Deluxe.
CONCLUSION
It is an easy to install motherboard with a decent manual, excellent bios and CD utilites. It also runs smoothly so long as you are not looking to overclock it.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 74
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Epinions.com ID:
critic27
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Reviews written: 30
Trusted by: 0 members
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