Matching video card to motherboard?

[scoobydoo]

Today I purchased an MSI Geforce 3 TI200 card cause the price was great($173 shipped including free game of Sacrifice) and I am about to get a new motherboard. I have a MSI Geforce 2 Pro now and I love the thing so I wanted to stick with MSI, but I want to get everything out of this system that I can and that is why I need to know this.

Is there any evidence that matching components manufacturer helps performance at all? I am sure it wouldn't hurt, but does it help?

The only reason I am asking is cause I assume when they build the cards they probably test it and possibly optimize it on their own board so I want to make sure I will not lose any performance by getting an Epox board instead.

If it would help I will go with the MSI K7T266 PRO2 since I like MSI product, but if it won't I am getting an Epox EP-8KHA+ for the simple fact I heard it overclocks extremely well!

Also does anyone have any opinions on the two boards mebtioned above as far as performance and overclocking ability?


Thanks for any help:)

[Placid]

No it does not help or hurt to use the same motherboard mfg and the video card.
Some people used to say asus video cards do not work well on asus boards but I think that was just a rumor.

[Monaco]

I strongly doubt that matching components in the manner you mentioned will make any difference at all- especially video cards. Vid cards are more or less all the same- nVidia makes the chipset, sells it to MSI, and MSI builds the card. Abit, Leadtek, etc all do the same- they buy the chipset and build the card to nVidia's specs. So, they all end up to be the same card by different manufacturers.

Of course there is an exception- I've seen a few motherboards that had proprietary connectors on them. When plugged into the same brand of board, the connector would work as a 100MB LAN connection between 2 identical boards, no setup or anything needed. Pretty cool I thought.

Perhaps you should send MSI an email, they would be better able to tell you what special integration features lurk in their equipment-

[scoobydoo]

I have changed my mind again! I was set for the last month on the Epox mobo, but now I have decided on the MSI mobo at the last second.

The reasons were based on reviews and other fairly simple things:

1. Overclocking results/reviews seem the same with both the Epox and MSI mobo, both excellent

2. $2 cheaper at Newegg, I am a cheap

3. Possibility for better performance, probably not though, but may as well try

4. I have a Aluminum Lian-LI PC-65 with the plexiglass side and the mobo and card would look alot better if they were matched in color. Now if they were just a better color!


Thanks for all the help:)

Now if I could just decide on a PS, I am having trouble deciding between the Aluminum iCute 420 watter(mainly for the aluminum look to match the case), or an Enermax 431 or 550 watter! Any opinions on those?

Here is a link to pics:
http://www.frozencpu.com/cgi-bin/quikstore.cgi?category=Power_Supplies

[Monaco]

yes, cheap=good! That's why I shop at Newegg, good service and killer prices. Got my MSI GTS for $140 there back when everybody else had it for $225....

Personally- I'd go with the Enermax. I know those are high quality devices. I've never even heard of iCute PSUs....

[scoobydoo]

Kinda like a power amp, I would rather have more power than I need than not enough power so if I go with Enermax it will be the 550 watter, just cause.

The iCute power supply is fairly new I think. It is only 420 watts, but my PS now is only 300 and that has plenty of power for me.

It looks really nice with the brushed aluminum and clear fan on back, but I am hesitant because they are fairly new.


Here is a review about them:

http://www.otakupc.com/reviews/psu/icute_1.shtml

Anyone actually have one of these? I may take a chance on them though cause after all it's only money:)

[Maximus Nickus]

Only money!?*!? If thats the case then can I have a 5$? Go on ...... Just kidding i'm real bored u see...:D

[Monaco]

Some review. They used it, it didn't explode or catch fire, and then they read you the numbers of the box and give it a "editor's choice". No testing or in-depth anything. More like a PSU advertisement, really. Ah well, not your fault, most places lack the test equipment to actually test and review a power supply. That is one of my pet peeves....

I'd still go with the Enermax- tested by time, and 1 zillion folks on these forums can't be wrong:D

If it's only money, get the 550 enermax and a can of silver spray paint! That'll do the job I bet.