Which bang for the buck epox board???

[aznboi64]

I am thinking of getting either the 8k3a+ or the 8rda+. I know both are good boards, but which one would be good for water cooling and overclocking using an xp1600? I plan on overlcocking pretty much the cpu and video card. I might just cool the ram with air cooling and not water. Please don't tell me either one will do, please try to lean towards one board. Other opinions on other boards are welcome.

 

[bill]

I've never used the 3a+ , i hear its good. but its a kt400 board i have a A7V8X & have used the RDA+ & i now own the 8RGA .
you dont have to vdd mod it like you do the RDA so i have to say the RGA is the best choice. i've had better luck with it overclocking.

 

[dlyall]

The 8K3A may be better value but you're limited in what you can do with the FSB before it starts affecting the PCI/AGP speeds too much. I'm sure they're quite cheap now as I think they're discontinued. BTW, it's actually a KT333 board.

I'd go with an Nforce board like the 8RDA or GA. The GA is more expensive due to it have onboard graphics and I'm not sure what sort of standard the graphics are (i.e. Ti4200 etc). At least with an Nforce board the PCI/AGP frequency is independent of the FSB

HTH
Dave

 

[bill]

The 8K3A may be better value but you're limited in what you can do with the FSB before it starts affecting the PCI/AGP speeds too much. I'm sure they're quite cheap now as I think they're discontinued. BTW, it's actually a KT333 board.

I'd go with an Nforce board like the 8RDA or GA. The GA is more expensive due to it have onboard graphics and I'm not sure what sort of standard the graphics are (i.e. Ti4200 etc). At least with an Nforce board the PCI/AGP frequency is independent of the FSB

HTH
Dave

When i bought the RGA it was $20 more then the RDA , i felt that saving $20 wasnt worth risking hurting the board modding it, & now its a moot point because you can get it for under $100 @ newegg, & as for the graphics , it comes with both onboard & AGP. installing a video disables the onboard, All RGA's are made with the "good northbridge chip" with the RDA you take the chance of getting an earlyer board that wont go above 200fsb. but thats just my opinon. (check my sig) good luck,
if you get the RGA & you need help give me a YELL. later.

 

[Hughhefner]

The 8RGA+ is at newegg for $99 shipped and is an upgrade of the 8RDA+ by adding GeFOrce4MX onboard video and adjustable vdd from 1.6-2.0 which allows MUCH easier fsb motherboard adjustments and hits 200fsb WITHOUT a hitch.... the vdd adjustment itself is worth the exta few dollars and the video while not fabulous is not bad for everyday basic use--just not UT or jedi stuff... Excellent board the 8RGA+--I have 1 running and 3 more on the way.....

 

[lazyart]

8RDA+ is only $85, has great onboard audio and the overclocking benefits make it hard to look elsewhere. The latest revision supports 200 FSB out of the box.

The GA+ is also a good choice for the reasons mentioned by Hughhefner. If you end up with the older revision DA+, you will have to do a mod to get to 200 (i had to). The GA+ has that adjustment available in BIOS.

Get the DA+ if it is the Ultra400 revision.

 

[aznboi64]

Sounds like the 8RGA+ is the board to get. Thanks guyz for making up my mind. If it wasn't for you guyz I would've bought the 8k3a or 8RDA.

 

[gouda96]

...

azn check pm

 

[cV]

8RDA+ is only $85, has great onboard audio and the overclocking benefits make it hard to look elsewhere. The latest revision supports 200 FSB out of the box.

The GA+ is also a good choice for the reasons mentioned by Hughhefner. If you end up with the older revision DA+, you will have to do a mod to get to 200 (i had to). The GA+ has that adjustment available in BIOS.

Get the DA+ if it is the Ultra400 revision.

Just like what I had to do. My nb tops out at about 204MHz instead of 180MHz.

 

[Hughhefner]

I was FINALLY able to hit 217 STABLE last night with my 8RGA+,
vdd is 2.0, 1.6 started to flake out at 204... I have active cooling on the Northbridge, and passive cooling on the Southbridge and Mofset "Bobafets".. 217X10.5 for 2278 with SK-7 and ttsm2 @1.9V core

I also "REMOVED" the 133/166 jumper--just took it off
THe ram timing for my WINBOND CH-5 were the hardest part
CAS2 7,4,4

 

[lazyart]

cV - what is your Vdd voltage? I went from 188 to 205 but it took 1.86v to get there.

 

[Xeon24]

I just bought an 8RDA+ from newegg for $85, and right now, its doing 220FSB right out of the box.. It maxes out at about 228 or so, and that is without mods or anything, however, now, I wish it had VDD adjustments in the BIOS, although 220 is quite decent.

 

[lazyart]

Nice stuff.. must be the Ultra400 version. Shweeet.

 

[bill]

I just bought an 8RDA+ from newegg for $85, and right now, its doing 220FSB right out of the box.. It maxes out at about 228 or so, and that is without mods or anything, however, now, I wish it had VDD adjustments in the BIOS, although 220 is quite decent.

Glad to hear it! thats around where my RGA tops out " NOW CRANK THAT PUPPY UP" let us know how it turn's out. oh by the way dont be shy show us what's in your rig? good luck!

 

[Cisco Kid]

I am thinking of getting either the 8k3a+ or the 8rda+. I know both are good boards, but which one would be good for water cooling and overclocking using an xp1600? I plan on overlcocking pretty much the cpu and video card. I might just cool the ram with air cooling and not water. Please don't tell me either one will do, please try to lean towards one board. Other opinions on other boards are welcome.

you wanna really do yourself a favour just go buy the Soltek 75FRN2-L, it flat out rox

cisco kid