Foxconn N570SM2AA vs Asus M2N-E SLI MBs'; any input here?

videobruce · November 22nd, 2007, 11:08 AM

I'm looking at the Foxconn N570SM2AA and the Asus M2N-E SLI MBs' to replace a nForce2 Epox box. Before anyone votes for Asus, please take a look here from the Newegg reviews and from an AnandTech thread on this board;

http://forums.anandtech.com/messagev...asus+M2n-E+SLI

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ating=-1&Page=
(Hopefully, the Newegg link will be the reviews sorted for the lowest rating first)

I can't remember when I saw so many repeated problems with memory, audio & USB with a MB. I understand that the Asus name is very popular, but after reading all of that it really put me off, so I'm looking at the Foxconn. I also understand Foxconn is a 'smaller' palyer most noted for their OEM work.

I'm looking for input from anyone that has or had this board.

My reasons for these choices are they both have 2 IDE connectors and either a optical and/or a digital audio out. I also wanted a AMD based system. (Please don't bother telling me about the advantage Intel has right now).

Thanks in advance.

Ryan220587 · November 22nd, 2007, 10:40 PM

i don't have either board, but looking at the 2 brands, i would take the asus anyday. i've never owned a foxconn board, but i've only heard average/not so good things about them. i've owned heaps of asus and gigabyte boards, and both brands are the pick of the bunch. so if it's asus and foxconn u have to choose between...i'd vote asus.

videobruce · November 23rd, 2007, 09:27 AM

I understand the preference for a established brand, but have you read those reveiws?:?

MTAtech · November 24th, 2007, 09:10 AM

Let's work a little backwards. Why are you getting a new MB? Is it because you want to keep your current processor/RAM/ etc.?

videobruce · November 24th, 2007, 11:09 AM

They are too old, the MBs' are nForce2. I'm only replaceing one of the boxes for now.
At 1920x1080, the ATI 8500 card struggles with just displaying a 3 or 4 MB digital photo.

MTAtech · November 24th, 2007, 12:47 PM

Videobruce, it just seems to me that just swapping the MB isn't going to help. If you're going through all the trouble, you want to start by looking for a new CPU and building around that - finding a MB that's compatible, RAM, etc.

I posted in another thread that I liked the idea of overclocking the Intel Dual Core E2160 1.8 to 3.2 GHz. The E2160 is only about $90 with fan and when OCing it, it ranks near the top. It may be something to consider.

Of course, none of the MBs in this thread can use this chip. You will need a new Xpress graphics card and new RAM too. If you need more IDE channels you'll need to get an IDE PCI card. But the upside is that instead of working to piece together a system using legacy components (and ending up with something not much faster) you'll be set for a few years.

videobruce · November 24th, 2007, 01:34 PM

Quote:

it just seems to me that just swapping the MB isn't going to help.

It is when the old MB is a nForce2.

I'm also replaceing the processor & memory alone with the video card. The reason for those two choices is, they both have 2 IDE connectors. I am now re-thinking this, as I will only have 3 IDE drives that I will be using (not four). Two HDDs' and a DVD burner. I'm thinking about replaceing ther optical drive with a SATA DVD burner, or just get an adapter card.

That last option I really didn't want to do.

MTAtech · November 24th, 2007, 01:48 PM

Most new motherboards only have one PATA IDE channel. However, that's not a problem since you can get a PCI card for less than $20 that can add up to four IDE channels. Newegg has them. search for IDE PCI.

Quote:

That last option I really didn't want to do.

I have a card like that in one of my servers and it's not only not a problem, it's fast. Although SATA is probably a little faster (in practice) I still recommend using the PCI IDE card when you already have an investment in IDE drives.

videobruce · November 24th, 2007, 02:21 PM

After doing a quick search on Newegg, average burner price, are $35. Why would I spend $15 or $20 on an adapter, when for $15 or $20 more I can have a SATA burner?

MTAtech · November 24th, 2007, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by videobruce

After doing a quick search on Newegg, average burner price, are $35. Why would I spend $15 or $20 on an adapter, when for $15 or $20 more I can have a SATA burner?

I'll turn that around. Why would one spend $15-20 more on a SATA burner when an adapter will allow one to reuse the burner you already have and save money? I don't believe SATA burners perform any better than IDE burners.

In addition, one will then have a more flexible system with four IDEs and 4-6 SATA connections (depending upon MB.)

I don't know about you but I have more than one HD and one DVD device. I have two hard disks (one as the primary the other a backup clone of the primary), and two DVD devices.

Of course, it's your system and you should do what makes you happy.