Difference between NF7 and NF7-S

[Pojodan]

I keep reading that the Abit NF7-S is the best way to go, though is this only because the NF7-S has integrated serial ATA connections or is it able to handle higher end processors than the NF7? I'm looking into getting an AMD 3200+ and am not sure if the plain NF7 will handle it.
Currently I already have several ATA hard drives and while I'd like to go serial down the road I don't have need for it yet.

[bblqj78]

You want to get the NF7-S V2 board. I got one and its good. You will also need the Version 2 model if you want to run your chip at 400FSB, the XP3200+ standard speed is 200x11.
Yes the -S model has the SATA support.

Go with the ABIT NF7-S V2...you wont be disapointed.

[The Lodge]

The NF7-S also has soundstorm audio which I believe is the best onboard sound. Bblqj78 is right, you won’t be disappointed. Just make sure not to get the NF7-S2. http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-166&depa=1 That's the one you want.

[Pojodan]

Well, too late, I already purchased the NF7 mainly because money is tight and my other board blew up so I needed a replacement ASAP and it was the cheepest of the NF7 line.
What I'm asking is what sets the NF7-S apart from the NF7 other than the serial connections. I have an Audigy 2 sound card, so the onboard audio makes no difference. I'm also curious if my NF7 will be able to handle the 3200+ processor (I did check, I have a v2.0 NF7). I just don't want to go purchasing a CPU only for it to not work with my board.

[The Lodge]

You have pc3200 ram right? You should be straight with that model. The only benefit you would get would be the sata since you have an audigy card. Worst case scenario with your chip\mb setup would be that you would have to manually enter the fsb in the bios. I think the v2 of both boards support the 3200+.

[Pojodan]

Originally posted by The Lodge
You have pc3200 ram right? You should be straight with that model. The only benefit you would get would be the sata since you have an audigy card. Worst case scenario with your chip\mb setup would be that you would have to manually enter the fsb in the bios. I think the v2 of both boards support the 3200+.

So I would need to have 400 mhz RAM in order to run a 400 mhz FSB CPU? If that's the case then I'll need to upgrade my RAM first :P

[The Lodge]

A few of the reasons the NF7 series are the “best way to go” are the following. They are one of the best oc’in boards out there, some of the DFI boards can reach a higher fsb with out volt modding the board. As for stability, hands down the NF7 line. When you mix great stability with great oc’in, you get one of the best boards.

Are you going to need ddr400? At least that. Now let me ask you this before you go out and buy ram or a $200 chip. Do you want to oc?

[RamonGTP]

You COULD run a 400fsb processor with <PC3200 ram, but its not recommended becuase you'd have to run the bus speed and memory bus async which has a considerable hit on performance.

[Pojodan]

Originally posted by The Lodge
A few of the reasons the NF7 series are the “best way to go” are the following. They are one of the best oc’in boards out there, some of the DFI boards can reach a higher fsb with out volt modding the board. As for stability, hands down the NF7 line. When you mix great stability with great oc’in, you get one of the best boards.

Are you going to need ddr400? At least that. Now let me ask you this before you go out and buy ram or a $200 chip. Do you want to oc?

I've mulled over OCing before, though after blowing my MB recently I'm a touch leery to the idea.. I do have an alluminum case with a bunch of case fans as well as a big Alpha heat sink so I figure I could OC at least a little bit.

As far as memory goes, I do beleive my current RAM is 2700 (Or possibly 2100, not certain) so looks like I'll have to upgrade RAM first before I ponder CPUs.

[The Lodge]

You could always get a mobile chip. That way you could oc it by using the multiplier until you can get faster ram. Who knows, you might just be happy oc’in with the multi. You could save a lot of money by buying a mobile and put that towards faster ram or get yourself a new game to play on your upgraded rig. http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-400&depa=1

Edit:
Note: The mobile chips run a much lower vcore so they tend to hit higher speeds using less volts than your typical desktop chip.