I'm pretty sure DFI has it all sorted out now so a modern BIOS should make for a very stable, highly tweakable board. But everyone raves about the ASUS Deluxe. I'm not one to go crazy about all those little utilities it comes with as I just wan't a nice board that works but if it's a good one I can deal with that. So what would you guys pick?
DFI, if nobody buys their stuff how are they going to know how to improve their products? Plus like you said, all those 'special' features are not necessary!
I'd go for the ASUS. The AI-NOS function really helps. You won't have to OC your system all the time with that feature enabled. Kinda like the Core Cell technology used in MSI Boads.
The AN8 is probably the oldest nF4 motherboard out there. Every Asus motherboard I've had has been a winner. However, DFI has seemed to come a long way in a short amount of time. Their Socket A LP boards were terrible. Do they have issues today? Yes, as any company will. The thing I don't get is the hubbub about the power supplies. I see the same power supplies being used on other companies motherboards and no one is having a cow about having to invest in such a massive power supply. I'm glad to see one company put it's foot down and say that this is what you need. Don't come crying to us because you didn't get the proper equipment to go with the motherboard. These boards do kick major ass. While I'm not ready to say they're on the same level as Asus, if they can continue to deliver and tweak motherboards like the LP nF4's, then I think DFI could become a major force. I've to be an enthusiast brand that delivers. Would I recommend DFI's LP series to a first time builder? No. The BIOS setting have a lot of settings that I'm not comfortable with for a new user/builder. Am I saying that a new builder can't setup the LP's without getting overly frustrated? Nope. I am saying that the BIOS has more setting to fiddle with, and some people tend to fiddle with things they shouldn't.
Thanks B, though that was slightly ambiguous are you saying go with DFI? The main reason I'm concidering the deluxe besides stability is it's massive wealth of features. Yeah I said I don't need a ton of bells and whistles but some seems like a very clever idea to me. You can tell me if it's worth it. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131517
If overclocking is a big priority, then the DFI would be better. Last I knew, it's got the largest range of voltages of any motherboard currently available. The A8N probably won't OC quite as high, but it does have the avantage of being the most mature SLI board out there. If you're not sure, it's hard to go wrong with Asus.
