ECS IC780M-A2 vs M2N-SLI

[yamahaalex37]

I'm currently using my AM3 x2 250 on a M2N-SLI board, that is AM2, DDR2, and HT1.0. I'm building my brother a budget gaming computer with an AM2 4400+, and in shopping I found a bundle that would include the motherboard ECS IC780M-A2 for only $20! Should I let him use my M2N-SLI, and take the ECS IC780M-A2 so that my AM3 cpu can benefit from the HT3.0? I would lose the future ability to sli my 9800gt, and probably be switching to a much more basic, yet newer mobo. Is it worth the HT3.0?

 

[saint19]

The change to the ECS mobo means that u also need buy DDR3 RAM since DDR2 don't fit in AM3 mobos. Do u have money for the new RAM?

 

[yamahaalex37]

Good point, sorry I forgot to mention that my brother can re-use my ddr2 ram, and I found ddr3 ram that is cheaper than buying more ddr2 ram for his build, so yeah it would actually save me a few bucks in that aspect.

 

[saint19]

Well u are changing from MSI to ECS the 1st one is very good manufacturer but the 2nd one isn't in my list u can take the risk and in the future change the mobo for a better one.

 

[yamahaalex37]

ASUS, but yeah your right good brand to shitty brand. That's why im wondering if its even worth it for the extra FSB (1000MHz vs 4000MHz i think). Because for the same exact price i can just get my brother his own am2 board, and keep this board.

 

[saint19]

If u are right with the current mobo I'd not change it. Save the money for future upgrade to Bulldozer the next year.

 

[yamahaalex37]

well either way im going to spend the same amount of money on the case/mobo combo. i can either get an am2 for my brother and keep my am2, or get an am3 and give my brother my am2. so its like i have a free option to switch to the ECS.

 

[saint19]

The AM2+ to AM3 mobo change plus DDR3 is good the bad think is the ASUS change to ECS.

 

[yamahaalex37]

well i hope i found a better alternative. i found a newegg combo for about the same price and chose this motherboard: BIOSTAR TA785 A2+. The board has so few reviews so it was hard to tell, but from my research Biostar seems to have a good reputation with stability and overclocking, and their website has a bios update that says support f6 unlocking function, so im guessing this board can unlock out of the box.

Please let me know what you think.

 

[saint19]

BIOSTAR is the number six or seven in my mobo list some are good some aren't I'm still prefer a old school ASUS that a new crap mobo.

 

[yamahaalex37]

Best answer selected by yamahaalex37.