Rob Varto

Nforce boards -- where does the monitor plug in??

Im putting together a computer for my dad. To save costs, we went with an Nforce type board - an Asus A7N8X-X to be exact. This is going to sound really stupid, but since the video is on-board, how do I plug in my monitor?? There isn't an input for my cable from the monitor. I feel like an idiot for asking this question , Im just dumbfounded. Im prepared to plug in an old video card, but that can't be the proper solution. Thanks in advance!!:b

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Tim Markley

This board does not have on-board video. Nvidia is the chipset for the board itself. You will still have to add a video card.

Thomas J. Coyle III

Hi Rob

I just installed this motherboard in my home file server and indeed this motherboard does need an AGP 8X video card. Make sure that it is a 1.5v type because a 3.3v will not work. I am presently using an Nvidia 5200 AGP card that I got for $69.
Regards,
TCIII

Before you send someone to save the world, you better make sure they like it the way it is.

Kimmo Jaskari

To be exact, you can get Nforce boards with either integrated Geforce graphics or without. Similarly, you can get other features either integrated or optional.

"If we do happen to step on a mine, Sir, what do we do?"
"Normal procedure, Lieutenant, is to jump 200 feet in the air and scatter oneself over a wide area." -- "BlackAdder 4"

Rob Varto

Yeah, stupid me. I just assumed that with an NForce board, you got the graphics integrated no matter what. Not a problem though - I had an old video card lying around.

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imported_Buzz Vinard

Yeah, the onboard video has proved to not be so popular, as graphics cards seem to improve so rapidly, that you can outperform onboard video in multiples for not much money.

Good news: I own the basic version of this board, the A7N8X, and I bought it because it seemed at the time (last April) to be the best of the lot in motherboards that use APIC and avoid PCI bandwidth for other uses. The A7N8X Deluxe (also a fine board, I'm sure) added S-ATA, but used PCI bandwidth to do it. I needed to make sure as much of my PCI bandwidth as possible would be free for video capture, so I went with the basic board, and it will be a sad day when it is time to replace it. I have had nothing but stellar performance from this board. Never lost a frame of video capture, and crashes have been very few and far between, and 99% attributable to software.

I will say that the board does not like cheap RAM. I had some Kingston Value in it at first, had some trouble, tested it, and discovered that both of my modules had bad spots. I replaced it with Crucial and have had no more memory-related troubles.

I do plan to eventually upgrade to some low-latency 400mhz FSB Corsair RAM, and an Athlon XP 3200+. But for now, the system is smooth and stable as a rock. You will love this board.

Rob Varto

I also have some Kingston Value in this board - I'll keep my eye on it. Thanks for the info!

1. Steal Underpants
2. ???
3. Profit