DFI NF4 Ultra-D Rev AA0 - build or bust?

[trexmgd]

Hi all, first post here at DFI-Street, though I've owned DFI products for years (still have a Lanparty NFII Ultra A running on a 2500 Barton).

 

As you can see from my sig, I have just about everything I need to put together another rig for the kids. But I have a few questions first:

 

1) What kind of issues will I be dealing with by using this Rev. AA0 board? I've read several threads talking about how much better the new revisions are, but nothing specific on why this old Rev is bad. I'm not looking to overclock, just get a nice, stable rig up and running. Or, is this Rev so bad that I should just buy something else and loose the headaches?

 

2) I searched for recommended RAM and found an old sticky as well as visited the DFI site and it too is outdated. Coincidently, someone else just started a thread asking the same thing: HERE (See, I can use the search function)

 

3) This board used to house a Zalman 7000A AlCu heatsink. What this means is that I no longer have the original heatsink/fan clamp seating assembly. Should I just use the old Zalman (I have it, minus the controller - it will run at full, no?) or can I order/buy the old setup?

 

4) I think I know the answer to this one before I ask, but here goes: What are your feelings about an Ultra brand modular power supply? I got one from RS a while back when they had the rebates on them, but have since read several poor reviews. Are they just haters or will it destroy my system?

 

5) Anything else you'd like to add?

 

PS Current BIOS is unknow (don't have RAM and haven't tried to post it yet), but will also take recommendations on a stable version.

[Darwin]

On the PSU issue, from reading the forums before I bought my current rig, a decent PSU seems to be a key requirement/ foundation for a successful DFI build, I'd not take a risk on it myself. Ultra's are on the list of PSU's to avoid (apart from the X-finity).

 

I'd pick one from the recommended list if you can. I went with the FSP as, at the time, there was no supplier available for the OCZ models that were recommended; I have had no issues.

[tasr]

Trexmgd

 

Welcome to DFI-Street

 

 

...I've read several threads talking about how much better the new revisions are, but nothing specific on why this old Rev is bad. I'm not looking to overclock, just get a nice, stable rig up and running. Or, is this Rev so bad that I should just buy something else and loose the headaches?

What thread?

Rev. AA0 board is fine and the Zalman 7000a is ok too. I use the Zalman 7000cu but have real good ambient air temps like 19ºC, so it work well for me. Just make sure to use good TIM like AS5.

 

Stability is the name of the game. To get the stability you need in a DFI rig you need good clean power. PSU can disrupt so many things in ones rig. The stability can go at 1st, which then gets worse and worse as time goes on. Then major power issues with the motherboard and it will seem stability related. Components can also fail or seem to cause stability issues. Basically the PSU is slowly dying and may take your motherboard and or components with it. A PSU failing can happen all of a sudden or slowly over time. You also need ALL four power connectors plugged into the motherboard. These are;

24-pin main power connector

4-pin 12v secondary connector or EPS

4-pin 5v/12v molex connection or HDD-type

4-pin 5v/12v floppy connection or FDD-type

 

I would say check these links out Recommended! - NF4 Ultra/SLI Mobos:PowerSupplies and PSU Brands to Avoid

 

If you’re a real gamer or a multitasker yes 2 GB in my opinion.

 

Use this setup guide. NF4 LanParty - initial build w/pictures.

 

If you are going to overclock you should first read this; The Definitive DFI AMD Overclocking Guide. Then re-read it, and you will be surprised how much more info you’ll pick up. Even if you’re not overclocking there is still a lot of pertinent information that you could use.

[CPDMF]

I've had both an AA0 and an AD0. Both clocked exactly the same for me.

[trexmgd]

Thank You for all the responses.

 

LIke I said, I figured I already knew the answer to the PS question - I just didn't want to hear it - LOL. As you can probably tell from the "Other Build" specs in my sig, this is a rig that is being built with left overs and extras, so I wanted to keep the cost down.

 

I"ll start shopping for some memory and hopefully find a good sale on a PS too!

[Guest Blooz1]

Your Zalman will run fine by just plugging it into the CPU fan header.

 

The "controller" you speak of is called a Fanmate, but you could also control the fan's speed through the PC-Health section of the bios if you wanted.

 

I also have a 7000, and, quite frankly, it's quiet enough even at full speed that it can't be heard outside the case!

[trexmgd]

Thanks - That's good to hear. While I expected the fan would work (but at full speed), I was a little worried that I'd plug it in and get nothing without the "fanmate". It's even better news to know that it'll still be tolerable, if not quite.

 

I really appreciate everyone taking the time to give me a response.