Motherboards, ECC, Jumperless Designs and Capacitors
Motherboards
The LX6 does have a higher than normal (normal =~7%) DOA, however of all the types of failures this is the best for the consumer. It happens immediately, can be replaced for the cost of shipping, so while I don't advocate high fail rates... I don't see this particular kind a major discouragement IF it meets your other criteria.
Acer/A Open mobos are often overlooked. The generally fall bottom high to high mid range in benchmarks. If they meet your criteria, then compare the differences between your end selection universe.
One of them will have just that something extra that will tip the scales for you. As to Intel mobos, I have to disqualify myself. I find their tactics in many arenas constraints on market/competition.
I find it foolish to support something that will ultimately harm everyone and IMHO their mobos are not head and shoulders above the rest so I am not cutting off my nose.
Anand is interested in speed/overclock, however he does a good job of assessing the quality and stability of a mobo.
ECC RAM
If the system "hang" is caused by a mem single dropped bit in a system with parity RAM, then yes because ECC transparently detects AND corrects single bit errors.
If the system hang is caused by a dropped single bit in a standard RAM setup due to a bad instruction (caused by dropped bit) then again yes.
I am not sure what happens when ECC detects a mutli bit error (ECC does not correct for multi bit). However I do know you should not end up with bad data as you probably would without it.
However "hang" really needs to be defined before I can say much more.
Jumperless Designs
Most mobos require a number of jumpers to be set. Some quite a few. These jumpers can be placed in very difficult areas to access, especially after system is fully populated.
This coupled with the fact that its easy to slip a pin even on an open area was the reason for my Softmenu comment (and many of the new entrants are now using it). If you happen to slip a pin on the wrong jumper you could for instance fry your processor.
Setup ease and a better chance of eliminating that "pilot error" which generally is the leading cause of failure in most human endeavors. If you don't like Softmenu then go for the jumpers. I personally am tired of getting on my hands and knees with a flashlight to check jumpers
when TS a problem on an operational system.
Sets processor MHZ and multiplier
Sets processor voltages
Sets all the things you usually hardwire with jumpers
Not just for speed and IMHO is a reliability advantage
This can be anywhere from 4 to 8 jumpers. Brands other than Abit that are now using Softmenu may still use one or two hardwire jumpers. Check the board specs for your choices.
Capacitors
This is one thing to check as far as quality is concerned. Are they Tantalium caps. Are they just rated at the typical 85 degrees or are they rated higher (think 105 is next normal increment). Higher is better.
ALL caps degrade over time, a higher rating means they will withstand a higher operating temp and even when degraded will still function at the lower temp range.
In general, more caps is better than less of the same quality. This should provide more stability. Also check the mobo regulators. 3 switching regulators of large size are important. They provide a greater degree of regulation to your power which means less component stress.
Power Supply
The good ones cost but its worth it. Underpowered systems cause all system components to be stressed, run at higher temps and fail sooner than necessary. Many cases, inexpensive as well as more costly, will use cheap, poorly designed and/or lower wattage supplies.
Alta Vista
Thanks I'll have to try it. Not sure if it will do well on technical translations but will find out.
Other
Networm like a bookworm reads a lot. I seldom post and I've posted here more than I have in a year. Do spend an average of 4 to 6 hours a day online though.
Didn't mean to cause a disruption by my observation. I understand the site is for investors and I'm sure there are many benefits and services. I didn't and don't need to have access to those services.
I wished to make a post that might assist some folks and found it short sighted to require a paid membership to do so.
Networm |
