Jonathan Brooks wrote on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 8:57 PM::

Hi!

Thanks for all the feedback - it's only going to be a regular PC, not a server/workstation so I think I'll go with my initial thought which was to go with Asus (A8N-SLI Deluxe). I may end up running Linux through VMware anyway, so the hardware is sort of irrelevant....

The only thing I would add to others' comments is that I used to have an A8N-SLI Deluxe and was really happy with it, but the chipset heatsink/fan dislodged (without any help from me!), frying the chipset. Subsequent examination showed that the clamps were really flimsy. I upgraded it to the A8N-SLI Premium which replaces the HSF with a heatpipe & haven't had any problems. Over the years, most of my hardware problems have been due to dying fans, so the elimination of the fan can only help reliability (and makes for a slightly quieter PC too). I think it was well worth the tiny (~5%) additional outlay for the extra reliability. Just looking at the Asus website, you might also consider the newer A8N32-SLI Deluxe which is also fanless (the 32 refers to the 2x16 bit PCI-E bus - double the width of the A8N). It also appears to have a few other improvements (e.g. faster memory bus, more efficient power use leading to lower temperatures) It appears to carry about a 20% price premium (which is still tiny compared to the combined cost of mobo+cpu+ram). Phil -- ********************************************************************** This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the H.E Information Systems Ltd. Tel: 0161 866 9066 Web: www.heis.co.uk This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses. www.clearswift.com **********************************************************************