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Impressions & Conclusions

Performance

The performance of the EPoX EP-9NPA+SLI is right on par with the the other nForce 4 motherboards used in this review and it is reassuring that EPoX is able to match the performance of more expensive SLI boards. SLI numbers were amazing using just two mainstream 6600GT cards.

Features

The EPoX is loaded with features that will keep gamers, tweakers, and overclockers very happy. Starting with the EPoX exclusive features, EPoX throws on a nice beefy MCP heatsink, a CPU duct and fan near the socket, onboard power and reset buttons, and nice blue onboard LEDs. There is also a really cool LED meter (called "LEDION") that pulses with RAM activity similar to that seen on the Corsair Xpert series of RAM. EPoX even throws in a thermal probe so you can monitor anything you want like your HDDs or even the videocard. Then there are MOSFET heatsinks which you can install, and a handy screwdriver set.

As far as these extras go, they're actually very useful. Unlike some other packages that throw in stuff you would never use, I can see many of you appreciating the RAM activity LEDs, the onboard power switch, and the thermal probe. There's enough stuff here to give you some real added value without it feeling like bloat.

For connectivity, the EP-9NPA+SLI doesn't compromise. It has an outstanding ten USB 2.0 connections (4 on back I/O, and 2 on a bracket), two IEEE1394a connections (both usable with the bundled bracket), gigabit LAN, and SPDIF in coax and optical flavours. There are six SATA-II connections with two RAID controllers, and two ATA133 channels for supporting your old drives. There really wasn't anything I found lacking in this department... it was able to connect my devices including the iPod without me wishing for more.

Overclocking and Tweaking

Though I did not have any overclocking results for you currently, the EPoX EP-9NPA+SLI has all the traits for a great overclocking and tweaking board. Starting with the BIOS featrues, there are so many memory adjustments that I'm sure even the most avid tweaker will be overwhelmed! Though most of you won't be using all those memory settings, it's really great to have the options instead of limiting you to the standard four settings.

The BIOS also has a great selection of frequency and voltage controls with fine granularity for optimal performance. To wrap up the features, the BIOS has fan controls, a bootdisk selector, and overclocking throttling.

SLI

SLI performance was incredible. By coupling two mainstream 6600GTs together, we're able to see results comparable to a 6800 Ultra. SLI isn't exactly a casual user's feature, but if you're serious about gaming then starting with a single 6600GT and then upgrading with another one 4-6 months down the road is a very viable option. It helps extend the gaming life of your system without having to buy a more expensive and better performing card.

To compare, you should take a look at Ryan's SLI article using two 6800 Ultras.

Issues, Support, Warranty

During my testing, I ran into a memory configuration issue in which I had to email EPoX support and I have to say they were very quick. It's possible they knew I was from PCPer, but I could tell they were very responsive which should bode well for the rest of you. The problem in the end was my fault... I was running my RAM at 2T timings instead of 1T. Another case of PEBKAC.

Warranty of the EP-9NPA+SLI is 2 years parts and labour which is sufficient for most of you.

Through writing this review, I did not run into a single problem with the EP-9NPA+SLI. It was as stable as can be, even using a 350W Enermax during SLI mode.

Final Thoughts

The EPoX EP-9NPA+SLI is a very strong contender in the increasingly crowded SLI market. What sets this board apart from the rest is the great feature set and the cheaper price. Currently, the EP-9NPA+SLI is found on PriceGrabber at $150 which is $25 cheaper than the Asus A8N-SLI, DFI Lanparty NF4 SLI, and the ABIT Fatal1ty AN8. Also the EPoX features are useful without being bloated or superfluous. I think in the regard of price, performance, and features EPoX is superior to all the other "premium" boards.

I didn't find anything lacking like I often do when reviewing a motherboard - there are plenty of tweaking options, special BIOS features, and connectivity to keep everyone happy. The only thing I wish was a bit stronger was the audio component which is just a Realtek chip using AC'97 v2.3 codec. But to EPoX's defence, a lot of other high-end SLI boards use cheaper audio components like the Realtek ALC850.

In the end, I'm impressed with the features, performance, and packaging. Compared to the more expensive competitors, the EPoX EP-9NPA+SLI is a product that nails an important price point without compromising on the goodies or performance. For this reason I would have to highly recommend the EPoX EP-9NPA+SLI to consumers in the SLI market. The EP-9NPA+SLI is a smart package that delivers.

Availability of the EP-9NPA+SLI at time of publishing is sparse, but they are starting to appear on the shelves. You can find it through our PriceGrabber service.

Thanks for reading and feel free to drop me a line.

Strong Points:

Other Considerations:

Price! One of the cheaper NF4 SLI boards on the market. Huge amount of memory adjustments, and overclocking features in BIOS Cooling additions - MOSFET heatsinks, large MCP cooler, and CPU duct + fan. Onboard blue LEDs, memory activity indicator, and power-reset buttons Useful accessories: thermal probe, screwdriver (hey I like it!) Large amount of connectivity (USB 2.0, IEE1394a, SATA-II) Dual SATA-II RAID Software fan control 2 year warranty

Onboard Realtek ALC850 AC'97 v2.3 codec audio may not be sufficient to some buyers Cramped socket after installing 12V and ATX power (may block larger heatsinks) CPU duct may need to be removed to accomodate larger heatsinks Other companies offer 3 year warranty compared to EPoX's 2 year

Our forums are a great place to find more information, user feedback and helpful assistance for any motherboards, but especially the Asus boards in our Epox motherboard forum. 

Also, if you haven't tried our Product Specs database out yet, I suggest you do so, as it allows you to make some good, yet simple comparisons with the click of a mouse.

Feel free to use our PriceGrabber service to find great deals on this motherboard!

 

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Review Index:
- Select - Summary Introduction & Specs Features & Design (Part 1) Features & Design (Part 2) BIOS & Overclocking Hardware and Software Package Test Setup SiSoft Sandra, Winstones, PCMark04 ScienceMark, Cinebench 3DMark, Aquamark OpenGL Gaming: Doom 3, Warhammer 40K DirectX Gaming: Half-Life 2, Guild Wars, Brothers in Arms Other Tests Impressions & Conclusions