MSI K8N Diamond

If you're after an Athlon 64, PCI-Express base system, the nForce4 is the chipset you're after.

If you're after an Athlon 64, PCI-Express base system, the nForce4 is the chipset you're after. If you've been hanging out for SLI, well, it does that too. The difference of course being two x16 PCI-Express slots. But MSI went further than that on this black beauty.

With the cry of disappointment from the industry regarding the severe lack of a SoundStorm presence on the nForce4 chipset, MSI ingeniously integrated a Creative solution -- pun intended. This is a damn nice find for any board. It's not exactly an alternative to Creative's current range, but at 24-bit, 96kHz chip supporting up to 7.1 surround, it shatters any form of AC'97 like a baseball bat to the kneecap.

This board makes full use of nForce4's quad SATA port offering with the addition of two more via the use of a Silicon Image RAID chip. Your secret desires of attaining a terabyte of storage space can finally be carried out.
You'll want to make sure you have the right size power supply, the new ATX 24-pin type to be exact. Both sides of the rail use this standard now, so jumping ship is easier down the track.

Overall, it's a well packed-out, future-proofed nForce4 mobo with great onboard sound, dual gigabit Ethernet, six SATA ports and four dual-channel DIMM slots. Additionally, if you have SLI in your sights, this gem would be a powerful home for your soon-to-be beast.