K7N2 D-ILSR over Abit's NF7-S? Convince me!

Question

Okay, the title pretty well sums it up. My heart's been set on the Delta-ILSR for the last several months but now that the time's come for me to buy I've had to stop & reconsider. I've been going thru forums & reviews left & right the last few days and I'm a bit disappointed in what I'm hearing about the MSI board & MSI's lack of support. After reading all 23 pages of the video card fiasco it seems that MSI's finally headed in the right direction.
Here are my component choices:
Barton 2500
2 x 256 PC2700 Crucial
I plan on using my ATI Radeon 7200 for awhile (I'm not much of a gamer, right now, at least.)
Here are my concerns:
1) I don't much care for the lack of being able to disable SATA RAID but I don't know how much of pain this actually is. Chances are that I'll never actually need RAID. This system will start out as a PC & within the next few months or so will double as a server for a small home network.
2) I've heard a few people who work for companies building systems say that the K7N2 Delta-ILSR has had a fairly high return rate, (one person said about 50%). Some were RAM related, (which I don't think will be a problem with my RAM choice), and some wouldn't boot or had other problems.
3) I've heard that the Abit NF7-S's sound has a crackling sound, how is the Delta's sound?
4) I have no plans to overclock, (I've never done it before, although I'd like to try it sometime to see if it's worth it all.), but I like the fact that the NF7-S can do so right outta the box. I thought MSI was known for this.
So, here I am, stuck in between a rock & a hard place.   I've always thought highly of MSI & I've had my heart set on this purdy lil red mobo running circles around my PC Crypts, uh... Chips, 810 LMR with a 750 Duron. But, the Abit board seems to have less complaints & supposedly is equal to the Delta in "real-world" tests.
Can those of you with personal experience convince me to go on & get the MSI?
Thanks for your time & help on this matter. It's very much appreciated!  
  HH

Answer 1

Raven wrote;
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2.alot of problems are user related.
Yeah, a lot of people don't take that into consideration. I feel that user error is the leading cause of setup failures & RMAs.
Deathstalker wrote;
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A Referbed Delta-ILSR is NOT the way to go.
I didn't think so either but figured I'd ask. Heh, I'm the type of guy that digs all the way to the back of the shelf to get a box of whatever that hasn't been opened & then inspect it to make sure it's not been re-packaged, usually opening it right there before I buy it to make sure everything's there. Scratch that idea.
stilup wrote;
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I now have learned how to do it kindler and gentler....
Don't skimp on the power and make sure to have very good memory.
Ahh, the school of hard knocks, 'eh?   I know that teacher well.
I've been checking out some of the Antecs at Newegg.
axeluktoo wrote;
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One thing's for sure - the only way to go from an 810 LMR is UP  
LOL!!! Ya got that right!!!
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You certainly did the right thing by coming here before you bought the board - If'n you're gonna spend money it pays to check the goods out with the end users first!
Thanks! Reviews are good to give ya a good general idea of a board's performance but the reviewers usually don't have the time to really get a good feel for the board in normal, everyday use. Nothing beats personal experience.
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Anyway, If you do go the MSI route, you can come and chat with us can't you?
I've got a feeling you'll be seeing a bit more of me.
twistedbrowntucker wrote;
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You don't know how many people don't surf the message boards before they buy.They come here to complain or ask for help after they have assembled with incompatible RAM PSU's etc etc.
Well, actually, I do. I've been a member of a tech forum for just over a year now where I try to help out with what lil bit I do know when I have the time. There's 4 members there supporting the NF7-S from personal experience but I've told 'em from the get-go that I was MSI biased but was still trying to have an open mind before opening my wallet.
I really do appreciate ya'll takin' your time to help me make the decision that's right for me. You guys have got some class. Ya'll didn't start any flame wars or "MSI is better just because it is.". I've been here in front of this screen for 'bout 5 hrs now so I'm gonna take a break for awhile & I'll post my decision a little later on.
Once again, thanks a bunch! I hope I didn't leave anyone out while replying, if so, I'm sorry.