A8N-SLI Premium. Nvidia or Silicon Image controller?

[methodman]

Hi all, just wanted to get some expert opinions. I'm doing a new build and putting Windows XP x64 on a single WD 150GB Raptor. I'll most likely be O/Cing my Opteron 165, so which controller should I put my Raptor on? The Nvidia or Silicon Image? Any other advice before I start my build would be appreciated. Thanks in advance....

 

[kirbyrj]

I've never had any problems with the onboard Nvidia controllers. I recommend those just because you don't need to have any floppy disks around for a separate controller during Windows install.

 

[roaf85]

Use the Nvidia controller for sure. Actually what you need to do is disable the Silicon controller in the BIOS and that will shave about 5 seconds off the boot time. Also leave NVRAID disabled. It should be by default.

IIRC the Silicon controller shares bandwidth with a PCI bus, where as the Nvidia controller uses PCIe. Also Nvidia controller supports SATA2 (not that it matters) and the Silicon one does not. You should not have to load any drivers with one SATA HD unless you are using some newer Maxtor drives. Then you might have to update the firmware.

 

[TechLarry]

I'm gonig to be building an A8N32-SLI Premium system on Monday (tomorow). I'm GLAD to hear there's no need for a driver disk

That's reason enough to use the nVidia SATA IMHO.

-Larry

I've never had any problems with the onboard Nvidia controllers. I recommend those just because you don't need to have any floppy disks around for a separate controller during Windows install.

 

[Vertigo Acid]

Crossposting = teh no

 

[shoeish]

I have the same board. The nvidia shows faster results than a silicon image in single disk, raid 0, and raid 1 in sissoft sandra. Plus the lack of driver disk needed, use the nvidia one.

 

[pfc_m_drake]

One caveat however:

If you're going to be overclocking past 250 HTT, then you'll likely have to use the Silicon Image controllers. Since the nVidia controllers are bound to the HTT speed, they tend to become unstable above 250 MHz. The Silicon Image controllers are bound to the PCI bus, and while that's bad for performance, it is good for stability, as you're able to push the HTT as far as you can and the Silicon Image controller stays with the locked PCI bus.

 

[methodman]

Thanks for all the input. I know I will be overclocking, so I might just put it on the SI controller, although I think I'd rather use the Nvidia. Anyone overclocking fine beyond 250 HTT while on the Nvidia controller?

 

[pfc_m_drake]

Mine nVidia controller gives up the ghost between 258-260 MHz. I typically run HTT at 275 MHz, which is how I became aware of the problem.

Good luck!