Hi,I'm looking at upgrading my Athlon XP 1700+ system for less than $150. In looking around I've decided on a Thoroughbred 2.083 2600+ and an A7N8X looks like my best deal (other suggestions are welcome) (my old MB only takes up to Palomino 2100+).So here's my question: I'm wondering what the difference is between each of the different models of the A7N8X, -E, -X, -VM/400. The Asus website isn't much help. Is there any real difference? as long as A7N8X is above V2?Thanks,Thomas

Thomas,there is really little to no difference in the different versions, maybe a different chipset or added features that you probably won't need anyway. Nowadays, all chipsets and even mainboards deliver a similar performance. However, I do prefer the nVidia chipsets, because they seems to be the most stable around.tomshardware recently ran interesting benchmarks comparing different chipsets and also comparing so-called high-end motherboards with budget priced ones. The performance improvement is minimal, maybe 1%.The big factors to improve performance are CPU, GPU and amount of RAM.Hope this helps.

Hello,A7N8X = 333Mhz Frontside BusA7N8X-E = 400MHz Frontside Bus with DDR400 PC3200 RAMCheers,Michael

Thomas; Just looked at new egg and the only asus board for socket A processorsthey are still handling is the A7N8X-X. N indicates Nvidia chipset. V Via chip set. Stick with Nvidia. This board supports 333/400 FSB and DDR400 Pc3200 mem. I own two of them and they will do the job for you. As to the CPUgo with one of the "Mobile" processors as you can overclock the dogcrap out of them. ie 2500 mobile. Also if I had mine to do over again I'd buy an Abit Mobo A7N-S2. Either way about 140 bucks. BTW Asus support SUCKS but the productis OK, just my opinion. PM me if you have more questions. Greetings from Orlando Fl:-wave Denny