Answer this question please ?

[JPB]

Ok, I am tired of looking for reviews on motherboards hour after hour. The thing is, I want the option of running Crossfire in the future. Maybe 2-3 months from now. But here is what I want to know...

I need a motherboard that can support these two options :

PCI-e 2.0 Crossfire ( preferably 16x16x )
Maximum FSB overclock ? ( 450-500 ) ??
Able to overclock E8500 to at least 4GHZ

I would prefer X48 but I am open to P45 as well. As I found several reviews that show the 16x16x totally outrunning the P45 speeds, UNTIL it hits a higher resolution, then they seem to be just about equal.

Recommend me a board, and I am going to run with it so I can get this ordered.

:thumbsup:

 

[z1ggy]

I think X48 is your best bet...

DDR2 standard http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128331

DDR3 standard http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128330

 

[JPB]

While that is a nice board, I would kind of prefer to stay with Asus.

 

[JPB]

I would also like to stay with DDR2. Since there is absolutely no point in DDR3 yet. I purchased DDR2 1000 already.

Just need the *best* stable Asus board available. Can spend up to $300 for it.

To hell with the 16x16 in Crossfire. I want the best board for overclocking.

I am deciding between these four.

ASUS Rampage Formula X48
ASUS P5E Deluxe X48
ASUS P5Q Deluxe P45
ASUS Maximus II Formula P45

 

[z1ggy]

Well keeping in mind what you first said.. you may want CF in the future so I would go with the rampage which is an X48 chipset, but is $299. The p5Q I hear is more stable (p45 chipset) and is only $199. The x48 is going to give you an advantage for your CF x16 x16 for the future though..but I would say you can't go wrong. Its more a matter of money then I suppose.

 

[sgrinavi]

I'm very happy with my P5E Deluxe flashed with the Rampage Formula bios. BUT, if you have the extra $80 I am sure the bells and whistles on the Rampage Formula would be sweet.