DFI RD600, Asus P5B, or Asus P5W?

[IBKevin]

After reading various forums for hours, I'm having a tough time deciding what mobo will best suit my needs. I believe I've narrowed it down to these three. This will be for a E4300 C2D, and a single high end card (don't care about SLI/crossfire, because I only have a 22" screen).

My general criteria:
1. Minimum of 6 SATA ports
2. Prefer out of box functionality, that is, no BIOS flashing, prefer not to have to remove northbridge heatsinks to clean out thermal paste........you get the idea
3. Not interested in stripped down budget board - I'll pay up to $250
4. Decent OC capability, as I'm sure I'll go quad core in the future and that won't be a E4300
5. Fits a Zalman 9500/9700

Various sources site the 965 as better, while other say 975. I like the DFI because I've had good experiences with their gear......but would I be wasting money for a stellar OC capability I won't really need? Anyone think the DFI is still "too green"? If I go Asus, which do you prefer? Your insight and opinions are appreicated!

 

[Shimmishim]

Intel Bad Axe 2 is a good choice you should consider as well.

 

[IBKevin]

Ah, interesting option. I recall reading that Intel boards didn't OC well at all. Has that changed with BX2?

 

[moosey]

Originally posted by: IBKevin
Ah, interesting option. I recall reading that Intel boards didn't OC well at all. Has that changed with BX2?

It has changed, the BX2 is a pretty good o/c board now, just check over at XS. In general though, 975x boards won't reach as high an FSB as P965 boards. However, with a higher multiplier the 975x is fine. I have an e6600 on the BX2.

Personally, I wouldn't consider the ATI chipset. The HardOCP review didn't make this board seem like anything special, unless you need 1000 o/c options in BIOS. I try to stay with an Intel chipset w/ an Intel processor whenever possible, they perform well, and are stable.

For Asus boards, just compare the P5B series on the P965 chipset and the P5W-DH on the 975.

edit: fixed link

 

[Shimmishim]

The 975x, 965p/g are NOT ATi chipsets. They are INTEL chipsets that support Xfire officially and SLi unofficially with hacked drivers.

 

[shroud72]

He said that the RD 600 chipset was an ATI chipset. Everyone knows the 965/975 chipsets are Intel.

 

[hardwareking]

also be aware that P965 boards using the jmicron controllers for IDE ports which is necessary for most optical drives can cause troubles.
So if u want a hassle free install its best to go with the bad-axe 2.

 

[IBKevin]

I did some further research, and it seems the BX2 is indeed well received universally. There is certainly none of the flaming I've seen over other boards (cough, 680i, cough). My only concern is that once I go quad core and don't have the luxury of the E4300's lower FSB requirements, I may be limited with ultimate OC capability. However, by then the DDR3 boards will soon be out..........so I think I'll get the 'Axe and live happily in the moment. Thanks for the heads up all!

BTW, does anyone know if a Zalman 9500/9700 will fit OK on this board?

 

[moosey]

Both the Zalman 9500 and 9700 fit the BX2