Does a budget mobo for OCing the C2D exist?

[perdomot]

Every article I read about OCing the Core 2 Duo cpus uses a mobo that is just as, if not more, expensive that the cpu itself. Is there a budget mobo that can get the C2DS up to the 3.4 Ghz range like the expensive ones but without the big price tag? Even 3.0Ghz would be acceptable so long as the mobo has a good price.

 

[mcurphy]

Originally posted by: perdomot
Every article I read about OCing the Core 2 Duo cpus uses a mobo that is just as, if not more, expensive that the cpu itself. Is there a budget mobo that can get the C2DS up to the 3.4 Ghz range like the expensive ones but without the big price tag? Even 3.0Ghz would be acceptable so long as the mobo has a good price.

What price is "budget" for you? Many of the so called budget boards are now around $100. Biostar Tforce965PT for instance. I'm not too sure on it's OC'ing ability though. I think during the initial reviews it had some issues when it reached a certain speed, but that has supposedly been fixed with the latest Bios. Supposed to be an excellent performance vs cost board. I chose this board myself, but I can't comment yet since it's still in the mail

A little higher up on the ladder is the Gigabyte S3 / DS3 for >$120. You can read the stickied thread for more OC'ing info on those.

I think Intel also offers a cheaper board, not sure though. And I'm sure there's a couple others, maybe some other members can comment on.

You also have the option of waiting for the 650i Ultra, which is supposed to be budget, but OC'ing performance is hard to call since they aren't available yet.

Anything higher than $130 is over the budget range IMO.

 

[moosey]

Get the Gigabyte S3 ~$110

 

[theprodigalrebel]

$110 Gigabyte S3 (P965)

I honestly don't know much about the Biostar/Foxconn boards at the same price point. But the Gigabyte S3/DS3 mobos are universally acclaimed as tremendous overclockers. The S3 is the same as the DS3 except for the capacitors (the DS3 has higher quality ones which are supposed to make it more Durable).

 

[tersome]

Get a P5N-E SLI. That way your overclock won't be limited by your ram.

 

[perdomot]

The Gigabyte board looks good. Thanks. The Biostar looks good too although the OCing isnt as good.