DP55WB shortcomings?

[yehuda]

I've come across some combo deals that include this motherboard and I am wondering if it is any good.

http://www.intel.com/Products/Desktop/Motherboards/DP55WB/DP55WB-overview.htm

I'd be using it for a Revit workstation build paired up with a lower end Lynnfield (750/860), and a low to mid range GPU (right now, I'm looking at a low-wattage, passive, ATI 4xxx card, but that might change in the future). No overclocking planned, though I'll want to get a nice tower heatsink for silence. Eventually, all memory slots will be occupied in a 2x2+2x4 or 2x2+2x2 GB configuration.

Compared with the current favorite which is the Gigabyte UD2, I notice the following downsides:

1. No support for DDR speeds above 1333, or voltage above 1.5V.
2. No optical audio ports, only 6 audio channels.
3. No PS/2 port.
4. Only one GPU slot -- which could be blocked by a monster CPU heatsink. I've seen that happen on the UD2.
5. No legacy ports.
6. No OC.
7. No eSATA.

Now, assuming none of the above is an issue for this build, would this board fit the bill, or would I do well to skip it and get the Gigabyte anyway, if only to avoid those obscure issues like DPC spikes and S3 sleep which typically only get resolved when you have a large and vocal user base?

I think my main concern is HSF compatibility as compared with the UD2.

 

[lopri]

If those downsides you've listed doesn't bother you, then I'd say the DP55WB will fit the bill. S3 issue on Gigabyte (or any other company's) boards are predominantly related to overclocking. DPC latency seems higher on Gigabyte boards than others, but it isn't prohibitive, IMO.

Which HSF are you planning to use? You may also want to avoid memory sticks w/ tall heatsinks if you decide on DP55WB.

 

[yehuda]

I'm not sure about the choice of HSF. There's the Ninja 2, which is now compatible with socket 1165, and the Noctua NH-U12P, which is $18 more here in Israel. I personally have not used either before, because up until now the Freezer 7 Pro worked for me with dual core builds, but I believe the Lynnfield calls for something beefier if I want to keep the rpm low.

Thanks for the tip regarding the memory. I'll be getting plain standard modules, most likely the Kingston ValueRAM 1333 CL9.

 

[Prestonwon]

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