Gigabyte GA-P35-DQ6

[Denithor]

What makes this board so much better than other P35 boards (IP35/DS4/etc)? I seem to recall something about 12 phase power design or something but what exactly does that do for a motherboard? Are these boards (DQ6 series) really worth the extra bucks versus the "bargain" boards (ie IP35-E, DS3, etc)?

 

[SerpentRoyal]

You may be able to squeeze out an extra 5 to 10MHz FSB if you can find a chip that can handle more than 500MHz FSB. 12 phase will always consume more power and generate more heat than the value 4 phase IP35-E. A lot of the more expensive boards tack-on bells and whistles to improve profit margin.

Even with benchies, you are not going to see more than 1 to 2% difference between an expensive Gigabyte P35 and a value Abit P35 (excluding IP35V).

http://www.techspot.com/articl...rd-roundup/page20.html

 

[VirtualLarry]

I wouldn't say that 12-phase generates much more heat overall than 4-phase. The important part is that each phase individually generates less heat, because the power load is distributed evenly over the phases. Thus it would tend to last longer, because it doesn't get as hot.

 

[Denithor]

So basically the DQ6 boards are designed more for stability under duress? I suppose that's why everyone wants them for overclocking the quads...

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: VirtualLarry
I wouldn't say that 12-phase generates much more heat overall than 4-phase. The important part is that each phase individually generates less heat, because the power load is distributed evenly over the phases. Thus it would tend to last longer, because it doesn't get as hot.

Don't confuse HEAT with EFFICIENCY. Each electronic circuit added will reduce system efficiency in the form of extra heat. More phase will always result in lower efficiency. PERIOD! Measure the current draw from the wall between any 12 phase vs 4 phase board with similar add-ons options and you will see an increase between 10 and 20 watts under most conditions.

Having more output devices will reduce the peak thermal load at each device, but this is done at the expense of lowered efficiency and higher cost of manufacturing. As long as the nominal working temperature of the output device is not exceeded, component longevity will not be reduced. This is where a PWM heat sink comes into play to help cool the MOSFETs.

In general, it's easier for an engineer to design a very high quality three phase power section at a very competitive price while maintaining very high efficiency. KISS when it comes to power design.

Another analogy is the internal combustion engine. A four cylinder 3.0L engine will always get better fuel mileage than an eight cylinder 3.0L engine.

 

[Ozoneman]

Originally posted by: Denithor
What makes this board so much better than other P35 boards (IP35/DS4/etc)? I seem to recall something about 12 phase power design or something but what exactly does that do for a motherboard? Are these boards (DQ6 series) really worth the extra bucks versus the "bargain" boards (ie IP35-E, DS3, etc)?

It runs cooler than most. Thus the components should last longer. Also, it has a lot of features. Have you found one for sale? I thought Gigabyte quit making them.

 

[SolMiester]

If like the 965 DQ6 it has Quad BIOS, Quad E-SATA, Quad Cooling, and Quad 3 phase power, the benefit being the smoother supply of power under load with fewer peaks.

I'm actually looking to get the 965 version, as they are a lot cheaper now. They may not ever support penryn, however the next chip after that is a mobo upgrade anyway and there is no way I can afford kentifield and then penryn cpu's in 1 year....

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal
Having more output devices will reduce the peak thermal load at each device, but this is done at the expense of lowered efficiency and higher cost of manufacturing. As long as the nominal working temperature of the output device is not exceeded, component longevity will not be reduced. This is where a PWM heat sink comes into play to help cool the MOSFETs.

I wouldn't say that either. All electronic components have a temperature-based derating curve. A 4-phase PWM circuit will not last as long as a 12-phase circuit, period.

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal
In general, it's easier for an engineer to design a very high quality three phase power section at a very competitive price while maintaining very high efficiency. KISS when it comes to power design.

Another analogy is the internal combustion engine. A four cylinder 3.0L engine will always get better fuel mileage than an eight cylinder 3.0L engine.

I don't think that's a very good analogy to electronics circuits.
That 8-cyl engine may have better longevity due to less RPMs and less wear.

 

[Denithor]

Originally posted by: Ozoneman
It runs cooler than most. Thus the components should last longer. Also, it has a lot of features. Have you found one for sale? I thought Gigabyte quit making them.

Gigabyte GA-P35-DQ6 (Open Box) for $187 shipped

Originally posted by: SolMiester
If like the 965 DQ6 it has Quad BIOS, Quad E-SATA, Quad Cooling, and Quad 3 phase power, the benefit being the smoother supply of power under load with fewer peaks.

Can you explain the "Quad 3 phase power" in a bit more detail and compare to budget boards like the IP35-E and to more expensive options like the IP35 Pro or the P35-DS4?

Originally posted by: VirtualLarry
I wouldn't say that either. All electronic components have a temperature-based derating curve. A 4-phase PWM circuit will not last as long as a 12-phase circuit, period.

What kind of time frame difference are we talking here on average?

 

[SolMiester]

Probably better to read the blurb on it from the web site!