Gigabyte GA-P35C-DS3R or MSI P35 Neo2-FR

[Drakelet]

I'm looking to upgrade my PC and have limited it down to these 2 (I think). I've heard mixed comments about both, but can't decide.

What are the pros and cons of each? What would you recommend?

I'm planning on using them with an E6750 and 2GB RAM (Patriot, GeIL, Crucial, Corsair, not 100% sure yet).

GA-P35C-DS3R - http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=4KRT
P35 Neo2-FR - http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?quicklinx=4M61

 

[40sTheme]

I have the Neo2-FR and love it. The NB cooling is awesome on it, and the BIOS features are incredibly extensive. It's been perfectly stable, and the layout is easy to use; i.e. you will have no problems plugging things in. Just turn off it's automatic processor speed stuff. It was off by default on mine, but I've heard bad things about it. Manual FTW. I don't know much about Gigabyte's offering except I've heard the NB cooling sucks hardcore. That may have been the DS3L, though.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

MSI is a better buy.

 

[Drakelet]

Well that's 3-0 to the MSI ATM (my brother also recommends the MSI)!

 

[Drakelet]

Just realised I hadn't added a poll.

 

[Tarindel]

I bought the MSI last week. Got it yesterday. Plugged it in and it worked. Haven't OC'd yet.

 

[Gillbot]

I've had my Neo2-FR over 500 fsb so far. Great mobo, especially for the price.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Abit IP35-E is back in stock at NewEgg. $90 plus ship. No more $20 rebate.

IP35 has about the same amount of bells and whistles as the MSI. It's $96 plus ship. The Abit would be my 1st choice. MSI is 2nd.

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/vie....hmx?scriteria=BA23928

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...16813127031&Tpk=ip35-e

 

[Drakelet]

I'm UK based so no Newegg. The Abit isn't on Dabs or Aria or Ebuyer either, which is where I was planning on getting the rest of my parts.

Looks like the MSI is better though, 5-0.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I vote for the P35-DS3R (note, NOT the P35C-DS3R).

 

[Mondoman]

And I vote for the P35-DS3P, just so you can have a heat pipe and eleventy billion ports.

 

[Drakelet]

Just a quick update. I ordered the MSI, and it didn't work. So, I've sent it back and asked for a refund, so I can order the Gigabyte.

EDIT: Well, I'm thinking about it. I could get either, although the MSI would probably be cheaper. However, it does have less PCI/SATA/USB sockets, and doesn't support DDR3. Although, TBH, none of those really matter to me.

What would you recommend? I've heard one guy, who built my mum's PC, say he's had a lot of trouble with MSI and never uses them, but none with Gigabyte. Yet, I've heard some people say MSIs are much better. I really can't decide!! I have to decide within the next day or two though.

Anyone have any reason why to buy one over the other?

 

[aussiestilgar]

They are both great boards, just get the one that has the features you desire, or whatever is cheaper. I got the DS3R because of the 8 USB ports and optical out. It OCs well.