Help choose a matching motherboard

[Nask]

Hello,

After having numerous problems with my current set up i am looking for a different motherboard.
I don't want to overclock. I need a mobo that is stable with my configuration.
I am thinking about the intel 965 chipset.

I have been searching on the internet, but i want some users input, because the experiences are with users.

PLease help me out.

Nask


My system is as follows:
P5W DH Deluxe (bios 1407) (is gonna be replaced)
CPU Core2Duo E 6600
Soundblaster X-FI FATALITY
MSI GEForce 8800GTS
SPIRE Rocketeer 4 600W PSU (combined 12v rail of 38 A)
DVD BUrner NEC AD-7173
2*1024MB RAM Crucial (DDR2-4300)
SATA 2 HD Maxtor

 

[MTDEW]

The P5WDH is a pretty darned stable mobo, ESPECIALLY if you are not overclocking.
So if you havent totally given up on your current motherboard, i would look for info on bios settings that are "recommended" for the mobo.

As for a 965 board, you're gonna get the usual answers you see here all the time.

My personal favorite is the Gigabyte DS3

FYI: I have the Asus P5WDH DLX in my pc and i put a DS3 in my wifes pc.
And every day i think about trading her motherboards.
Thats how much i like the DS3.
Not that theres anything wrong with my Asus board, it runs just fine.
Its just the DS3 hits a higher fsb and i "may" be able to get more out of my cpu.
(note: her and i are both running e6600's too)


Anyway....
If you can describe your current problems, maybe we can fix them and save you some hassle.

My pc is VERY similar to yours and its rock stable.
Asus P5WDH DLX
4x1gb of DDR2 1000
X-Fi Xtreme Music
EvGa 8800GTX
Pioneer 111D DVD burner
BFG 680w SLI PSU
3x Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 hard drives SATA
etc...etc...

 

[kilcan]

I just built (with the Intel Core 2 as well) and was reccomended this mobo. It (to my knowledge) uses the 965 chipset

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813138037

 

[Nask]

MTDEW,

I am having troubles with this config. since i bought it in December.. BSOD's, lockups.
It has been to my supplier and he tested it for weeks (several ramsticks are tested).

Got it back finally and i tried to install my webcam software, 45 mins later nothing, reboot , same happened..nothing!.. it would not copy files from cdrom to HD.

Tried to install software on laptop, a 4 min. job

Supplier suggested to look for another motherboard..

 

[MTDEW]

Here are my bios settings, except for cpu and mem. (im overclocked to 3.6ghz)
So you'll have your cpu and mem settings on AUTO since you arent overclocked.

performance mode - Turbo
PCI Express Frequebcy - 101
PCI clock Sync Mode - 33.33MHz

FSB Termination Volatge - 1.20v
MCH Chipset Voltage - 1.55v
ICH Chipset Voltage - 1.05

USB function - (whatever you use)
Legacy USB support - Disabled
USB 2.0 Controller - Enabled

Modify Ratio Support - Disabled
Microcode Updation - Enabled
MAx CPUID Value Limit - Disabled
Execute Disable Function - Disabled
Enhance C1 Control - Disabled
CPU Internal Thermal Control - Disabled
Intel SpeedStep tech. - Disabled

Configure DRAM timing by SPD - Enabled (start with it enabled, them manually set later if needed)
Hyper Path 3 - Disabled
DRAM Throttling Threshold - Disabled

PEG Buffer length - Long (or auto)
Link Latency - Slow (or auto)
Peg Root Control - Enabled
PEG Link Mode - Normal
Slot Power - Normal

AI Quiet - Disabled
CPU Fan speed - Ignore (if using aftermaket cooler)
CPU Q-Fan Control - Disabled
Chassis Fan1 Speeed - Ignored
Chassis Fan2 Speed - Ignored
Chassis Q-Fan Control - Disabled
Power fan1 Speed - Ignored
Power fan2 Speed - Ignored
PWR Q-Fan Control - Disabled

 

[Agent11]

I would bet 20 bucks it's your power supply.

 

[Nask]

these are the specs of my PSU:

Application: Intel Atx 2.01, Atx 12V
Power Supply Design Guide Ver. 1.3
Voltage: 95VAC~132VAC Or 190VAC~264VAC,
Select Switch(Auto-switching Is Optional).
Frequency: 47Hz ~ 63Hz
Current: Maximum Current At 115VAC(RMS): 10A;
Maximum Current At 230VAC(RMS): 6A;
Output: +12V1dc Max 20A;+12V2dc Max 20A; +5Vdc Max 54A
+3.3Vdc Max 30A;-5Vdc Max 0.5A;-12Vdc Max 0.5A;
+5Vsb Max 3.0A Hold-up Time 16.6ms
Nom. Power 600W
Max Power: 620W
P.g. Signal: 100-500ms

Voltage Protection: +5V Output Is Between 5.8V To 6.3V;
+12V Output Is Between 14.0V To 17.0V
+3.3V Output Is Between 3.6V To 4.2V
Protection Features: Over Current Protection&Over Voltage Protection&Short Circuit Protection
Cooling: One (1) 120mm Crystal Blue Silent LED Fan
Noise Level: 10.0 ~ 19.0 dBA Max
Dimensions: 156mm(L)X150mm(W)X87mm(H)
Case: Nickel -Plating
Connectors: 20+4Pin Atx(Motherboard)X1;4Pin 12V(Motherboard)X1;6 Pin PcieX1
4 Pin(Ide)X6;4 Pin(Floppy)X2;15 Pin SataX2
Cables: 20+4Pin Atx(Motherboard)X1;4Pin 12V(Motherboard)X2; Pcie 6 Pin X2;
4 Pin(3Ide+1Floppy)X2;2Sata15 PinX1
MTBF: 140.000 Hours

If it would be my PSU, which PSU would be good for my config?

 

[MTDEW]

I looked up your power supply when you first posted since i had never heard of it.

After seeing several reviews of it, that psu should be just fine for your setup.

Unless you have a defective unit of course, but that goes with any hardware.

Im wondering if youve ever ran memtest on your pc?

 

[MTDEW]

Try downloading memtest and run test 5 for 5 passes or so and see if it passes.
here a link, just unzip the iso file, burn it to a cd, then reboot your pc and go into bios and tell it to boot from cd first.
heres a LINK to download memtest 86'

 

[Nask]

MTDEW,

a matter of fact i tried memtest several times even a prog. called orthos and the gamers benchmark 3mark. Those all turn out OK.

 

[MTDEW]

Good, glad to hear that.

Now are your BSOD's only occuring while transferring data from cd's / DVD's to the hard drive?

 

[Nask]

It didn't BSOD on me when i tried to install the webcam software, it never copied the files to the harddisc. But i had BSOD's when i wanted to update my antivirus and accessed Internet explorer.

 

[MTDEW]

No BSOD while gaming?

 

[Nask]

Nope that's what is so weird , i can play games and watch movies without problems.

 

[MTDEW]

Well thats good info.....if it doesnt while gaming and running orthos, then we can rule out your PSU and voltage "droops" because they will happen when the system is under load.

Ok, now, on the back of you pc, you will see 4 usb port alongside ethernet jacks.
The 4 ports are directly above/below each other in a group.

Do you have anything plugged into the lower usb ports?
Did you plug your cam in there?

 

[MTDEW]

You'll have to bear with me on all the questions, im asking as i think of them.

1: When you insert the cd that has you webcam software on it, does it autorun and start to install?
2: If not, can you read whats on the cd if you look at it in windows explorer?
3:0h, and im assuming you are running WinXp?

 

[Nask]

I have my USB mouse and Keyboard plugged into the lower slots and tried the webcam in that same area, aswell on the front connectors in my case ( sliverstone lc17s).

 

[MTDEW]

I dont care for the lower two much, when my usb external hard drive is plugged into those, if the pc is off, and i turn on my usb hard drive, the pc will start itself!

So if you can avoid using the two lower ones, then try to. (just in case)

 

[Nask]

THose two might cause a conflict?

One note. i booted my pc today , had it running for about 30 mins., wanted to shut down the pc and it would not. I had to use the reset button.:thumbsdown:

 

[MTDEW]

Is this a "clean" / "new" install of windows?

 

[Nask]

Yes it is a clean install, so no driver residue. It even got all the latest drivers.

 

[MTDEW]

You'll have to bear with me on all the questions, im asking as i think of them.

1: When you insert the cd that has you webcam software on it, does it autorun and start to install?
2: If not, can you read whats on the cd if you look at it in windows explorer?
3:0h, and im assuming you are running WinXp?

 

[Nask]

No problem i apreciate your help

1. The cd autoruns and starts to install . a blue bar moves from left to right (kinda Like KIT )
2. i can read the contents in the Explorer
3. yep Win Xp PRO SP2

 

[MTDEW]

You know how to get to device manager?

 

[Nask]

Yep there are no exclamation marks in device manager.. (guessing that would be your next question)