Help me choose a mobo...

[kwc]

Hi everybody.

Here's the situation. I'll need a computer by october; november at the latest. I've set my mind on getting an Intel this time -E6300 or E6400, I've yet to decide about that. Here's what I have in mind:

-500-550w PSU (Antec Basiq, probably)
-a case, obviously (probably Chieftec or something... Don't wanna spend too much.)
-e6300/e6400
-2gig of DDR2... I'm not much of an OCer so I guess some Kingston Value will do...
-320GB hard drive, I'll try Seagate this time.
-X1900GT
-a DVDRW of some sort
...
Now for my main concern at the moment... Which is the motherboard...
I've read a couple of topics in this forum and I'm none the wiser. I seem to recall someone even saying that all the current Core2Duo ready mobos are somewhat problematic.
I'll need the computer for all sorts of things - from gaming to working with audio/video, etc.
As I stated before, I don't usually overclock and I don't intend to go to extremes this time, but there was an article here on anandtech about the core2 series in comparison with the current AMD line-up and there were also the results of the e6300 and e6400 OCed quite a bit and -supposedly- rather effortlessly and without any fancy cooling and all that, running stable for long periods of time. I wouldn't mind having something like that myself, so...

I need a motherboard that is
1. stable and problem-free (that's the most important thing)
2. able to overclock E6300/E6400 to levels comparable to those seen in that article, but, like I said, I don't need premium features and performance for OCing
3. is in the price range of, say ASUS P5W-DH Deluxe, BadAxe at most; preferably less

The Asus board I mentioned supposedly fits the bill, but I'd still like to hear what you people have to say.... I wouldn't mind something cheaper, and if you heard of problems with any of the Conroe ready boards let me know as well.

Also if anyone has any comments/opinions regarding my configuration I'd appreciate if they expressed them.

Thank you.

EDIT: I just came across a well priced Intel BadAxe... so if anyone has any experiences with it, good or bad, I would be grateful if they shared them with me... The review at Anandtech is favourable, but I'd really like to hear from users; mostly stuff about any problems, incompatibilities, etc. thanks

 

[kwc]

...bump

 

[phile]

Been using ASUS Intel chipset based boards for quite sometime, and all have performed very well. That being said:

With a E6300/E6400: ASUS P5B Deluxe (second choice: Gigabyte's DS3).
With a E6600/E6700/X6800: ASUS P5W DH Deluxe (second choice: Intel BadAxe).

The consensus appears to be that the 2MB conroes o/c better on the P965 chipset, while the 4MB conroes o/c better on the 975X chipset. Myself, I went E6600/P5WDH with a 25% o/c that was ridiculously easy to achieve, while hardly touching my temps.

Don't go too cheap on the mem if you plan to significantly o/c.

-phil

 

[kwc]

Hey, thanks for the reply

So you're saying I should go with a P965 board? That would be a bit cheaper, but isn't the 965 chipset supposedly less mature than the 975? You know, stability and all... The anandtech review mentions less than perfect BIOS implementation and less stability in OCing than the 975 so I'm a bit worried...

My knowledge is not really in-depth so I'm feeling in the dark somewhat. Also, how are the Asus P5B Deluxe competitors, such as the DS3 and DS4, performing? I've read about various issues with the Gigabyte boards on this very forum, so...

 

[phile]

Originally posted by: kwc
Hey, thanks for the reply

So you're saying I should go with a P965 board? That would be a bit cheaper, but isn't the 965 chipset supposedly less mature than the 975? You know, stability and all... The anandtech review mentions less than perfect BIOS implementation and less stability in OCing than the 975 so I'm a bit worried...

My knowledge is not really in-depth so I'm feeling in the dark somewhat. Also, how are the Asus P5B Deluxe competitors, such as the DS3 and DS4, performing? I've read about various issues with the Gigabyte boards on this very forum, so...

There's a sticky thread for both the P5B Deluxe, if you want to see what users of the board have to say. Sure, the P965 chipset is less mature than the 975X, but many BIOS revisions have been released since that article was written. As for the Gigabyte, I've never used any of their boards, and haven't been paying close attention to the performance of their conroe line.

-phil

 

[kwc]

Okay, thanks.... I'll check out the thread you mentioned.

Still, if anyone else has any interesting info, drop in...

 

[Skott]

Concerning stability there are two things you need to keep in mind. Alot of the rumors you heard were true. When the Conroe mobos first came out they all had problems. Now that there have been quite a bit of BIOS updates for these mobos they are much more stable. Secondly, remember alot of people are OCing these mobos. They are pushing the boundaries of what they can do. Experimenting. Naturally problems come up in this type of situation. Even the seasoned experienced OCers had to figure out things in these new mobos. So when it comes to pushing these mobos you will hear about problems and complaints. Its part of the exploration and adventure to OCing. The good news is that the early users have blazed a path for others to follow. They encounter the new problems and figure how to get around them for the rest of us. Unless you plan to be on the bleeding edge of max performance too you probably wont have too many problems. At least none that havent already been figured out how to get around. Keep in mind though that OCing gives no gurantees of how far you'll go. Its a skill and a good deal of luck involved. As new BIOSes come out people manage to get a little further along with these new mobos.

The P5W DH, DS3, P5B, andBadAxe are all good mobos choices. Very popular in fact. Which one is right for you is going to be based on your budget and needs. this is something you'll need to figure out.

 

[kwc]

Excellent post, Skott, thank you... that's what I wondered as well, if it isn't all just a matter of how much you're pushing the thing and what you're demanding it to do....

As for the choice, it seems it's between the four of them.... What about the DS4 though? In what ways does it differ from the DS3?
I'm leaning towards the BadAxe currently because I found a good deal over here and damn, it's from Intel, it better work fine

 

[cmdrdredd]

The DS4 is a DS3 with a heatpipe cooling system and a few tweaks over the standard DS3. It would be, in my opinion a better choice if it's available. The P5B Deluxe is solid too. If you're going to overclock go with the DS3/DS4 or P5B Deluxe IMO. The Intel board can overclock too, but it needs a slight "mod" to unlock the features in the BIOS.

 

[customcoms]

By october, the Abit C2D board should be available. And more C2D "budget" boards as well, which should drive the prices down. The Abit has a review up on anandtech, looks like a top notch board!

 

[kwc]

Well damn, damn, damn

That's kinda frustrating... I really don't want to regret choices down the road but I'll be damned if I have any idea what to do...

I have a chance to get the DS4 from Gigabyte and it's a reasonable deal, but I'm hearing mixed opinions about Gigabyte boards... P5B Dlx from Asus, on the other hand, is hardly cheaper than the BadAxe and is itself the target of numerous complaints. BadAxe would hopefully give me stability and all that, but I keep hearing it won't overclock without hardware mods... And I'd really like to have a computer up and running, come october.

To put things in perspective- I live in Slovenia, which is central europe, more or less. As you probably know, europe has significantly higher prices on computer components than, say, US or Canada; that means I have to be especially patient and diligent if I am to find good deals, and then I also need lots of luck so that the items I want are in stock, etc.

God it's times like these when I wish I had some relatives in America... or something.

Anyway, my rant is over.... if someone has something to add, they're welcome

 

[Skott]

Well, if you want cheap and great overclock the DS3 is probably the better choice. If you want highest possible OC then right now its the P5B apparently. Gotta remember new BIOSes are still coming out so this changes. The new 1401 BIOS for the P5W DH allows up to 550fsb supposedly. Highest I seen posted is 455fsb which isnt shabby in my thinking. If the Intel requires a mod than I'd avoid it personally. But thats just me. I heard its a great overclocker though. If you want good overclock plus dual card ability (CrossFire) then the P5W DH is the way to go right now I think. It is pricey however.

If you are looking for a Conroe mobo to overclock that is completely without any quirks or problems then forget about it. Such a thing doesnt exist. But... the majority of the problems you have heard about the Conroe mobos have been fixed. Also most of the problems that did occur were encountered for those trying to overclock beyond stock settings.

The DS4 should let you hit 3.2GHz with a E6400 if that all you're concerned about which is a very good OC in my opinion. And anything over 3GH for a E6300/6400 is very nice IMHO.

 

[modestninja]

Originally posted by: customcoms
By october, the Abit C2D board should be available. And more C2D "budget" boards as well, which should drive the prices down. The Abit has a review up on anandtech, looks like a top notch board!

What turned me off this board (the Abit) is that with a video card or two in there you have virtually no access to the PCI and PCI express slots and I need at least a couple of those...

 

[Skott]

Might want to view this thread. Some new 965 mobos due out soon.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=28&threadid=1924935&enterthread=y

 

[88NovaTwincam]

I was fairly sure that the DS3 (I'd go for DS4 but it's not available in USA) was the one the get..
Wanted at least 400fsb with an e6300 and This Patriot Ram which is *supposed to go 800Mhz++

BUT NOW I'm reading about the Gigibyte S3 which is the same as DS3 without the solid capacitors but O/C's just as well....
S3 vs. DS3

That would bring the cost down about $40 too..

Opinions?

 

[skinnyj]

it would depend on how long you want to keep the board i think the difference in solid cap's brings longevity to the board

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: customcoms
By october, the Abit C2D board should be available. And more C2D "budget" boards as well, which should drive the prices down. The Abit has a review up on anandtech, looks like a top notch board!

With 1 PCI slot that is useless with a Crossfire/SLI setup. That alone kills any hope of it being worth a crap to me.

 

[customcoms]

But their is zero proof of that. If you want the ultimate "caps" and wait a while, DFI will be bringing a lanparty board to market with digital power management, eliminating the caps. Their new lanparty AM2 has this feature and is an overclocking monster from the user reviews. But its going to be a long wait for their Lanparty conroe board and it might not be a top notch overlclcoker, so we'll see.

At this point in time, I'm waiting for some new 965P C2 chipset based boards; when exactly the switch will be made is not very clear (supposedly the manufacturers have the chipsets in their warehouses).

If I was buying right now, I'd get the gigabyte S3 for the price and the relativly good performance.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: customcoms
But their is zero proof of that. If you want the ultimate "caps" and wait a while, DFI will be bringing a lanparty board to market with digital power management, eliminating the caps. Their new lanparty AM2 has this feature and is an overclocking monster from the user reviews. But its going to be a long wait for their Lanparty conroe board and it might not be a top notch overlclcoker, so we'll see.

At this point in time, I'm waiting for some new 965P C2 chipset based boards; when exactly the switch will be made is not very clear (supposedly the manufacturers have the chipsets in their warehouses).

If I was buying right now, I'd get the gigabyte S3 for the price and the relativly good performance.

yeah the first Lanparty C2D board will be based on the RD600 from what i recall, and their board will be the one and only RD600 to be released. Very sad, but could be a way for ATI/AMD to pull ahead of the Intel dominated overclocking board market right now by assisting with the development of the board to some degree.

BTW: there are people with the Abit AW9D-Max retail board Here and there are some pretty severe problems with it. Not least of which is being unable to run 1:1 memory for some unknown reason. For another unknown reason the EPS 12v connector uses a rounded plug where pin #7 goes and on every PSu out there it's a squared plug with no round end. So no available PSU will work with it. Could be just an isolated error, but sheesh...the user is stuck with 4pin only for the moment.

 

[kwc]

Skott:

I wasn't planning to OC it immediately... Do you think the problems that currently exist with conroe mobos can mostly be fixed with a BIOS flash? Because in that case I might as well buy something that is stable and solid out of the box and wait for further BIOS revisions in order to -eventually- try overclocking it?

I don't need CrossFire and I don't intend to go over 3GHz. As for the price... I'd prefer paying more for more quality than the other way around; one usually keeps motherboards around longer than other components... I'd really like something solid so it doesn't give me any trouble. I'm especially worried about the often mentioned problems those new boards have with some memory modules... Can anyone tell me more about that?

And finally what's up with that C1/C2 stepping of the 965 chipset? Is the C2 out yet? In that thread you posted there's a certain P5B-E board being mentioned... is that the only board currently shipping with C2?

 

[88NovaTwincam]

It seems that all the P5B-E will be C2, but who knows until they ship!!!

At this point I can't in my right mind jump on any current board right now bec. I will be unhappy in two weeks when
the same cash will net better hardware.. I only shop the 'egg bec. of their service/credit deal pwns and the 6300 has dropped $$ several times in recent days

It has always paid to wait and this really applies now

SOMEONE LOWER THE ROOF ON DDR PRICES!