How reliable are Intel motherboards?

[stapler]

I am doing a Sandy Bridge build, and I am looking for a motherboard that works without any problems. I have read a few places that Intel makes solid, reliable boards that "just work." I have used an ASUS board in a previous gaming system and while it was a good overclocker, there were some annoying issues like SATA ports not functioning correctly. I have read reviews for new ASUS and Gigabyte boards and they seem to a variety of small issues as well. I am hoping to avoid issues as much as possibles. This build is not for gaming and I do not care about overclocking. There really are not any extra features I need and price is not an issue. Is an Intel board what I am looking for? Anyone have any advice for me?

 

[readymix]

i had an intel xbx2 board and it was great. i also had the follow on x48 board and thought it junk as is apparently the follow on to that board the dx58so. the dx58so(2) appears to be a big improvement, i don't know for sure though because stopped following the top of the line money no object intel boards. before intel i had an asus byo and an asus via sony both were trouble free until one of them, not sure which it was melted the 4-pin atx socket while using an extreme processor for a couple months. since intel i'm using 2 asus WS series boards (x48 and x58) happily and trouble free since they were released.

 

[BoomerD]

At one time, Intel motherboards were excellent performers...but that was when Intel actually built their own motherboards. (maybe P4 or earlier)
Nowadays, they contract the work out...last I heard, Foxconn was the Intel OEM.

 

[IntelEnthusiast]

I understand that Foxconn does make some things (just like they do for Apple and number of other big companies) for us but I don't know what they manufacturer. I will say this about our boards I have been using them (DP965LT, DP55WB, and now I have DZ68DB) and I haven’t had a single problem in almost 6 years. Heck I have a friend who is using my Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6400 and DP965LT, almost 6 year from when I brought it. Our SSDs are known as the most reliable on the market. I guess I would our boards are great as long as you aren’t looking for all the bells.

Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team

 

[Gigantopithecus]

I understand that Foxconn does make some things (just like they do for Apple and number of other big companies) for us but I don't know what they manufacturer. I will say this about our boards I have been using them (DP965LT, DP55WB, and now I have DZ68DB) and I haven’t had a single problem in almost 6 years. Heck I have a friend who is using my Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6400 and DP965LT, almost 6 year from when I brought it. Our SSDs are known as the most reliable on the market. I guess I would our boards are great as long as you aren’t looking for all the bells.

Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team

What do you do at Intel? Googling "Intel Enthusiast Team" only turns up your posts on a variety of forums.