Intel DP965LT

[xboxist]

My goal is to build a nice C2D gaming computer, while having no intentions of overclocking (I know, shoot me now). So in my research, I've come across this board:

Product info

The price seems reasonable for what it does. However I'm having concerns about compatible RAM. While browsing Intel's site, I came across the following document directly related to this board:

Intel link

It's dawned on me that my 2.2v, DDR2-800 ram will likely not work with this MB. I'll have to get something that is 1.8V. That's fine, I guess. No biggie. But what does that chart at the bottom of that page mean? Can someone explain it to me?

Are there any other cheaper boards that are C2D compatible, without lots of OC'ing features? That isn't like $250? heh

 

[ForgetCassettes]

I was worried about that as well. I have some Patriot DDR2-800 memory that is listed at 2.1V so I tried setting the voltage on my current motherboard down to 1.8V and I didn't encounter any problems so I went ahead and ordered the Intel board. I only plan on using it until there are more chipsets and motherboards to choose from anyway. My board is scheduled to be delieverd here today so if you have any other questions, ask and I shall try to answer them once it's up and running.

 

[xboxist]

Yeah, that would be great. If you get a chance to test your RAM out in that board, please post back here with your results!

 

[ForgetCassettes]

Well, I'm finally back up and running but not with the Intel board. I got mine yesterday and right from the start I had problems. The board would hang after restarting or resetting. I finally got windows installed and last night the board just died on me. I restarted the computer and it never came back to life. I am returning the board for a refund. I went to a local store and picked up one of the new Gigabyte boards (GA-965P-DS3) and it's working wonderfully. I did get to spend a little time with the Intel board and I wasn't very impressed with it. The BIOS was completely stripped-down. Not many options at all. I didn't expect much for the price and I got it. Also, the on-board audio had a very poor sound. I'm not too terribly disappointed that I am getting my money back. The only bad thing about it all is that I had to pay a premium price ($170) for the Gigabyte board since I bought it from a local dealer. Anyway, from my experience, I can't recommend the Intel board. It's a very plain board with poor on-board audio. Even if I would have received a good board, I wouldn't have been happy with it.