Is it worth upgrading the motherboard from IP35 to an x48?

[BAMAVOO]

I want to continue to run DDR2 and I have 2 HD 4850's in crossfire. IS the jump to the x48 worth it to move up to 16x pci-e for both video cards or is the pci-e at 4x not holding me back that much? I am gaming at 1680x1050 and will be for a while as the desk I have will not allow for a wider monitor due to the shelving on both sides.


THanks

If it is worth the upgrade is the Rampage the board to go with?

 

[lopri]

I'd say reluctantly it's worthwhile. Reluctantly because 1) I'm not a fan of SLI/CF, 2) P45 is a better alternative.

But given the choice between P35 and X48, P35 is such an inefficient configuration for CF. You're hosing the whole traffic from the south bridge with P35, let alone sub-optimal graphics performance.

 

[Beanie46]

My only concern about keeping your IP35 is the lack of anything from Abit since they're out of business now, so no support, no RMA, no updates for BIOS, etc.

As for the speed, it may, and that's a big MAY, make a difference.

As for the board, the Rampage is a great board, despite a few peeps hating on Asus, myself included. But my despise of Asus is centered on their video cards, after having the last two Asus video cards die in less than 6 months use without any overclock or overvolt to them (3870 TOP and 4850.) RMA for both was horrible taking over two months each time and had to repeatedly returning the card I received from RMA.....and those were the same broken cards I sent in without any fix at all.

But for Asus motherboards, I prefer them over all and still buy and use them.

On the other hand, I've heard good feedback about the Foxconn Black OPS X48 board which is quite inexpensive (relatively speaking at least) at $89.99 AR from Newegg ($119.99 before rebate.)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813186144