Lost in the technology

[gmjimmy]

I'm having trouble deciding on these three boards. I don't OC or game but I want a smokin fast reliable system. I always overbuy because I would like the system to last. Could anyone give me some advice. The last system I built was three years ago and I haven't had time to stay current with the technology.
Asus P7P55D Pro, the Asus P7P55D-E Pro or the Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3. I'm planning on using a I7 860 CPU. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[kranky]

My criteria was remarkably similar to yours - not a gamer, tend to overbuy so it will last, want reliability. I ended up choosing the P7P55D EVO (very similar to the Pro). I can't speak to the Gigabyte board but I know you'd be happy with the P7P55D Pro. I would not spend the extra money for the P7P55D-E. You can add SATA 6GB and USB 3.0 down the road if you ever need it.

And realistically with the TurboV EVO system on the P7P55D Asus boards, overclocking is so simple you almost can't help but do it. Literally I clicked a button, and stopped it when it was at a 25% overclock. It did everything on its own. You may need a better cooler if you choose to overclock, but if you really want the speed, it's easy enough to do with those boards.

 

[gmjimmy]

Kranky
I really appreciate the help. I'm neck deep in info and most of it is greek to me. Is USB 3.0 and SATA 6GB easy to add later? The P7P55D-E Pro board has this Expansion bridge chip on board. I don't have deep pockets but I'd rather spend a few bucks more now than be aggravated later trying to upgrade.
http://event.asus.com/Xtreme_Design/mb/
Thanks

 

[kranky]

Asus sells an add-on card (U3S6) that has 2 SATA 6GB ports and 2 USB 3.0 ports. It retails for $30. But if you would be more comfortable having the ports there from day 1, then going with the P7P55D-E Pro is probably the better choice.