Motherboard for Q9300?

[FlasHBurN]

I need a motherboard for my Q9300 and 8800GTS card. I would like a board that overclocks well.

So far I have narrowed it down to 3 IP35 boards, but I can't decide which to get.

Abit IP35 Pro - Most expensive out of the bunch
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813127030

Asus P5K-E
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131225

Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3P - This one seems nice because of its 8 SATA connections.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...28083&Tpk=GA-EP35-DS3P

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Good overclocking boards usually have 8 (or more) phase power management

Have you researched mobos before you posted this?

"8-Phase Power Design, intended to reduce input ripple current, and output ripple voltage"

 

[FlasHBurN]

Are there even any good eight phase motherboards for around $150? They all seem much more expensive than that.

 

[Foxery]

All three of these boards are very popular, and with good reason. I love my Abit IP35-Pro. The Gigabyte board was my second choice. They're nearly the same. How many SATA connectors do you need? Abit has 6, I believe.

The Asus is a solid board, but has higher power consumption and heat output than the others. It runs fine, but that aspect of the reviews bugged me.

 

[PascalT]

I like how many USB ports the Gigabyte has (8x). I think that's the type of differences I would look for as their performances will be very close to each other.

 

[FlasHBurN]

Yeah, the more SATA and USB ports the better in my opinion. I only need 4 now, but having 8 would be great just for upgrade options. I'm leaning towards the Gigabyte board, but I need it do be a decent overclocker as well. I'd like to run at a little over 3ghz stable.

 

[Foxery]

They're all excellent overclockers. (See below) Buy whichever suits your needs.

The Abit can be slightly frustrating to install physically due to its layout, but once it's in, it's a great performer.

 

[FlasHBurN]

Will the Gigabyte board work out of the box with the Q9300?

Also will there be any clearance issues running it with a Scythe Ninja?

 

[PascalT]

I read on Newegg that a bios update is required for the Gigabyte. But I would verify elsewhere to be sure.

 

[TheInternet1980]

You'll need something with high FSB capability, with the low multi 9300.

Why not dump a little extra cash into a 9450/x3350 for the higher multi, and not worry about getting a super duper high end board? I'm sure you could get what you paid for the 9300 on the forum right now. Unless you took the ass rape to buy it early

 

[FlasHBurN]

I went ahead and ordered the GA-EP35-DS3R. I didn't get the DS3P since I don't need dual PCIE or Firewire.