Recomended Mobos for Overclocking

[murphyslabrat]

I am planning a new build, and I want to get the most for my money. This is not a budget PC, it is a bag-for-buck PC. I am getting an athlon x2 3600(brisbane, with an OEM cooler, probably the Scythe Katana), 2x1 GB memory(still in the air), an r600 series card(whenever they come out, but for now I will be using a vintage pci card, circa 1997), and a WD1600AAJS(maybe x2). For the mobo I am leaning towards the DFI Infinity NF4-Ultra board. I love DFI's boards, but I don't think I can push an Athlon x2 3600+ far enough to need a 400MHz fsb.

So, recomendations? For comparison reasons, here's the board I want to get:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136015

Thanks for the info

 

[murphyslabrat]

*bump*

 

[crossrode]

ASUS MB's are faster out of the box. DFI has BIOS settings you have no use for and more importantly, confusing. Have you found any bench tests with the DFI MB you are considering? ASUS is the more likely choice for bench marking a CPU. I'm not an ASUS fanboy. My numerous ASUS boards just perform better than my two DFI boards.

 

[MrCodeDude]

Originally posted by: crossrode
ASUS MB's are faster out of the box. DFI has BIOS settings you have no use for and more importantly, confusing. Have you found any bench tests with the DFI MB you are considering? ASUS is the more likely choice for bench marking a CPU. I'm not an ASUS fanboy. My numerous ASUS boards just perform better than my two DFI boards.

This is a 100% factual statement.

Yes, DFI includes BIOS options just to screw with you. They also have a hidden option that when accidentally pressed (and note, it can only be pressed on accident), your motherboard will (literally) explode.

And these benchmarks would like to have word with your "faster out of box" claim. The boards all look to be equal.

 

[crossrode]

I wouldn't argue with you other MB's than ASUS perform great. Has DFI moved to the ts 8 phase power design yet? I know ASUS claims their boards run cooler and with more stability than typical motherboards. I know mine does.

 

[Subbaculcha]

I have that board, I bought it and a cheap sempron to learn to overclock. Easy to take 1.6 sempy to 2.6, stable too.
Downside is the very hot northbridge. You'll need to spend extra for a fan or heatsink. I'm using the Thermalright HR-05 SLI and
it works well, but it's and extra $25.
So you might be better off elsewhere if the extra $25 puts you into a board you like better.

 

[Midnight Rambler]

For the money it's hard to beat the DFI nForce4 Ultra-D, great board if you understand all the options.

 

[MrCodeDude]

Originally posted by: crossrode
I wouldn't argue with you other MB's than ASUS perform great. Has DFI moved to the ts 8 phase power design yet? I know ASUS claims their boards run cooler and with more stability than typical motherboards. I know mine does.

ASUS's 8-Phase was debuted two years or so ago and to my knowledge, ASUS is the only one who implements it. If 8-Phase was truly revolutionary, you'd see some migration/emulation from competitor manufacturers by now.

 

[crossrode]

copyrights.

 

[crossrode]

BTW. My DFI 875-Pro B socket 478 has that 'hidden' switch you were referring to. I've had the board since around 2000. A few months ago I tripped a switch and unlocked my RAM timings!!!! Holy baby Jebus!!! Now I can run RAM other than DIMMS with SPD 3-3-3-8!!!!!! My Corsair PC3200 2-3-3-6 works!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh...yeah it exploded when tried to have the BIOS recognize I added a second SATA HD as a slave. Don't ask me. I plugged it in and the board had kiniption fits. I just sold it!

 

[murphyslabrat]

BTW, I just noticed Anandtech.forums "recommended mobo's" thread...thanks for your advice, guys.