Sorry, but which motherboard should I get....

downhiller80

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Apr 13, 2000
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So about to do my first mb/cpu upgrade for a few years (dunno when I got this amd64 3000+ but I'm guessing 3 years ago?)

I've picked a CPU relatively easily - well, almost - probably an E6750. I want to go for the quad because well, it sounds twice as good as a dual, but in reality I know I'd notice very little difference, and I'd rather have the lower power consumption (and hence a quieter fan) of the dual.

As for memory, 4GB of DDR2 is ridiculously cheap so I may as well get it even if I will "only" be able to access about 3.2GB of it due to addressing problems etc.


So, now I'm left with the MB dilemma.

What I want:

* not ridiculously expensive
* supports quad core, even if I don't get one now
* relatively "future-proof", so able to take new procs as they come out, 45nm etc?
* DD2 (if it'll take DDR3 as well then I guess that's a future-proofing bonus?)
* possibility of overclocking (though I don't want to do anything too extreme so I think any board will do really?)

I'm kinda against having things that I don't want/need, so my ideal motherboard would have no onboard video.

Also I don't buy into SLi or Crossfire so I'm not bothered by whether my mobo has that capability or not, I'd always run a single card.


I think I'm leaning towards the gigabye X38-DQ6 at the moment, but I don't really feel I know enough about the market to make a decision.

Cheers
 

renethx

Golden Member
Apr 28, 2005
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If you are against having things that you don't want/need, then X38-DQ6 or any other X38 board is a huge waste of money. From what you want, perhaps

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L or
ABIT IP35-E

is the best choice. If you want more SATA ports, eSATA ports or onboard RAID, then

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R
MSI P35 Neo2-FR
 

downhiller80

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Apr 13, 2000
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Cheers renethx.

Will I be able to use the newer 45nm processors on a P35 board though? I thought not?
 

renethx

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Apr 28, 2005
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Every P35 motherboard will support 45 nm processors (dual-core or quad-core). Yorkfield (quad-core) has been delayed because of incompatibility (FSB errata) with P35 mbs, but the retail CPUs should work.
 

downhiller80

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Apr 13, 2000
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OK, I'd like to add another critera - "coaxial digital audio out" :)

(you're very helpful, I've just been reading that MASSIVE thread you did :S)
 

renethx

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Apr 28, 2005
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GA-P35-DS3L/R has both coaxial and optical outs. ABIT IP35-E has optical out only. MSI P35 Neo2-FR does not have either of them, header only (it's suprising that mb manufacturers don't think S/PDIF outs are standard yet).
 

SerpentRoyal

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May 20, 2007
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The IP35-E is the only low-cost MB capable of pushing a quad north of 3.8GHz. DS3L lacks PWM heat sink. Even with the heat sink on IP35-E, some users have seen +100C PWM temp without active cooling at the PWM heat sink. I would not consider the DS3L for high current/high FSB overclocking. Plus there are a confirmed reports that the DS3L BIOS can reset to default overnight. This is an ongoing issue with Gigabyte boards. Finally, the Gibabyte's BIOS is cryptic with +X.XXX instead of the actual value set.

You can read more about IP35-E @ MB forum.
 

renethx

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Apr 28, 2005
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Originally posted by: sebfrost
* possibility of overclocking (though I don't want to do anything too extreme so I think any board will do really?)

sebfrost

If this is what you want concerning overclocking, GA-P35-DS3L is just fine. The GIGABYTE board is rock solid with decent overclocking capability for casual overclockers. The price is also great ($89).
 

Regalk

Golden Member
Feb 7, 2000
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I have both boards - IP35-E and the GA-DS3L . If I were to buy again I would get a medium range board for more features. But I still prefer the GA DS3L over the IP35-E and it has none of the issues (losing bios) mentioned above - it is a very solid board.
 

treker

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May 6, 2007
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Some folks here really push that Abit IP35-E mobo which I feel has one major defect. It does not allow for undervolting. And as OP wantied lower power consumption for cooler running, the Gigabyte DS3L allows undervolting while still overclocking mildly is a much better choice. I just built one for a friend. Rock solid with C2D E6400. Running cool undervolted and overclocked slightly. No bios problems. In fact, a very superior bios with many memory cpu voltage options.
 

downhiller80

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Apr 13, 2000
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Hmm, I've just read about how Vista OEM will be locked to whatever motherboard I buy and when I change mobo I'll have to buy another OEM licence... are some boards more future-proof than others?

Is it pointless to expect a board to work with new processors in a couple of years time? Should I be looking to get a 1600FSB board that supports ddr2 AND ddr3? Or should I not worry about any of this... :)
 

Heidfirst

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May 18, 2005
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Originally posted by: treker
Some folks here really push that Abit IP35-E mobo which I feel has one major defect. It does not allow for undervolting.
that's what C1E & EIST are for ;)

Originally posted by: sebfrost

Is it pointless to expect a board to work with new processors in a couple of years time?
yes, because Intel is moving to a new socket in ~1 year.
tbh give up trying to futureproof - buy something to do what you need it to do now.
 

Spook

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Nov 29, 1999
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Originally posted by: sebfrost
Hmm, I've just read about how Vista OEM will be locked to whatever motherboard I buy and when I change mobo I'll have to buy another OEM licence... are some boards more future-proof than others?

Is it pointless to expect a board to work with new processors in a couple of years time? Should I be looking to get a 1600FSB board that supports ddr2 AND ddr3? Or should I not worry about any of this... :)

Understand that the 45nm penryns are the end of the line. After this Intel will release Nehlam, and this will be the next gen, but it will require a new socket, ie a new motherboard... this is due to be released Q4, 08... but don't be surprised to see it released next year.

So, future proof? well, as future proof as you can be....