Suggestions for Mobo with unique requirements

[timg11]

I'm looking for a motherboard for a machine for use in audio recording. I'm looking for Intel Core2 motherboards with 1066 DDR2 RAM support. I want maximum expansion capability.
The primary system requirement is low noise, so no fans on the north or south bridge. It will not be used for gaming or overclocking. This will be used with XP - Vista only if forced.

I would like to find the following features all on one motherboard:

DDR2-1066 RAM support
3 PCI slots (I still need SCSI and have some audio-related interfaces in PCI)
PS2 ports for Mouse and Keyboard (I don't want to buy a new KVM)
"Real" DB25 Parallel Port (copy protection dongle)
1394 interface on board


I have found these possibilities

Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R (no 1394)
Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 (no 1394, older 965 chipset)
Foxconn P9657AA-8EKRS2H (older 965 chipset)
Asus P5B-E (older 965 chipset)

What would I be missing by going with the older 965 chipset? Have there been any significant enhancements that are "must have"?

Are there other possibilities I have overlooked?

 

[o1die]

Some 965 boards won't run wolfdale (.45 nm cpus) 1333 fsb without a bios flash. The asus p5kc looks like a good choice for about $30 more at newegg. I get 2 of the same (one new and one newegg open box) in case one fails and is no longer available. Makes recovery a breeze.

 

[humanure]

MSI P6N

 

[renethx]

Foxconn P35A-S
GIGABYTE GA-N650SLI-DS4
MSI P6N SLI-FI
MSI P6N SLI Platinum
DFI INFINITY NF650i ULTRA-T2

All except Foxconn are nForce 650i and perhaps support Wolfdale, but no Yorkfield. MSI P6N SLI-FI is a great deal (only $85 after rebate at Newegg.com).

 

[timg11]

The MSI P6N Platinum, the DFI INFINITY NF650i ULTRA-T2, and the GIGABYTE GA-N650SLI-DS4 do not appear to support DDR2 1066 memory. Other than that, they are fine.

With a 1333MHz FSB CPU like the E6850, wouldn't the DDR2 1066 be beneficial for performance?

 

[renethx]

Right now there is no chipset that officially supports DDR2-1066 (P35, X38, 650i, 680i, 780i etc.; DDR2-1066 specification is itself pending). But you don't have to worry, by choosing memory multiplier properly (1.6) you can run your memory at 1066MHz (with a FSB 1333 processor with any P35 or 650i motherboard): 333MHz x 1.6 x 2 = 1066MHz.

I don't know if DDR2-1066 is beneficial for performance in your applications.

 

[NXIL]

Hi TimG,

these all fit your requirements:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...%2c749%3a20786&bop=And

I would personally avoid the older chipsets, 965, etc, as this limits your upgrade path for later, and, the P35 chipset gets absolutely great reviews and feedback.

As for a parallel port: may have to get an add on card for that:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...8041%2CN82E16815166011

PCI express so you don't waste a PCI slot:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16815166011

HTH

NXIL

 

[renethx]

ASUS P5K series lack the PS/2 mouse port. You can use a USB to PS/2 adapter, though.

 

[timg11]

Thanks to all for the suggestions.
I'm currently leaning toward the Gigabyte GA-P35-DQ6. It only has 2 PCI's but it has Firewire, Parallel, and PS2 connectors on-board, so I don't have to add any new boards or adapters. I can live with only two PCI slots - it has 3 PCIE slots in case I need to expand in the future. Unlike many others, it seems to actually support DDR2 1066 memory (without the "OC" caveat).

Any issues with this board that I should be aware of?

 

[renethx]

GA-P35-DQ6 has been discontinued and was replaced by GA-X38-DQ6, which will be in turn replaced by GA-X48-DQ6 (both lack parallel port). Maybe you can find GA-P35-DQ6 somewhere. A cheaper alternative to GA-P35-DQ6 is GA-P35-DS3P/DS4 (rev. 1.0/1.1). Or you may use rev. 2.0 (lacks parallel port in the back panel but has an internal header) with a DB25 bracket:

http://www.cablestogo.com/prod...cat%5Fid=908&sku=10338

 

[timg11]

The GA-P35-DS4 (rev2) has a contradiction. The web site says no parallel on header, but the manual shows it as having parallel and com ports on headers. I'm inclined to believe the manual. The P35-DS4 sounds good, since I would like spend less than the ~~$300 that the X38-DQ6 is going for.

 

[Heidfirst]

Gigabyte P35-DS3P & DS4 depends upon the version - the Rev. 1.0 & 1.1. have rear panel parallel & serial ports but the Rev. 2.0 only has onboard headers.

 

[renethx]

I checked my P35-DS4 (rev. 2.0). It does have COM and LPT headers.