Thinking of getting the Gigabyte P965 DS3

[LiquidImpulse]

will there be any issues? i've heard its a mean overclocker, but there are a plethora of problems. all i know is if i decide to purchase this motherboard, i will need to find rev 3.3, and download/flash the f10 bios, but is there anything else i need to know? ie, compatability problems with SATA hard drives, ide optical drives,etc?

 

[vailr]

The bios version should be F10 from the factory by now.
If buying a new optical drive, go with a SATA optical from Pioneer or Samsung.
Don't use the included CD for drivers. Get the latest drivers from station-drivers.com.
For example:
JMicron
Intel Chipset
Realtek HD Azalia Audio
Marvell Lan
And use the latest versions of CD burning software. Nero 7.xxx, for example.

 

[Fallengod]

Like you said, there are many issues with that board. Not sure if its because many people own it or what but.... I know some people that have gone through 3 of them before getting one that remotely worked.

I wish you good luck if you go with it.

 

[kmmatney]

From my experience, lower priced Core 2 Duo boards seem to have a lot of problems. My biggets problem has been SATA drive compatibility. No problems at all with AMD boards, but a nightmare so far with lower prices Core 2 Duo boards. I'm still waiting for someone to recommend a board in the $100 price range, to replace the one in my sig.

 

[Cardio]

If you do things correctly there are no sata problems. Just read and make sure you do the right setup in the right order. If you can't read or follow directions you will no doubt have problems. I have used several of thes boards with no problems at all. It is a little simpler if you use a sata optical but not necessary. Don't bother using raid as it is not any faster anyway! (If you don't believe me read AT's raid review)