XFX 780i or EVGA 680i A1

[krnmastersgt]

As for my system specs:
CPU: Q6600
Memory: OCZ DDR2 PC6400 EPP memory (2x2gigs)
GPU: XFX 8600 GT XXX
PSU: Ultra XVS Modular
Case: Ultra Aluminus Full Tower

So I find myself split between the 680i and the 780i, I understand that the 780i is the chipset but in terms of performance it pretty much benchmarks at 680i levels so I don't see a big difference, and even between these boards the specs are almost identical, so I was wondering if anyone knew whether the PCI-e 2.0 bridge really made a performance difference or if it was just for show. A speedy response would be appreciated since I plan on buying one of them today or this weekend at latest.

 

[Boyd117]

If you plan on running the 8600 GT go with the 680i, theres no point on spending extra money on a board with no performance boost for that card

 

[krnmastersgt]

Well the 8600 is just something I got to use till I got the money for a few 8800s, from what I've read there isn't even a speed boost for the 8800s in a pci-e 2.0 even though the theoretical bandwidth is doubled, at least not for what I do which is mainly gaming. I was just wondering if the chipset would have any noticable performance difference.

 

[The-Noid]

780i has higher fsb wall and also seems to be a bit more stable imo.

 

[krnmastersgt]

Good points for the 780i, it has the .5 multiplier too right? Higher OC for me I suppose, any other suggestions on mobos or should I just pick myself up a 780i now?

 

[wrangler]

At this point 780i is no-brainer.

You never know what the future holds and that PCI-e 2.0 could come in handy sooner than you think plus even though people saying it is identical to 680i that is not entirely true. There are electrical and layout/trace differences which leads me to also remind you that forthcoming processors from Intel will for sure make you wish you had selected 780i.

 

[krnmastersgt]

Oh right, forgot about Penryn, well I guess I'll go pick one up then, luckily a local retailer still has a few left.

 

[Boyd117]

How is the new mobo running?

 

[krnmastersgt]

Well compared to my 6 year old system, it runs like a dream, haven't overclocked anything yet since I'm too busy with schoolwork.