2 Motherboards. Need to choose!

[SunSamurai]

I need some help deciding between two motherboards. Any experiance or knowladge on them and what might be a better value is greatly apriciated.

I know one has a mail in rebate, but i never take the into account buying something. I always assume im going to pay full price. So please ignore the rebate and assume they are both the same price

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...igabyte%20GA-EP45-UD3R

ASUS P5Q LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131295

 

[disports]

Either board is fine. I have the P5Q. I like it. The only problem I have with it is the 24 pin power connector placement. Instead of being at the right end of the board, it's on the left side. You can't go wrong with either one.

 

[kevman]

Im in the same boat as you, what CPU are you going to get ? I was looking at the p5q-E and the EP45-DS4R I think.

 

[n7]

I like the P5Q series alot, but it seems Gigabyte got something really right when it comes to their P45 boards & high FSBs with quads.

So if you are planning a quad running over 450 FSB, look at the Gigabyte. But really, you need to be looking at the higher end EP45/P5Qs for that kinda OC anyway, not the value end.

Otherwise i'd recommend P5Q series.

 

[kevman]

which gigabytes do you suggest N7 ? I love the p5q-E a lot, but also I would like to try something new too

 

[n7]

I got mixed up on models, nevermind me.

I'd get the UD3R of those two.

 

[MTDEW]

I'd get the UD3R.
You'll love it and never wonder later if you should have gotten a different board, cuz you'll "KNOW without a doubt" you have the right one as soon as you set it up.

 

[SunSamurai]

Originally posted by: kevman
Im in the same boat as you, what CPU are you going to get ? I was looking at the p5q-E and the EP45-DS4R I think.

Either the E5200 or E7300. I would get the lower right away to save some $$ as its tight right now, but there is a deal with the P5Q with the E7300 on the Egg. They take $150 from the cost of a 120$ CPU, so its a difference of 20$ between them that way.

Everywhere I go im getting good vibes from the P5Q. But the UD3r looks like a good alt. Best one ove seen in that price range anyway.

They both seem stable from the reviews i see.

1. The UD3R looks nicer (sadly that matters at least minimal to me, my case is almost always open, and when its not its a window side)
2. The P5Q has the Xpress Gate thing. -Could- be useful if it has the ability to same to a thumb drive and perhaps troubleshooting an OS that refuses to start.

I would just choose a cheap-ass motherboard, except i keep them for alot longer than any other part. 2-3 CPU upgrades would go into it.

 

[classy]

Gigabyte boards perform well, but I like a few other people have spoken about the longevity of their boards. If you are going to use it the board for 3 yrs I would say definately go Asus.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: classy
Gigabyte boards perform well, but I like a few other people have spoken about the longevity of their boards. If you are going to use it the board for 3 yrs I would say definately go Asus.

Based on what? That's not something I've heard elsewhere.

 

[Paladin]

aeternitas, or anyone
Why the UD3R, and not the UD3P?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128358

the P seems to have a little bit better specks ($12 more). Or is the extra 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 (one running at x16 model, another one running at x8 model) can only be used in Crossfire???

 

[MTDEW]

You are correct, the UD3P is crossfire only.
BUT... i chose the UD3P even though i own a Nvidia GTX 280...because i may use that extra slot to add another Nvidia card for PhysX.

If the $12.00 means nothing to you, i'd grab the "P" over the "R" also. :thumbsup:

 

[MAEST]

Same boat here. Can't decide between an Asus and a Gigabyte. The models I'm deciding between are a little different.

ASUS P5Q Pro
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P

Does anyone have experience with both these models and have a preference? Any significant differences between the two? I've owned Asus before and am happy with it. (A7N8X Deluxe ... yes, my PC is 6 years old and is finally getting an upgrade)

I'm leaning toward a paring with Intel Q9550, Sapphire 4790 1gb, 2x2GB OCZ Reaper HPC Edition DDR2 800.
Have Antec 900 case, Seasonic PS, Samsung 22" LCD and still deciding on HDD (500 or 640gb ... WD most likely) and DVDROM.

 

[SunSamurai]

I just got a 8800GTs 512 last summer, so crossfire is out

"Samsung 22" LCD".. .Would that be the 215TW by any chance?

 

[MAEST]

It was the 2232BW+ from newegg around back friday

 

[Zapper48]

I really like the UD3P I paired with a Q9550 EO.

 

[MAEST]

Zapper: looks like I'm looking at basically an identical system as you. Do you know if all of the Q9550s at newegg and other retailers are E0 yet? or if there is a way I can ensure that my order is?

 

[ibehavincp]

I have the P5Q Pro for about 4 months. So far it's rock solid, no crashes, no stability issues. Games run great. But I don't overclock, so can't comment on that.

 

[toslat]

I got the ud3p for my q6600. Nice board

 

[Zapper48]

Originally posted by: MAEST
Zapper: looks like I'm looking at basically an identical system as you. Do you know if all of the Q9550s at newegg and other retailers are E0 yet? or if there is a way I can ensure that my order is?

Don't know about the Egg I got mine from Ebay lol. So far so good as I'm running 3.8ghz

Prime95 1.23v load. Max temps 54

 

[Glenn]

I have built several systems using both of these boards and its a tossup on performance. I actually prefer the gigabyte simply because the bios is more familiar to me since I build most of the systems I sell using gigabyte boards. The gigabyte definately has it up on the asus in the looks department too. I would go for the best price or best combo deal if I were in your situation but either choice is a good one.

 

[judasmachine]

Originally posted by: classy
Gigabyte boards perform well, but I like a few other people have spoken about the longevity of their boards. If you are going to use it the board for 3 yrs I would say definately go Asus.

I'm still using my 965p-ds3, and so far it's aged very well.