Best Motherboard for the price for moderate Overclock?

[rizorith]

I'm about to build a new rig and am going to either use a e8400 or a 6600 quad for gaming and a hybrid htpc (still deciding on which to get, running vista 64). I plan on going with 2gbx2 memory modules and I'll run air with a aftermarket heatsink/fan.

What is the best board for the money right now? I don't care about SLI, I just want something that OC's well and is stable. I will probably stick with onboard sound if I can and I don't know what the better options are but I do want one with good sound as I'm going to run 5.1 logitech z5500 for home theater and some 2.1 promedias on the computer.

I see the x48s are coming out but I don't see much need for it. Is the best board a x38 or 35 and any particular brands that are reccomended? Also memory reccomendations would be useful.


edit: sorry guy, I meant to put this in the motherboard forum but since it's about overclocking perhaps it can go in either.

 

[Idontcare]

I've had pretty good experience with the Gigabyte DS3L.

Cheap and works, overclocking my Q6600 at 3.3GHz (9x367) without issue on a Tuniq. That's with 2x2GB A-Data DDR2-800 (running at DDR2-733 in 1:1 ratio with FSB).

 

[DSF]

If you don't need any higher-end features, like more than 4 SATA ports or native firewire support, the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L is very hard to beat. It's only 79.99 at Newegg right now, offering very good bang for the buck.

As far as the E8400 vs. Q6600, you're probably better off with the dual core unless there's a specific reason you need a quad core chip.

 

[rizorith]

Originally posted by: DSF
If you don't need any higher-end features, like more than 4 SATA ports or native firewire support, the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L is very hard to beat. It's only 79.99 at Newegg right now, offering very good bang for the buck.

As far as the E8400 vs. Q6600, you're probably better off with the dual core unless there's a specific reason you need a quad core chip.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm leaning towards the e8400 for the power savings. What would most people use firewire for? I would like firewire as I'll probably get a digital camcorder soon. Any similar MBs that have firewire? Also, how about a MB with good onboard audio?

One other thing - would i need pc800 or 1066 memory? I've read both are needed to OC a 8400 and I'm not sure who is right.

 

[IndieSnob]

I have the Abit IP35, and I can't say enough good about it.

I'd check out the IP35-E version if you don't need IEEE1394 and SATA raid.

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: IndieSnob
I have the Abit IP35, and I can't say enough good about it.

I'd check out the IP35-E version if you don't need IEEE1394 and SATA raid.

i have the IP35-E and its been great to me, running my 8400 440x9 perfectly fine, im also running 2x2gb

 

[GuitarDaddy]

I agree the best two bang for the buck overclocking boards are

DS3L and IP35-E

 

[Tempered81]

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
I agree the best two bang for the buck overclocking boards are

DS3L and IP35-E

yup!

 

[brassbin]

unless you record stuff on a regular basis and need to offload to your pc frequently USB 2.0 is good enough

 

[rizorith]

I'm going with the ip35-e. any suggestions on good ram that will oc well with this mb? I'm still on the fence with getting 4gb or 8gb. if i go 4 is 2gbx2 of course but if i go 8 should i find 4gbx2 chips or do 2gbx4? I was under the impression that memory problems increase a lot with 4 chips.

either way, what would you reccomend for a good price/performance? I'll most likely do 2gbx2

also - suggestions on a good heatsink/fan for this? Again, price/performance is the key. I want it fairly quiet but i dont' want to spend twice as much for 1db.

 

[cpemma]

Scythe Ninja B is only a tad behind the very best, but considerably cheaper and comes with a good fan. Arctic Freezer 7 Pro is great bang/buck but a bit noisier than the 120mm-fanned sinks when under stress. You say HTPC, is size a constraint?

 

[rizorith]

Originally posted by: cpemma
Scythe Ninja B is only a tad behind the very best, but considerably cheaper and comes with a good fan. Arctic Freezer 7 Pro is great bang/buck but a bit noisier than the 120mm-fanned sinks when under stress. You say HTPC, is size a constraint?

No size isn't... this is a hybrid so it's in a mid tower on my desk with cables running to the TV for htpc use.

 

[nerp]

Vote for IP35-E here.

 

[scheibler1]

I use the gigabyte P35-DS3L, but the abit board will work just as good! I use the arctic cooling freezer 7 pro and it is great IMO. It is moderately quite even though I run it at 100% and keeps my temps on my e2180 @ 3ghz at 50*C max load

As far as ram goes its up to you. I would recommend pc6400 corsair, crucial, g.skill(what I am using), geil

 

[nyker96]

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
I agree the best two bang for the buck overclocking boards are

DS3L and IP35-E

I fifth this recommendation as well. Hard to beat and a good fit for ya.

 

[rizorith]

I'm going with the e8400 as I've found them in stock now. Any suggestions on memory? I'll likely get the ip35-e.

someone suggested this memory but isn't pc8000 overkill since the motherboard is only 633/800?

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Originally posted by: rizorith
I'm going with the e8400 as I've found them in stock now. Any suggestions on memory? I'll likely get the ip35-e.

someone suggested this memory but isn't pc8000 overkill since the motherboard is only 633/800?

If you overclock the E8400 to 4ghz its running 9x445 which means on the lowest mem setting your ram is running DDR2-890, some DDR2-800 memory will handle that some won't. I agree with the recommended ram it will allow you to clock up to 4.5ghz before your memory runs out of spec which should exceed the pratical limit of the chip.

 

[rizorith]

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy

Originally posted by: rizorith
I'm going with the e8400 as I've found them in stock now. Any suggestions on memory? I'll likely get the ip35-e.

someone suggested this memory but isn't pc8000 overkill since the motherboard is only 633/800?

If you overclock the E8400 to 4ghz its running 9x445 which means on the lowest mem setting your ram is running DDR2-890, some DDR2-800 memory will handle that some won't. I agree with the recommended ram it will allow you to clock up to 4.5ghz before your memory runs out of spec which should exceed the pratical limit of the chip.

Is the suggested ram a good one to get or are there others i should look at? Also, if the board only supports up to 800 how can i use 1000? Or is my memory theory all backwards? It reads:
"Supports Dual channel DDR2 800/667 un-buffered non-ECC memory"

the link is here

 

[Scottae]

hey Rizorith That ram will do 1000 if your lucky... I have it... not impressed... look at the mushkin or OCZ instead... and OCZ/Corsair/Kingston are about the most compatible rams out there

 

[chuckm]

This cooler is getting at lot of attention on other sites, if you have room for it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835233003
Where did find an E8400? Was it tigerdirect?

 

[rizorith]

Originally posted by: chuckm
This cooler is getting at lot of attention on other sites, if you have room for it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835233003
Where did find an E8400? Was it tigerdirect?

I have it on hold at a local fry's, gonna pick it up in a bit. I was going to order from tigerdirect but honestly I don't trust them. I've heard they tend to say things are in stock and then you wait weeks for it. It is showing in stock though so if I get lazy I may just order from them.

 

[Big Lar]

I,m doing OK with the board in my Sig, and it is under $150. I'd get a board with 8 phase regulation tho for a Quad, if you plan on serious OC'n.

Larry

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: Big Lar
I,m doing OK with the board in my Sig, and it is under $150. I'd get a board with 8 phase regulation tho for a Quad, if you plan on serious OC'n.
Larry

Topic Title: Best Motherboard for the price for moderate Overclock?
Topic Summary: Nothing fany, just OC on air with 2x2gb ram. SLI not needed

I'd pickup the IP35-E at newegg with the $30 mail in rebate. I have two boards and while they are not great for 'extreme' overclocking, they hold their own for budget overclocking.

The one I built for my father is running an E6750 @ 3.6Ghz (450x8) with a Thermal Right SI-128SE (Tuniq Tower equivilent). Mine is a Q6600 @ 3.6Ghz (400x9) with H20.

 

[Big Lar]

I'm sorry, I didn't know that my board was no good for a Moderate clock. Also, I don't think it is "Fancy" either. I was however trying to point out that most of the P35 boards only have 4 phase regulation, next time I will spell it out more clearly for You.

 

[rizorith]

Originally posted by: Big Lar
I'm sorry, I didn't know that my board was no good for a Moderate clock. Also, I don't think it is "Fancy" either. I was however trying to point out that most of the P35 boards only have 4 phase regulation, next time I will spell it out more clearly for You.

If the 8 phase is mostly for a quad then it doesn't matter since I'm getting a dual if fry's can find the damn thing they set aside for me.