Gigabyte P35-DS3

[Cookie Monster]

So basically there is the

Gigabyte P35-DS3R
Gigabyte P35-DS3P
Gigabyte P35-DS3L

From first observations, motherboard layout is abit different between the three versions.
The L version looks to be the cheapest, and cooling solutions differ as well.

What is the general consensus here about the 3 motherboards?

Basically which is the most bang per buck?

Any personal user experience (both pros/cons) is greatly appreciated

Looking for
- Stability
- Cooling
- Best performance/price ratio
- Overclocking is the last thing on my mind

edit - yes im looking for a motherboard, but choices can be limited since im in NZ. (prices are also a different story here)

 

[Doclife]

I'm using the DS3R (Revision 2.0) board and love it.

1. Excellent on-board audio; thus there is absolutely no need to buy a separate sound card. (7.1 HD audio output, support Blu-ray/HD DVD audio)
2. NB heatsink is bigger than the DS3L.
3. Better components used for longer life (so the manufacturer claimed).
4. 8 USB ports in I/O panel.
5. Revision 2.0 does not have parallel and serial ports in the I/O panel but there is pin out of the parallel/serial ports on the motherboard that you can connect an adapter to it.

I think the main difference between DS3P and DS3R is that with the DSP3, you have the option to use either DDR2 or DDR3 memory. Given that the performance of DDR3 is no better than DDR2 and it is much more expensive than DDR2, I don't think you want to buy this board.

 

[Modelworks]

Using the P35-DS3L Rev 2.0
Make sure you get the rev2.0 version if you go with this board.
It has more ports on the back than the rev 1.0

Overall its a solid board.
Been running it over a week with a E4500 @ 3300Mhz.
4GB memory installed, 2 sticks crucial, 2 sticks super talent.

So it doesn't seem picky about the ram.

 

[Denithor]

Depends entirely on what features you need.

GA-P35-DS3L
-Lowest cost/fewest features

GA-P35-DS3R
-Integrated raid (ICH9R)

GA-P35-DS3P
-Integrated raid and firewire
-Provides 2 PCI-E x16 slots for Crossfire

GA-P35-DS4
-Integrated raid and firewire
-Provides 2 PCI-E x16 slots for Crossfire
-Upgraded sound: Dolby DTS Connect
-Upgraded heatpipe cooling

 

[Cookie Monster]

I read somewhere that ICH9R also provides ACHI mode where the DS3L lacks. But the main point i want to get across is that does this have an impact on NCQ? Is it worth it?

Are there any motherboard layout specific changes? or a bug that one should know before knowing which revision to buy? The main difference i could observe is the cooling solution and I/O changes.

Thanks for the inputs fellow ATers!

 

[treker]

I have the DS4Rev2.0. I LOVE this mobo. Best I have ever owned. The NB/SB heatpipes are fantastic. VERY cool running even 25% overclocked. Many many BIOS adjustments. UNDERVOLTS C2D cpu very well. This really contributes to cool running. Stable. Lots of USB rear and front.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I've got a pair of DS3Rs, in my gaming rig builds. One has an E2140 @ 3.28Ghz. I plan on adding a raid5 array to each box in the future. Overall, I'm very happy with the board, so far.