Mobo for Q6600

[ctbrown]

I'm trying to decide between these two mobos to upgrade my main rig with a Q6600...
GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3P: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128083
ASUS P5K-E: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131225

I'd like to use this RAM...
G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231122

and this HSF...
XIGMATEK HDT-S963 92mm Rifle CPU Cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835233001

The remaining components will come from my main rig (see signature)

What do you think?

 

[Tempered81]

I like gigabytes.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I've got the same question. I'm looking for a mobo that will be reliable for a Q6600 running 24/7, overclocked as high as it will go stably. Preferably not too expensive.

Was tending towards Gigabyte's offerings, as I have two DS3Rs in service with E2140s running 24/7 @ 3.2Ghz.

Also, wondering about OCing and FSB stability - should I move my 2x2GB DDR2-800 memory over to the quad-cores, and stick 4x1 DDR2-667 into the dual-core machines, or do you think I can get to 9 x 400 with four sticks of DDR2-667 (that seem to be able to do 800, according to reports. It's the HP rebate RAM.)

 

[Markfw]

well, I have 1 DS3R with a Q6600@3510, 23/7 load.

 

[Idontcare]

Ram pack looks good. And I like that HSF, quite the low-budget HSF when the MIR is factored in.

Are you getting OEM Q6600? That'll save another $10-$15 if you don't mind the lack of long warranty with the OEM version.

 

[ctbrown]

Originally posted by: Idontcare
Ram pack looks good. And I like that HSF, quite the low-budget HSF when the MIR is factored in.

Are you getting OEM Q6600? That'll save another $10-$15 if you don't mind the lack of long warranty with the OEM version.

I'm still up in the air about OEM vs retain. The only thing thats bugging me are the Newegg reviewers claiming that they were sent a "used" CPU.

Also, I checked out the reviews on the XIGMATEK HDT-S963 HSF and it stacks up pretty well against the big boys but for 1/2 the cost. Gotta luv them German engineers.

Oh yeah, and I'm going to OC as much as I can.

 

[Tempered81]

xigmatek makes a 1283 too!

 

[ctbrown]

Originally posted by: jaredpace
xigmatek makes a 1283 too!

I think it may be a little too big for my case (Coolermaster Centurion 5)

 

[Idontcare]

Originally posted by: ctbrown

Originally posted by: Idontcare
Ram pack looks good. And I like that HSF, quite the low-budget HSF when the MIR is factored in.

Are you getting OEM Q6600? That'll save another $10-$15 if you don't mind the lack of long warranty with the OEM version.

I'm still up in the air about OEM vs retain. The only thing thats bugging me are the Newegg reviewers claiming that they were sent a "used" CPU.

Having bought both retail and OEM, if I had to guess I suspect the folks who make these claims are actually confusing the scuff marks that are left on the IHS and the LGA pads by the final testers for quality control as "proof" they have a used CPU.

Of course it is used, so are the retail. So too is that brand new car you bought, it too should have 7-10 miles on the odometer from factory test drive and inspection.

Its not something I would worry about, and yes I bought my OEM Q6600's from Newegg too. All G0's. No worries.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: ctbrown
Also, I checked out the reviews on the XIGMATEK HDT-S963 HSF and it stacks up pretty well against the big boys but for 1/2 the cost. Gotta luv them German engineers.

Links? How does it compare to the tuniq tower?

 

[Tempered81]

Originally posted by: VirtualLarry

Originally posted by: ctbrown
Also, I checked out the reviews on the XIGMATEK HDT-S963 HSF and it stacks up pretty well against the big boys but for 1/2 the cost. Gotta luv them German engineers.

Links? How does it compare to the tuniq tower?

http://frostytech.com/articlev...?articleid=2249&page=5

 

[Engineer]

Originally posted by: VirtualLarry

Originally posted by: ctbrown
Also, I checked out the reviews on the XIGMATEK HDT-S963 HSF and it stacks up pretty well against the big boys but for 1/2 the cost. Gotta luv them German engineers.

Links? How does it compare to the tuniq tower?

Newegg: $14.99 after $10 rebate + shipping.

 

[Tempered81]

Woot the two most frugal bargain hunters with back to back replys. Yet i have to give it to engineer, for concentrating on the hot deal link.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: jaredpace
http://frostytech.com/articlev...?articleid=2249&page=5

Hmm. Looks good. Where to get the HDT-983 model, instead of the 963? It scored significantly better.

Still, for $15, the 963 looks like a deal.

Is it best to hook up the fan in a push, or a pull, configuration?

 

[Scottae]

I do like DFI so take a look at this one same price
http://www.motherboardpro.com/...Motherboard-p-428.html

 

[xx04201987xx]

im using gigabyte and works great

 

[tynopik]

<nevermind>

 

[firewolfsm]

I have the P5K-E and it got my Q6600 overclocked to decent speeds while undervolted. Loading at 50C, it's great.

 

[lopri]

I like that heat sink, too. Direct heat pipe contact! I remember AT did a review on it and not impressed, though. I would still get that for $24.

 

[Engineer]

Originally posted by: jaredpace
Woot the two most frugal bargain hunters with back to back replys. Yet i have to give it to engineer, for concentrating on the hot deal link.

I actually looked at the Frosty-tech review before I found this on Newegg. That's why you beat me to posting!

This is the first time I had seen the exposed heatpipe coolers (never heard of them before this thread). Interesting concept that seems to be kicking butt. Might have to keep them in mind, especially for the price.

Oh, and what else is there in life of PC hardware/software than Hot Deals?