Need help deciding a motherboard

[elfbobmer]

Hey All,
I'm looking to build a desktop, but are unsure what motherboard to get. I'm looking at either the ASUS P5K-E/WIFI-AP or the GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3P. I've read a lot of mixed reviewed about the P5K-E on newegg, about them crapping out, but I'm hesitant on the GA-EP35 because it seems that you can't overclock it as much as the former board? I'm looking to get the E6750 with Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2x1gb) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) memory with this thing.

Mostly I'm going to be using it to work in Office, watch video, and of course, a little gaming when I have free time .

One more thing, is the length of the 8800gt more problematic for the DS3P or the P3K-E?

Thanks!

 

[jdkick]

I'm happy with my P5K-E/WiFi-AP. Some longer video cards can interfere with a few of the SATA connectors on the P5K-E. I can't comment on the 8800GT as I don't know how long it is.

 

[krnmastersgt]

There are varying lengths for 8800 GTs so just finding a smaller one would probably resolve the issue, shortest one I think is about 8-9". Standard EVGA or XFX length cards are like 10-11"

 

[DSF]

If you're buying DDR2-800, then I take it you're not expecting to push the FSB much past 400. The Gigabyte board should handle that just fine. I'm wondering where you read that it doesn't overclock very well.

 

[elfbobmer]

I'm going with DDR2-800 because it's cheap right now. I've heard comments on some of the other technical sites that the ASUS board can be overclocked more than the Gigabyte board.

 

[NinjaJedi]

I would go more with reviews done by tech sites than what you read on newegg. I have heard great things about the gigabyte P35 boards all being great over clockers. Also I'm not sure where you live but if you have a microcenter near you it might be a good idea to see if they have any e8400 ($189.99) in stock. The web site has them listed now but when you try to add it to the cart it says the item is no longer available. If you are not sure if you have a microcenter in your state here is the link to the store locater page. Also I am not sure if they do phone orders but that might be a possibility.

http://www.microcenter.com/at_the_stores/index.html

 

[toadeater]

Stop taunting us, Microcenter. $189... yeah right. More stores should list impossible prices for the e8400 with a shopping cart that leads to nowhere. I guess they can't since other stores actually have them in stock... for $220-240.

I blame Intel for all this. No, actually, it's AMD's fault; for not making a competitive processor in over a year now. Intel's going back to their evil ways with AMD out of the picture. If this continues, they'll start clamping down on this new golden age of overclocking we've had with the C2Ds.

 

[elfbobmer]

Still, which board would be better, overall?

 

[bigblockchevy]

DFI blood iron.

 

[NinjaJedi]

Originally posted by: toadeater
Stop taunting us, Microcenter. $189... yeah right. More stores should list impossible prices for the e8400 with a shopping cart that leads to nowhere. I guess they can't since other stores actually have them in stock... for $220-240.

I blame Intel for all this. No, actually, it's AMD's fault; for not making a competitive processor in over a year now. Intel's going back to their evil ways with AMD out of the picture. If this continues, they'll start clamping down on this new golden age of overclocking we've had with the C2Ds.

How is giving someone info on a CPU price taunting you? Taunting would be me saying "ha ha I paid less then you" or something to that effect. In fact I don't even own one. Don't get mad cause they are not in stock or you don't have a microcenter near you or you paid more than that. BTW I have the microcenter sale add (paper) right here and it list $189.99 (site price now list 199.99) The add also states they match lowest internet price.

After speaking with a live chat operator about the item I received this answer
ToniG "we do not have it available to ship the local store might have it in stock"

It is a hot item and it does not surprise me that it is not in stock. It also does not surprise me that other sites are price gouging.