P35 or X38

[gpse]

Hello everyone, I currently have an Intel DP965LT (P965) mobo. I would like to overclock my E6600 and since I have a Intel board I cannot. I was looking at the ASUS P5K (P35) or Asus Maximus Formula (X38). I plan on only changing the mobo, I realize the X38 is more future proof, but I really don't have alot of $$ to spend if it's not needed. Also will I need to re-install Vista if I change the mobo? My current mobo works fine, however I would really like to overclock my CPU for extra performance.

My components are:
-E6600 with stock Intel HSF
-4GB DDR2 800mhz (5-5-5-15) 1.8v
-EVGA 8800GTS 512
-SB X-Fi XtremeGamer
-Pioneer DVR-212D SATA DVD Writer
-Seagate 7200.11 SATA 500GB
-Microsoft PS\2 Keyboard
-Vista 64bit

the P5K: $139+tax
the Maximus Formula: $273+tax

 

[Rike]

A P35 board will take you to the limit of the E6600 with out much trouble. Use the money you're not spending on a X38 board to get some good air cooling. A Scythe Ninja Plus Rev.B is a great value and will offer you excellent bang-for-the-buck air cooling.

 

[gpse]

is the P5K a good choice?

 

[Rike]

P35 boards from Gigabyte, Asus, Abit, and MSI are all good bets. I seem to hear many people are happy with their Gigabyte boards. Personally, I have an Abit IP35 Pro, which I am very happy with. This might just be the best mobo I've ever owned (not that I've owned that many, maybe six over the last 5 years).

Maybe some P35 Gigabyte owners will chime in?

 

[bigblockchevy]

any decent p35mb can hit 500fsb --more than your likely to get out of most core2 types. if i was in your position i might get a low$ p35 maybe even a referb/open-box cause the p45's are the next jump in chip sets.

 

[gpse]

So is it even worth it to get the P35? or should I wait untill the next chipset (P45)??

 

[jdkick]

It depends on what your plans are and if you're the sort that needs the latest/greatest. From what I understand, P45 isn't going to be a night and day difference over P35. A good P35 board would suit your existing h/w just fine and afford the OC capability you're looking for. Just go with a board that supports 1333 FSB to maintain a bit of an LGA775 upgrade path.

I just picked up an ASUS P5K-E and an E2200 (for starters) and feel I have plenty of room to grow.

 

[Boyd117]

Find yourself a board with good headroom fsb wise, since when your overclock it will be easier on the mobo. An example is if you have a C2D cpu that has a fsb of 1066 look for a board that supports 1333, almost all the P35 do.

 

[Rafael]

I agree with jdkick.
Depends on what is your plan.
If you are going to overclock and stick with a single video card setup, then go with the P35.
I think the X38 only worth it if you are going with Xfire setup and you want the premium performance. But when you do that you are not thinking about how much you gonna spend on your system.

 

[Mucker]

I'm partial to this: http://www.mwave.com/mwave/vie...a=BA23927&RSKU=BA23927

Very easy overclocker and stable, and nice features to boot. The Abit IP35 boards are the easiest boards I have ever used.

 

[gpse]

I went with the P5K, anyone have any bios settings or a guide? I'm so use to my Intel Bios which lacked all these options.

thanks in Advance,

Shaun

 

[Rike]

The board should start with everything on Auto. Check out the Overclocking Guide at the top of the CPU & OC Forum. It a good place to start. Just go slowly and you'll be fine.

 

[gpse]

thanks, so far I got it running at 3Ghz (333FSB) 1:1 memory.
stock intel heatsink fan, stock voltage.