Going nuts picking a new Mobo

[TMN02]

Hey everyone,
I know I wrote a post earlier asking about my current build, and after doing some more research on everything, I'm pretty sure I've narrowed down my mobo choices. Quick recap on key items are:

CPU - Intel Q6600
GPU - 8800 GTX
RAM - 2 gigs Crucial Ballistix
Case - Antec 900 (no extra cooling at the moment)

Those are the main things. No SLI, no RAID. For similar price ranges I've come up with

Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P $164.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128067

ASUS P5K-E/WIFI $154.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131196

Abit IP35 Pro $146.99 (with MIR)
http://www.clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=A4841007

The Abit was the thing that threw things off, b/c normally it's more expensive, so I was shocked to see it that cheap. It's my first build, so minimal overclocking b/c I just dont' want to mess anything up. Futureproofing is always a bonus. I plan on playing RTS, FPS, all the above type games. If it looks good & is fun, I'll probably get it. I can't wait to turn up World in Conflict and cruise through it. All those boards received good reviews. Earlier I was thinking about the GA-P35-DS3R, but when I found the Abit for cheaper, I thought, well if I'm going to spend that much on the Abit, I should consider the ASUS & higher end Gigabyte.

I guess I just want to make sure I have enough USB, SATA, connectivity for addons if I want to later on. If you guys need more info, please ask and I'll reply as quickly as I can. Thanks a lot!

 

[emp]

GA-P35-DS3R no questions, the best P35 mobo out there, I wouldn't even consider ASUS and their overpriced junk. The abit is okay, but GIGABYTE is king for mobos now.

 

[TMN02]

The value of the DS3R is unquestionable, I'm just worried there might not be enough USB ports, as weird as that may sound. There's 4 on the back panel and you can connect up to 4 others through onboard. With the Antec 900, there's only 2 case USB ports so I would have a total of 6. Keyboard, printer, mouse, & ipod would already eat up the 4 in the back. If I end up getting a USB headset, that'll take another one leaving just 1 more left. Then again, this might be me being paranoid and having commitment phobia.

 

[AdamJ]

Gigabyte IMO

 

[emp]

You know how to solve that right...? It's called a USB hub, invented AGES ago.

BELKIN F5U307-WHT 7-Port Plus Hub(White) - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817394026

D-Link DUB-H4 USB2.0 4-Port Hub - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817111131

LINKSYS USBHUB4C Compact USB 4-Port Hub - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124169

LINKSYS USB2HUB4 USB2.0 4-Port Hub - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817180101

 

[TMN02]

*points at Emp* "The force is strong with this one"

Well then. That makes it easier. So guess it just depends if I wanna spend extra $$ for the DS3P, DS4, or just save the $40 and go with DS3R.

 

[emp]

DS3R is god... remember it! Believe it! Enjoy it!

 

[Guest]

Want more USB ports? DS3R Rev2 has 8 USB ports on the rear IO panel.

 

[TMN02]

That's strange, it says the Rev 2.0 has 8 USB ports in the rear IO, but all the ones in the online vendors only have 4 rear USB ports. Does that mean they're not selling Rev 2 yet or is the rear I/O something I'm confusing?

 

[Dior]

Abit IP35 Pro without a doubt. Best P35 mobo out there imo.

 

[Guest]

For the DS3R, you're probably seeing pics of the Rev1 board. If they don't say Rev2 then don't assume you'll get one.

Where did you see the Rev2 pics? (other than Gigabytes website)

 

[SiriusStarr]

I've heard very good things about the Gigabyte. Do you need DDR3 or 2?

 

[TMN02]

I only need DDR2 atm. My ram that's coming is is DDR2 800, so nothing fancy now. And everywhere I look I must be seeing the Rev 1.0 version then b/c none of them sell the one with 8 USB ports in the rear.

 

[bash007]

Why not go with a DS3L? It's much cheaper, overclocks pretty well, and doesn't have the features that you're not going to use.
Unless you need firewire, or need more than 4 SATA ports and can't do with 4 USB rear ports, I'd recommend the DS3L ($99 on newegg).

 

[SiriusStarr]

Have you looked at the DQ6?