Best mb for Q9450?

Add a reply



 Word :   Username :  
 
Bottom
Author
 Thread : Best mb for Q9450?
 
Profile: newbie
More Information

I'd appreciate some recommendations for a MB for a Q9450. Here are some of the details about the system
--will be used for genl business stuff and video trancoding (hence my desire for a quad). No games, really.
--would like to try to OC to 3.0 or 3.2
--will use a nvidia quadro mvs 285 graphics card for 2 1920x1200 displays (2d graphics only). (PCI x16)
--will have some big disks for video rather than trusting the onboard raid, I might get something like the areca 1220 (PCIe x8), so would like to have another PCIe slot that can do at least x8

I assume from that last desire I probably want an x38 or x48. With the 2 PCIe x16 slots you get with those, can one be used for a non-graphics card like the areca, or are those slots restricted to dual graphics cards?

Thanks for your advice!

Related Pr oduct
Register or log in to remove.

I have nothing witty to say.
Profile: nimble knuckle
More Information

Gigabyte P35-DS4 or P35-DS3P. Anything more is overkill. Both will easily overclock where you would like (3.0-3.2, 375-400 FSB), and have an additional PCIe x16 slot for your future RAID controller.

Edit: or the EP35-DS3P/DS4, same model with the energy saver functions. All the boards I've mentioned are x16/x4 on the two PCIe slots, so if you're really concerned about bandwidth limitations you could go with the X38-DS4 and get x16/x16. Honestly, I don't think it will bottleneck your RAID system unless you have a bunch of 10000 rpm drives or SSDs.


Message edited by KyleSTL on 04-08-2008 at 03:46:18 PM

---------------
Lian-Li PC-7B | XClio Greatpower 550W | P4 3.2 Prescott SL7E5 | Scythe Ninja
2GB DDR400 Corsair VS (4*512) | eVGA nVidia GF 7600GS AGP vmod 1.46/1.91 OCd 740/910
WD 120GB & 250GB PATA & WD 640GB SATA (on PCI SATA card LOL)
WinXP MCE 2004
The Order Odonata - We do what we must
Profile: Faithful Poster
More Information

Well, we don't know what your budget is. These may be overkill, but I like a little overkill in my mobos. I prefer Asus not only because they make a nice product but the plethora of features they offer are easily accessible and logically laid out (ie, the bios). So these would be my picks (in order of desire):

1: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131284

2: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131227

3: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131219


Are they overkill? Probably, but again, you may WANT overkill.


---------------
Yes, I use an Intel Quad. Sometimes its a little overclocked, sometimes a bit underclocked. Yet, its always nice and the virtualiztion is sick. And?
Profile: newbie
More Information

I like overkill, and that Rampage looks nice, esp. since it doesnt' need ddr3 ram (which is where overkill does start to get excessive for me).

However, thinking it through, maybe building a huge raid on this box is not the best idea for me. If I drop the need for a send PCIe x16 (and KyleSTL is right, even an x4 slot would be plenty for a controller card), would I still want to look at x38 or x48 for the Northbridge. That is, if I dont need dual PCIe x16 slots, is there still a reason to prefer x38 or x48 to get the most out of the quad core cpu? Because the multiplier is 8, I want to get at least 400mhz from the fsb so I can OC to 3.2.

Thanks very much for your quick response and suggestions.

I have nothing witty to say.
Profile: nimble knuckle
More Information

A Gigabyte P35-DS3L would do wonders if you drop the need for the second PCIe slot. Almost any P35-based board can do FSB1600, even if it's not certified like the X48. IMHO this should be the board for you. The value is not there at all in going for an X38/X48 solution.


---------------
Lian-Li PC-7B | XClio Greatpower 550W | P4 3.2 Prescott SL7E5 | Scythe Ninja
2GB DDR400 Corsair VS (4*512) | eVGA nVidia GF 7600GS AGP vmod 1.46/1.91 OCd 740/910
WD 120GB & 250GB PATA & WD 640GB SATA (on PCI SATA card LOL)
WinXP MCE 2004
kad
Profile: addict
More Information

I support ASUS RAMPAGE FORMULA

It has amazing OC capabilities in addition to the support of DDR2





The Order Odonata - We do what we must
Profile: Faithful Poster
More Information

+1

I already wanted one and was looking for an excuse...

http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/arti [...] zaWFzdA==.


---------------
Yes, I use an Intel Quad. Sometimes its a little overclocked, sometimes a bit underclocked. Yet, its always nice and the virtualiztion is sick. And?
I have nothing witty to say.
Profile: nimble knuckle
More Information

I think you two are suggesting it to him for the wrong reasons: living vicariously and wants, not warranted needs (which the DS3L would easily fulfill). 'OC capabilities' is not a reason to suggest this as he's doing a moderate overclock, not one that requires the creme-de-la-creme motherboard you're telling him to buy. Any P35/X38/X48 motherboard can do FSB1600, which is exactly what he is looking for.

The question is: will buying a motherboard for twice as much have any effect on his level of computer use? Answer: all other components being equal: no (other than epeen points).


Message edited by KyleSTL on 04-08-2008 at 10:01:16 PM

---------------
Lian-Li PC-7B | XClio Greatpower 550W | P4 3.2 Prescott SL7E5 | Scythe Ninja
2GB DDR400 Corsair VS (4*512) | eVGA nVidia GF 7600GS AGP vmod 1.46/1.91 OCd 740/910
WD 120GB & 250GB PATA & WD 640GB SATA (on PCI SATA card LOL)
WinXP MCE 2004
Profile: Forum Veteran
More Information

P35 runs at 1333mhz fsb natively, can reliably oc to 1600mhz. X38 runs at 1600mhz fsb natively, can reliably oc to 2000+mhz.

 

Q9450 have 8x multiplier. 1600mhz fsb = 4x400mhz ->8x400mhz = 3.2ghz for Q9450.

 

P35 boards' overclocking ability vary from different models and brands, pick a higher end one with good reviews. X38 boards' overclocking ability do not vary, pick the cheapest one for best bang for the buck.

 

This is the one I use, Q6600@4.0ghz prime95 stable, tuned back to 3.6ghz for day to day operation.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128089


---------------
Q6600@3.6ghz, GA-EX38-DS4 X38 chipset motherboard, 8gb 800mhz ddr2 4-3-3-12, 8800GTS(g92)@780mhz, 1TB 7200rpm 32mb cache hdd, 850watt 12v rails=4x20amp powersupply
Profile: newbie
More Information

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the varied opinions. I've built a bunch a Pentium systems with Asus mb's (and one Supermicro), but I'll certainly check out the Gigabyte's too.

One other consideration. I'm getting an oem cpu, so I'll need to buy a heatsink (and there is a whole forum on that to research!). But another question is, do any of the mb's you guys mentioned have constraints as to which heatsinks fit?

Profile: Forum Veteran
More Information

chavey wrote :

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the varied opinions. I've built a bunch a Pentium systems with Asus mb's (and one Supermicro), but I'll certainly check out the Gigabyte's too.

 

One other consideration. I'm getting an oem cpu, so I'll need to buy a heatsink (and there is a whole forum on that to research!). But another question is, do any of the mb's you guys mentioned have constraints as to which heatsinks fit?

 


They should all fit, in term of sizes. Although if the cooler has its own backplate that's necessary for installation, and the motherboard has a cpu socket backplate too, they won't both fit.


---------------
Q6600@3.6ghz, GA-EX38-DS4 X38 chipset motherboard, 8gb 800mhz ddr2 4-3-3-12, 8800GTS(g92)@780mhz, 1TB 7200rpm 32mb cache hdd, 850watt 12v rails=4x20amp powersupply
I have nothing witty to say.
Profile: nimble knuckle
More Information

chavey wrote :

I'm getting an oem cpu, so I'll need to buy a heatsink


My suggestions:
Xigmatek S1263
Xigmatek S963
Scythe Ninja
Thermalright Ultra 120 (and Ultra 120 Extreme)


---------------
Lian-Li PC-7B | XClio Greatpower 550W | P4 3.2 Prescott SL7E5 | Scythe Ninja
2GB DDR400 Corsair VS (4*512) | eVGA nVidia GF 7600GS AGP vmod 1.46/1.91 OCd 740/910
WD 120GB & 250GB PATA & WD 640GB SATA (on PCI SATA card LOL)
WinXP MCE 2004
Profile: newbie
More Information

Hey guys, thanks very much for your help! I know there are a lot of "what's the best mb for X" threads. Your info was extremely useful.


Go to:
Add a reply
 

Google Ads
Ad
News

GDDR4 set to rock the graphics world

Published on September 19, 2006

GDDR4 is the fastest memory standard to date. Read more

Best Buy Sells Infected Digital Photo Frames

Published on January 24, 2008

Best Buy has sent notices to customers who purchased a certain Insignia brand digital photo frame because it spreaded malware when connected to a Windows PC. Read more

Best Actress nominees to receive $20,000 digital camera

Published on March 01, 2006

No, this year's best actresses do not have to learn the features of a digital SLR 20+ megapixel monster, but will get something more stylish for the streets of Beverly Hills. Read more

HD DVD Responds To Slate Of Bad News

Published on February 13, 2008

The HD DVD Promotional Group has issued a statement in response to this month's announcements regarding huge industry players Netflix and Best Buy moving away from its format. Read more

Latest Reviews & Articles

Updated CPU Charts 2008: AMD Versus Intel

Published on October 01, 2008

The processor is the heart of your PC, and our updated charts for Q3 2008 show 54 of them competing in terms of performance. Using our updated suite of benchmarks, compare your favorite AMD and Intel CPUs after reading this introduction. Read more

Stalker: Clear Sky--Is Your System Ready?

Published on September 30, 2008

Thinking about picking up the latest update to Stalker, but not sure if your graphics subsystem can handle it? Hang on as we take you through a performance tour and demonstrate how the game has been prettied up. Read more

Part 4: Avivo HD vs. PureVideo HD

Published on September 29, 2008

The 780G chipset/Radeon HD 3200 and the MCP78S chipset/GeForce 8200 provide the first integrated graphics solutions that can accelerate Blu-ray playback. We dig deep into how well they work with high-quality Blu-ray 1080p video playback. Read more

Four GeForce 9600 GT Cards Compared

Published on September 26, 2008

Manufacturers really love the first Geforce 9. The graphic chip is fast, the cards are inexpensive, and some retailers offer more than ten variations. Read more