Intel X38 board (vs. ASUS X38 board)?

All mobo support pretty much sucks. The Intel mobos I have looked at don't really have as easy or flexible BIOS as some of the others, but I have no first hand knowledge just what I have seen in a few manuals.

It almost appears that they try harder to keep you from frying stuff, which isn't always preferable.

I somewhat imagined that but Im ok with that.

Ive not built a PC in almost 14 years and I never have OC'ed. I understand why some people do, especially the min/maxers.

I am much more about good performance and strong stability.

I am mostly building this PC because after trying a DELL XPS and having all kinds of issues, I looked at other boutiques. No real build I like. Alienware cases are for the d00ds. Falcon is quite expensive and since I plan on upgrading once Nahalem and all the other new architecture changes are out, no need to spend 6k for a yeah and a half. etc. etc.

So I just want to put together something that gives me a fun experience in PC building with minimized headaches.

If any of this makes sense  

So I thought maybe the intel made x38 isnt as sexy but is safe and stable.

The Intel will do the job. To give you an idea of what I was talking about. I looked at an Intel mobo manual trying to find a way to up the RAM voltage to 2.1-2.2V to handle DDR2 800 or 1000 I can't remember which. The manual had choices to set the RAM at 1.8V and 1.9V. Understand, 1.8V is the JEDEC standard and technically 2.2V is not supported even though it is found on a lot of "high performance" RAM. I don't know if the mobo would have made the adjustment to 2.2V under the auto setting, as I said I don't have hands on experience with Intel mobos. The fact that I couldn't find an adjustment to anything above 1.9V concerned me, because it is required for a significant amount of DDR2 800 and especially DDR2 1000 RAM.

The Intel mobo will work as long as you download and read the manual carefully and understand any limitations. The BIOS is not set up for noobs so take your time and make sure you understand it before starting your adjustments.

I just thought you should have a heads up, because you asked.

Zorg, thanks, I appreciate the reply.

Well I assumed the BIOS was pretty vanilla and limited. I'm sure this is not by mistake. Intel has to provide a base or basic board but clearly wants all of its partners like Gigabyte, ASUS, etc. etc. to take and enhance on it.

But then am I better off going with an ASUS? I wouldnt mind dabbling in some OCing once the box was stable and solid.

Or just go with an E8400 and a P35 board and be safe and solid that way?

I posted in your other thread, P35 of whatever brand you like is the way I would go.

The board use ddr3, which may or may not be a good thing, depending on how much money you want to pour into it. If you wanted the $210 board to save money, it's no go. Gigabyte's ddr2 x38 board costs $207.

Yeah I was going to say that because of the DDR3 factor alone, I'd grab the Asus or Gigabyte X38's.

I haven't seen your other thread, but if Zorg is suggesting a P35 then I'm guessing that means you have no plans to Crossfire two ATI cards so I'd also say just get a cheaper P35. Gigabyte DS3L is a good performer.

Thanks guys, and yes, your wisdom (via various threads as this board is like crack for someone craving information) I am getting the Gigabyte P35.

It has nothing to do with money. But more so as you said, I wont SLI anytime soon because im running only 22inch monitor at 1680 x 1050. Once the 24inchers and above have input lag around 2ms, Ill go higher monitor and one day SLI.

So P35 it is!

Now I need help with memory. The giggy site doesnt list any 4GB kits as compatable and this is where Im noobified again.

Corsairs site lists this as compatable:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

But since I see 4GB kits sold too, can I use two of these instead and they work together fine? If so, what is advantage of 4GB kits? Just that they are tested together?

Also, is there a better DDR2 1066 memory manufacturer. I used to hear so much about Corsair but not sure if they are still the top-tier or among it.

THANKS!

I'd use 2 2GBs sticks instead of 4 1GBs sticks. I overclock everything and 2 sticks will overclock better than 4 sticks. I buid sell and repair computers and I use Corsair ram almost exclusively. Never had a prob with Corsair. I use almost all Asus boards and their support isn't stellar. I think a lot of us have commented that to them and they are trying to improve it. I shot them an email and got a real reply the very next day. Kind of shocking.
That P35 Gigabyte board someone mentioned is a great little board if you don't need raid or crossfire. Here's a really good deal on it.
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?Product...

So if I understand correctly, if they offer a 2gb stick that is 'compatable' with the P35 gigabyte board and I want 4gb, I just buy two of those and no problem.

Similarly, if they offer a 2gb kit of two 1gb modules, I can buy two of those kits and intall the 4 pieces without a problem?

My worry was that I could not use two 2gb kits and had to find a 4gb kit.

It'll run fine, as long as the model is listed as supported. Even if it's not listed, most likely it'll still run fine. Dont' worry.

@OP: Be careful with RAM natively higher than DDR2 800. Most boards seems to have a problem with RAM higher than DDR2 800 (ie DDR2 1060).

Really? Even if they say they support it?

Sigh   Then what is the point.

I realize some boards say 800/1066/1200* where 1200 is OC mode, but you mean even boards that just say 1066 still does not mean there wont be problems?

RIIIIGHT when 1 variable out of the 9381823 Im trying to narrow done seems complete, more drama for me  

Thanks for info though, Ill look into it.

That's because
many models of 1066mhz ddr2 ram are actually factory oced 800mhz models. Those often default back to 800mhz by the motherboard on auto. Be careful when buying.

Ahhh thanks, I didn't know that.

So basically true 1066 modules will be fine if they are not OC'ed 800's.

I've learned SO much in the last two weeks my brain hurts. It's funny because I was in Fry's looking to see what they carried as I rather buy a mobo/memory/processor paying a light bit more if I can return exchange it within 10 minutes and not fight and wait for an RMA.

Well, since I've never done it, maybe doing mail-order exchanges isnt that bad but I dont want to wait to get replacement components and hope that fixed it!

Unfortunately, Fry's does not carry quite as much as I hoped.

That said, I have ONCE again flopped and decided to go DDR3. The prices have dropped almost in half in the last couple months for some models and since I waited 4 years to upgrade, going with P35 and DDR2, although cheap, is simply not sexy and exciting enough.

I don't want a machine that feels the need for an upgrade by the time I'm done building it. Also I rather have PCIE 2.0 and eSata ports, etc. on my mobo.

So X38/DDR3 will be my route since still don't see a need for SLI even if I do only get Nvidia boards.

I'll be looking at 1333 DDR3 memory as you can get 2 2gb sticks of 7-7-7-18 or so now for about $280 (Patriot) so it's not THAT bad $$$ wise.

Now the dilema is trying to wait a few more weeks for the new Velociraptor drives. The review on Toms Hardware is sick. Sure it's $300 but still... Also Lian-Li has a new case I like in maybe a month and the new X-Fi2 is supposed to be coming out soon but who knows when. I don't want to deal with the Vista issues.

It's funny but I've learned enough on these boards now that when I was in Fry's, I had to help two customers while I was looking at mobo's because the sales people there couldn't help.

Sad - but true  

Thanks as usual guys.