Need motherboard advice on a new build - please advise

[tlunnuk]

I am building a new computer based around the intel Q9450 (a decision due performance/price).

I don't have a whole lot of money to spend on this, so I am picking components that give me the most bang-for-the-buck...or that can be easily overclocked. At the same time, I am willing the shell out a little more if it will make a substantial difference in terms of performance and stability.

The primary use of the knew computer is rendering and 3ds Max, maybe just a little time spent playing games.

right now I am looking to do a mild overclock on the Q9450 to around 3.4 GHZ, and using 8GB of DDR2 1066 memory, but I am getting different options/reviews on the best motherboard for this application.

I was looking mainly at the asus p5k se epu (i have used asus in the past and been pleased, but have had problems), but I found that people were having trouble running 1066 ddr 2 on the board.

the asus rampage looks promising, but again, coming across varied opinions.

and the gigabyte ep35-ds3r looks very promising.

looking for a board that will allow me to overclock my fsb, memory just a little without losing stability.

 

[dagger]

A p35 motherboard will reliably get you as far as 1600mhz fsb, which translates to 3.2ghz on q9450 (8x). With some luck, you may be push it to 3.4ghz.

For stable, reliable overclocking beyond 3.2ghz, use x38/48 motherboard. P45, when it comes out, should do too.
Price for reference:
X38: $206.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128089
X48: $234.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128336

 

[akhilles]

IMO, the current Yorkies aren't worth the money, considering the Kentsfield can do better than 3.4ghz on air for LESS. $220 tops. If you're really into best bang for the bucks, pick up a Q6600 + P35 and you're golden.

 

[lunyone]

IMO, the current Yorkies aren't worth the money, considering the Kentsfield can do better than 3.4ghz on air for LESS. $220 tops. If you're really into best bang for the bucks, pick up a Q6600 + P35 and you're golden.

I agree here too. Even a q6700 will do too. It has a 10x multiplier and so would have a lower FSB for the same speed as the q6600, so that is something to consider too. Either the q6600/q6700 with a p35 based mobo would be the best bang for the buck. Abit IP35 pro is a solid mobo too. It's been going for about $130 (after $30 MIR) and has about every option that you'd probably want. Other than the Gigabyte DS3R the x38's are probably the next step up.

 

[tlunnuk]

I have heard that the X38's aren't worth it and most people are sticking with the p35's

thanks for the processor advice... I will take that into account.

 

[dagger]

I have heard that the X38's aren't worth it and most people are sticking with the p35's

thanks for the processor advice... I will take that into account.

That is bogus. From people who brought p35, can't afford x38, and spread misinformation to make themselves feel better. The difference in fsb speed is hard specs and thus beyond question.

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

1600mhz fsb = 3.0ghz at 7.5x (q9300), 3.2ghz at 8x(q9450), 3.6ghz at 9x(q6600) and 4.0ghz at 10x(q6700).

 

[tlunnuk]

ok...if i reconsider x38's....which boards should i look at?

abit ix38?

asus p5e?

 

[lunyone]

That is bogus. From people who brought p35, can't afford x38, and spread misinformation to make themselves feel better. The difference in fsb speed is hard specs and thus beyond question.

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

1600mhz fsb = 3.0ghz at 7.5x (q9300), 3.2ghz at 8x(q9450), 3.6ghz at 9x(q6600) and 4.0ghz at 10x(q6700).

I agree with you here, but for budget reasons the p35's are still quite good. Yes they don't OC more than the x38's, but if I had an extra $100 to spend on something it would be the GPU, since gaming is my priority. Now if your using a e8400 and want to get the best OC from it, than the x38's are a better fit. Since the multiplier on the e8400 is quite low, this requires a higher FSB, so the higher FSB x38 mobo's are a better match. If I was getting a q6600/q6700 than the higher FSB is nice, but not as critical for me. Just my opinion though, so take it how you like.

 

[dagger]

ok...if i reconsider x38's....which boards should i look at?

abit ix38?

asus p5e?

All x38/48 boards have been benchmarked to perform about the same. Just pick the cheapest one.