Hello all!
I have been using my old motherboard for years and it seems to have finally gone completely wrong. Recently I have experienced frequent BSODs and even more frequent application quitting (everything from Firefox to Photoshop usually quits soon after it is opened). All the error messages seem to be RAM oriented and I checked my sticks out (all failed using memtest/ all passed using another diagnostic tool my friend at Staples used). So it seems to be FUBAR and now I need something new.
I am on a somewhat limited budget and would rather not spend more than $400 on a new motherboard, RAM, and CPU. I was thinking of getting the E8400 and 2GB of DDR2800 RAM. I already have an 8800GT and really have no plans to use SLI. The motherboard has me a little stumped. My biggest question is should I get a P35 or a P45? Not quite sure what the differences are? After some research here is what I am looking at:
GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L @ $84
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L @ $108
DFI BloodIron P35-T2RL @ $115
Should I consider something else? What is the smartest choice in a motherboard for me? Thanks so much!
I am pretty sure the new revision of the P35 BIOS runs the new 45 CPUS. Is there any difference that I will notice between the two? Is the 45 much more future proof?
Another question: I have an old Centurion 5 from cooler master for a case. Will this keep everything cool or should I look into getting a new case as well?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119047
GA-EP45-DS3L also features newer Dynamic Energy Saver known as Dynamic Energy Saver Advanced based on Dynamic 4-Gear Switching to save more energy and comes with new PCIe 2.0.
