Unfortunately during a lightning storm my current 680i board got fried, get the -- of death. So I am now on the hunt to find a new board. Of course I do this search every 2-3 years and by that time everything has changes. I have been reading for 2 days straight reviews, recommendations, etc.
I am not looking to spend $300 on a board, would like to keep the max right around $250 (hopefully shipped)
Been looking at Asus and Gigabyte boards.
My main concern is that I would like to have options for upgrading later. I currently run 4GB of PC2-6400U DDR2 memory with a 2.4Ghz Core 2 Duo CPU (forgot the new naming conventions)
So that is going into the new board no matter what. I would like to be able to use drop in a new CPU in a year, possibly a Quad, not sure, but I want to make sure the board is more then capible of handeling the later technologies. I know there is a new processor type coming out, but I need to replace the board now.
I am looking for some recommendations between the following chipsets: x48, x38 and P45. I am currently running 6 SATA devices, and can always use as many USB slots as available. I want a feature rich board, and I currently do not overclock, but would if the utilities were simple. As sad as this might sound, I would like the board to look cool, not your typical workstation board. I don't want to waste my money, but the above chipsets all seem to be right around the same price point. Was looking at the following specific boards:
Asus Maximus II Formula P45
Asus Maximus Formula x38
Gigabyte GA-X48-DS5 x48
If someone has a better recommendation I am all ears. If I am going to see very minor performance changes thats kinda what I want to know. I don't play a lot of games, and my 680i was a great board until it choked. Pretty average user, lots of programs, looking for a stable and fast board that has some bells and whistles with upgradability and expansion are the key points.
Thanks!
I am not looking to spend $300 on a board, would like to keep the max right around $250 (hopefully shipped)
Been looking at Asus and Gigabyte boards.
My main concern is that I would like to have options for upgrading later. I currently run 4GB of PC2-6400U DDR2 memory with a 2.4Ghz Core 2 Duo CPU (forgot the new naming conventions)
So that is going into the new board no matter what. I would like to be able to use drop in a new CPU in a year, possibly a Quad, not sure, but I want to make sure the board is more then capible of handeling the later technologies. I know there is a new processor type coming out, but I need to replace the board now.
I am looking for some recommendations between the following chipsets: x48, x38 and P45. I am currently running 6 SATA devices, and can always use as many USB slots as available. I want a feature rich board, and I currently do not overclock, but would if the utilities were simple. As sad as this might sound, I would like the board to look cool, not your typical workstation board. I don't want to waste my money, but the above chipsets all seem to be right around the same price point. Was looking at the following specific boards:
Asus Maximus II Formula P45
Asus Maximus Formula x38
Gigabyte GA-X48-DS5 x48
If someone has a better recommendation I am all ears. If I am going to see very minor performance changes thats kinda what I want to know. I don't play a lot of games, and my 680i was a great board until it choked. Pretty average user, lots of programs, looking for a stable and fast board that has some bells and whistles with upgradability and expansion are the key points.
Thanks!
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