Need advice on which x58 mobo,,

[mikedp5]

I will be purchasing a new set of mobo, cpu and ram.

I already selected cpu (i7 920) and ram (g skill)

here are my choices:

1. Gigabyte x58-ud5 ($290)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128422

2. Gigabte x58-ud3r ($210)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128423

3. EVGA E758-A1 3x SLI ($300)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188039

4. EVGA E758-TR 3x SLI ($260)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188046

5. ASUS P6X58D Premium ($310)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131614



my choice is based on the following.

1. no. of sata ports (>6)

2. audio chipset (should be alc889 - can output truehd lossless (192/48) over analog right?

3. oc capability (i7 920 d0 to 4.0ghz)

4. aesthetics (will be using haf 932)

5. best bang for the buck among the choices.



here are my other thoughts:

1. the gigabyte ud5 (the old version) has issues on lan where it sometimes goes dead and has to do cold reboot to restore back the lan. will this be still present in the new version? is it just a windows update error?

2. which has the best bios updates among the boards?

3. do i need two gigabit lan? or just 1 will be sufficient?

4. this is the most important, evga boards only say that its boards have 10/12 digital pwm. what does this mean? and how does it compare to gb and asus' 16+3+3/12+2+2 phases? which is better? how much phases do i need?


I really need help on this...

thanks guys!

 

[belial2k]

Why not the Asus P6t
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131359
or if you plan to stick with Ati video card you could go with the SE version for only $204. They should both have everything you need.

 

[mikedp5]

i may have to stick with my gtx 260 core 216 until i may sell it. so what is the best number of phases? and the difference between the digital pwm and other advertised phases from asus and gb?

 

[chunkymonster]

Do not underestimate the value, features, reliability, stability, performance, and easy overclocking capabilities of the ASRock X58 Extreme ($169.99).

 

[belial2k]

It really all comes down to stable voltage control. Different makers have different ways to address this issue, but don't get lost in the tiny details. Read the reviews and they should tell you all you need to know. Almost any X58 MB on the market can easily get a 920 to 4.0ghz or higher. When you are doing competition OCing on Ln2 some of that stuff starts to come into play, but for a normal home build just pick the most reliable MB with the features you want at the best price.

 

[christop]

Go with Asus. P6T is a good board..

 

[mikedp5]

i just need a lot of sata ports and the audio chipset. does the led debug screen play a big role or can i simply choose a cheaper mobo that doesn't have it?

 

[belial2k]

It is sort of like the "dummy lights" on the dashboard of a card. It can give you a clue if something goes wrong, but you can accomplish the same thing by basic troubleshooting. That is assuming something goes wrong and it will not post.

 

[chunkymonster]

i just need a lot of sata ports and the audio chipset. does the led debug screen play a big role or can i simply choose a cheaper mobo that doesn't have it?

The led debug is a nice addition to the mobo as it allows you to zero in on exactly what is causing POST or boot issues. Otherwise, you have to troubleshoot any issues the old fashion way, by process of elimination.