Which ASUS P8P67 for me?

[mjwz06]

i5 2500K
2x ATI 6850 (crossfire)
not interested in SLI compatibility

Other than that, It is a simple build.

Should I get the basic P8P67?

If so, whats the difference between the LE-R3 and R3.1?

The LE-R3 is cheaper, so I'm leaning toward that one.

Any thoughts?

 

[jamie_1318]

I don't keep up on the differences but with a little help I'm sure you can pick out your own. Just make sure that you pick one with all the features you need. you should check things like Overclock-ability, sata3 support, USB3 support, basically you just need to pick the least expensive one that meets all of your needs. when you choose one you can come back here and make sure you made a good choice.

 

[mjwz06]

Here's a product comparison.

http://www.microcenter.com/search/compare_products.phtml?search_id=bf52411a1084c052f47f2ad1cc2a6ebc

SATA3/6 are similar and OK for both.

I'm concerned that the cheaper LE-R3 doesn't have the BIOS 3.0. But even if that was the case, can't I upgrade the BIOS online?

 

[Emperus]

Are you referring to this board? -

www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131706

If so then please don't get it. It has a x4 secondary pci express link which is not good to setup a multiple video card rig be it crossfire or SLI. Ideally you want a minimum x8 on the secondary link. If you want to stay with the Asus P8P67 line then my recommendation is to get the P8P67 Pro.
Its costing price however can fetch you the Asus P8Z68-V which would be my recommendation.

 

[foscooter]

^+1 Agree. Up to a Z68 chipset. The SATA 3 are bootable, and Intel controlled.

Asus P8Z68-V Pro $209.00, but you may get away with a non Pro version.

 

[Device Unknown]

Get the DELUXE, I have one and LOVE IT. It has so much added functionality, one of those "just in case I EVER need" things, and not much more than any of the others.

 

[jaquith]

The differences:
REV 3.0 – NEC USB 3.0 controllers ; IMO better
REV 3.1 – ASMedia USB 3.0 controllers ; Cheaper USB 3.0 chipset & CRAZY to charge/spend more $!!!

I'm not a fan of using an x4 PCIe for Crossfire, nVidia requires x8 minimum/PCIe and AMD/ATI opted for a an 'anything goes' x4/x8/x16. The HD 6850 is a decent mid-level GPU so IMO should be on an x8/x8 arrangement.

IMO I'd look at either the MSI P67A-GD55 (B3) or P67A-GD65 (B3) {eSATA + Marvell SE9128},or ASRock P67 EXTREME4 (B3). The MSI and ASRock in your price range makes the most sense.

Side-by-Side -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007627%2050001312%20600093976&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=280|13-130-574^13-130-574-TS%2C13-157-229^13-157-229-TS%2C13-128-478^13-128-478-TS%2C13-130-582^13-130-582-TS%2C13-130-573^13-130-573-TS

General overview of ASUS P67:
Maximus IV Extreme {2~3WAY, x8...x8, Marvell 9182 [x2 PCIe lanes] RAID 0/1, eSATA, BT, Dual Intel LAN}
P8P67 WS Revolution {2~3WAY & 4-WAY Quadro only, x8...x8, Marvell 9128 RAID 0/1, Dual Intel LAN}

P8P67 DELUXE {2-WAY, x8/x8 + x4 open, Marvell 9128 RAID 0/1, eSATA, BT, Dual Intel/Realtek LAN, USB3 Ft Panel}

P8P67 EVO {2-WAY, x8/x8 + x4 open, Marvell 9120 no RAID, eSATA, BT, Dual Intel/Realtek LAN, BT}
P8P67 PRO {2-WAY, x8/x8 + x4 open, Marvell 9120 no RAID, eSATA, BT}

SABERTOOTH P67 {2-WAY, x8/x8, Marvell 9120 no RAID, eSATA}
P8P67-M PRO {basic} {2-WAY, x8/x8 + x4 covered, eSATA}

 

[Hidegski]

I HOPE I'M NOT TOO LATE!!!!!

I bought the LE to save some cash and regret it.

To be honest, unless you really know your stuff and OC is that important, I don't think I would go with this series of ASUS P67 boards again. Not a great 1st build board. There just seems like there are too many "quirks" to deal with. I've spent so much time online looking how to fix or chang things just so it will run normal and OC. I'm sure many were happy with it, I would have spent more time looking at other P67 brands. In addition, a LOT of reviews I read about this series are't pleasent.

Don't do the LE version because:
1. It doesn't have the VCore option in BIOS. Makes OCing a pain unless you use their AI Suite OS program. Pro does.
2. The AI Suite version is a pain and Auto Tune is a joke. Uninstall AI Suite and OC in Bios
3. No BIOS support downloads. Can't find them anywhere and I've heard they don't put out updates for the LE version. PRO does

I actually talked to the guy at MicroCenter about these issues and he's going to let me upgrade to the Pro version. I have to pay the extra $50 give or take, but at this point $50 is worth it.

Either way, hope you have more luck than I so far.