Hi Folks,
Need guidance on MB for new build. Total budget is $2K+ US. Usage is heavy office, R&D, gaming and entertainment.
Will use Q9650 w/Vendetta II, 8GB matched DDR2-800+, single HD, one VGA (HD4870X2 "or" GTX280), Antec 900 with 750w pwr and the normal stuff.
Want Intel chipset with stable, fast and easy performance. Minor OC is desired, but this is not a crunching machine.
...
P45 certainly sounds right up your street, but don't discount X48, it's just as good in many respects, plus you have the extra 16x slot.
I had no major issues with the LT X38 DFI, and the LT X48 was, in my opinion a fantastic board, rock solid board.
Lots of people are liking the Asus P5Q, and also the Biostar P45 Tpower seems to be dooing well, but apparently BIOS releases aren't that...
Thanks for reply.
Life just got in the way, so I let the X38 go a hack buddy at work. He didn't like it...I don't know.
Reason I was looking at the P45 is because I only want one VGA. The tech moves so fast on these that I see no need for CF or SLI.
The GA-EP45-UD3P caught my interest based on reviews, and no Bios issues. Keeping an open mind though.
One last question please, ...
If you like neat cabling I'd avoid the Antec 900 personally.... I have one and the front panel audio cable will only reach the header on most motherboards by going directly across the motherboard. Looks unsightly, so just thought I'd mention it in case it bothers you. Also, the drive cages are an absolute pain in the arse.... when screwing in drive screws you have to get the screw into a ...
Quote:
The GA-EP45-UD3P caught my interest based on reviews
Is a very sound choice, if your only interested in a single graphics card you might save some money by looking at the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R £96.19 compares to
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P £130.66
Might pay you to keep an eye on our reviews over next few ...
Going with the GA-EP45-UD3P. Easy OC without the Bios issues.
Changed to the Antec Twelve Hundred case. Quality of build is slightly improved, but has much better cooling and provisions for cabling.
Leaning toward the GTX280 Video based on the performance to cost ratio, and the driver problems ATI continues to have.
Ordering Monday, so will decide by then.
Order placed and receiving Saturday. Newegg
X3370 cpu, GA-EP45-UD3"R", Asus EAH4870X2/HTDI/2G/A (3fan), Antec P182, 2 X OCZ2RPR800C44GK, PCPWR&COOL/S75QB , HDT-S1284EE w/I7753 mount kit, plus the std optics and sata 300 HDs.
Thanks Again!
Ya'll have a Merry Christmas.
thought you were going
Quote:
Going with the GA-EP45-UD3P.
??
Anyway , good news, have a great Xmas
Don't forget the ppics & the overclock
We want to see them
Great choice all round. I'm sorry I missed this one. I have the GTX280 and the ANTEC 900.
I wish I'd gone with the 4870x2 and the ANTEC 1200 or P182 as the 900's power and USB cables IMO are just that little bit too short for tidy cabling. AFAIK, the P182 separates the PSU area from the MoBo area giving better cooling "zones" (correct me if I'm wrong please)
I hope your Power supply ...
Problem with HDMI audio out solved. MB S/PDIF header is not keyed and cable connector was 180 out. Turned off pass-through and now it works. Aside from using USB hubs, found additional "USB Extender" ideas on Newegg. Open for best solutions. Thanks.
The USB extenders I see there on Newegg transport the USB signal over an Ethernet cable, that's a very good idea. They are pricey but it seems they will do exactly what you need.
HDMI is the connection method of choice for TVs, but not knowing which TV or what other gear you have, it's difficult. If you can post here what you want to connect, we can try and help.
I'm certain the P182 case will have sufficient airflow to keep the card cool enough. Are you planning on running a lot of 3D Apps. on it? If it gets to be too warm, there is always the possibility of a PCI slot cooler to assist slightly.
If you like neat cabling I'd avoid the Antec 900 personally.... I have one and the front panel audio cable will only reach the header on most motherboards by going directly across the motherboard. Looks unsightly, so just thought I'd mention it in case it bothers you. Also, the drive cages are an absolute pain in the arse.... when screwing in drive screws you have to get the screw into a recessed area, so it's impossible to...
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