Which Motherboard?

[Space_Cowboy]

I'm about to purchase the Intel Q6600 and a Nvidia 8800GTX. Which motherboard is best suited for this combination with good overclocking capabilities? I've looked at the Intel 975XBX2KR, and Asus Striker, but the Striker is a little too expensive I think. I appreciate any opinions to help me decide.

Oh... also, what memory should I buy for the the board you suggest?

Thanks!

 

[LinkedKube]

well... I'm an Asus fan boy. the board I have is stable, but overclocks only 35%. If you need something higher go with the psB deluxe, its cheaper too, and there are reported 80% overclocks with aftermarket coolers, or you could always go for the intel badaxe board if you want to get crazy with it.

 

[CMH]

I think if overclocking heavily is what you're after, the 680i is the board to go.

However, I might've gone with something cheaper, like the P965 chipset, but thats really a value motherboard, not really a performance one, which is what you're probably after...

The 975 chipset is outdated, I wouldn't go looking for one.

 

[Space_Cowboy]

well... I'm an Asus fan boy. the board I have is stable, but overclocks only 35%. If you need something higher go with the psB deluxe, its cheaper too, and there are reported 80% overclocks with aftermarket coolers, or you could always go for the intel badaxe board if you want to get crazy with it.

The 975XBX2KR is what you are referring to the badaxe board, correct?

I think if overclocking heavily is what you're after, the 680i is the board to go.

However, I might've gone with something cheaper, like the P965 chipset, but thats really a value motherboard, not really a performance one, which is what you're probably after...

The 975 chipset is outdated, I wouldn't go looking for one.

You are speaking of the 680i 'chipset', correct? Which of the 680i boards are good for overclocking (don't include the Striker... too expensive)

Thanks

 

[LinkedKube]

The 975XBX2KR is what you are referring to the badaxe board, correct?

yes i am, my fault

I think if overclocking heavily is what you're after, the 680i is the board to go.

However, I might've gone with something cheaper, like the P965 chipset, but thats really a value motherboard, not really a performance one, which is what you're probably after...

The 975 chipset is outdated, I wouldn't go looking for one.

680 and 690 chipsets suck at overclocking, I'm currently overclocked about 35% to 350 bus speed

 

[Space_Cowboy]

So if were to get the Intel badaxe board and an SLI video card, they will work together even though the Intel board is not SLI?

Thanx

Edited by Moderator: Removed quote. There`s no need to quote the post directly above your own, unless you`re only replying to a specific section, in which case you would only quote that section.

 

[LinkedKube]

no, maybe you dont have a clear understanding of what sli is. Its two identical cards working together to share the work load, a motherboard has to be capable of running sli cards in order to have it.

 

[Space_Cowboy]

I didn't think I did . So basically, I can still put a single SLI type video board on a motherboard as long as it has a PCI Epress slot, correct?

Edited by Moderator: Removed quote. There`s no need to quote the post directly above your own, unless you`re only replying to a specific section, in which case you would only quote that section.

 

[LinkedKube]

wait, well I guess the answer is yes, an sli type of card can still go on a board with only one pci e slot, lol stop using sli, confusin me, we only mention sli when its two identical cards being utilized. I was like "huh" at first when I read this.

 

[beef_jerky4104]

I would recommend an eVGA nForce 680i SLi Motherboard.

Why? Because it overlcoks awesomeley and because its the best around. Not to mention that it supports SLi.

 

[Space_Cowboy]

What % can the eVGA nForce 680i SLi Motherboard overclock vs. the intel badaxe? Someone replied earlier and said you could go crazy in overclocking the badaxe... even more so than the Asus P5B Deluxe.

Edited by Moderator: Removed quote. There`s no need to quote the post directly above your own, unless you`re only replying to a specific section, in which case you would only quote that section.

 

[JimShady23]

wait a sec

680 and 690 chipsets suck at overclocking, I'm currently overclocked about 35% to 350 bus speed

supersmashbrada, last time i checked, you had a NF 590 intel edition chipset cause you where complaining that your brother got a better oc with his new board which is a 680i.

https://www.techspot.com/vb/showthread.php?p=436171#post436171

No offence but if you cant keep things strait on what you have please dont try giving advice on what works good and does not work good.

The 680i is a wonderful chipset for overclocking.

However if you want an overclocking beast go with this board. It is the intel 965 chipset but has a special bios that lets you raise the FSB up past 2000mhz which is an overclockers wet dream. Link below

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131149

The reason I beleive they went with the 965 chipset on this board is for its prooven stability. The board also offers great features as well and is a good choice if you can live without nvidia SLI (two cards) but the board does support ATI crossfire ( same concept as SLI but ATI's version)

But any of the 680i boards by asus or eVGA will suit you well also.

 

[beef_jerky4104]

Good note Jim.

I'm being deffensive of anyone, but some people have the money to upgrade every 2 months.

 

[Space_Cowboy]

Beef_Jerky... you never answered my question about the eVGA nForce 680i SLi Motherboard you were touting vs the Intel badaxe concerning % differences in overclocking.

Thanks

 

[JimShady23]

Well

Beef_Jerky... you never answered my question about the eVGA nForce 680i SLi Motherboard you were touting vs the Intel badaxe concerning % differences in overclocking.

Thanks

That depends on a lot of factors. CPU, Memory, PSU, Cooling and of course the Mobo all play significant factors in a good overclock, choosing a good combination of these parts will better your chances for a good OC. Keep in mind that nothing is a garenteed 3.8ghz. Its hard to give an estimate of how far you will be able to push any particular chipset. If you are looking for a quick qoute on a chipset for the % you may be ablle to OC then do a quick websearch and that will give you a estimate of what you may be able to do with a particular board, however you do need to pay particular attention to the other componants listed above after you choose the motherboard you think is right for you.

And for reference, not all identical hardware OC's the same. A guy that has the same rig as you may be able to get a better OC than you just because of the variables that are associated with the production of hardware. Not all CPU's, RAM ect ect OC the exact same.....thats just how it is.

Overclocking in general has always been a risk and gamble with your equipment. You may do good, you may not, luck of the draw.

 

[Space_Cowboy]

How frustrating... I'm none the closer to a decision. There are just too many too choose from. Plus... too much bias on ones part because they own a board by a specific mfg. Rats! Thanks though.

 

[Photo601]

I can sympathize with you to an extent. My original MOBO died, and I was thinking I was going to have to install a new system which, financially, I was not prepared to do. Prior to locating a reputable vendor that carried my old chipset, I did some research of my own. I found it can be rather overwhelming. Some of the differences are minor. (An AMD 2.2 ghz v. 2.8 ghz) it's faster, but will I see it as a user? Just a thought. Decide what you want to do and go with it. How much do you want to overclock, etc. and how much money you want to spend.

 

[CMH]

Don't take this personally, but I think supersmashbrada's account is either being used by more than one person, or he doesn't really know much about what he's talking about.

I think I'll just try to clear this up.

Stay clear of the "Intel badaxe". It utilizes old technology, although its still a pretty good board.

If you're NOT using 2 graphics cards at the same time (hence, SLI), you don't need the 680i. Get a good P965 board. They can get pretty cheap these days. You don't need something as expensive as the commando. I like the Gigabyte P965 series, and I'd recommend the P965-S3, DS3, DS3P or DS4, they don't vary too much in price, with the S3 being the cheapest. It still gives very decent overclocks.


You will always get bias towards a particular brand, mainly because nobody would really play around with so many boards. Most people own a few computers at any one time, and there would be a favourite.

 

[Mirob]

The 680i chipset has had problems with quad cores. Both evga and Dell have recalled products because of the problems. If you go with a 680i mobo be sure to get the latest revision. If you will not run SLi go with a i975 mobo like the BadAxe2, P5W DH or the DFI. My P5W DH is a great overclocker for chips with a 9x multiplier.