Hutch Posted April 6, 2007 Posted April 6, 2007 This is somewhat related to the other thread about best motherboards. I currently have a 3.2 P4 with 3GB of RAM and it really performs poorly in Vista and gaming. I know this forum probably has some bias towards DFI boards, but I thought I'd ask here anyway since I have been following these forums for a while. I am looking to spend about $650-$750 US and am looking for the best CPU/Motherboard combo. I was looking at some 680i motherboards but saw in other threads that users haven't been to happy about the performance and stability. I would like an SLI motherboard and I am not really looking to overclock this particular machine. I was currently considering the Asus Striker Extreme with a Intel C2D E6600 but that motherboard seems a bit pricey. Any suggestions? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coors Posted April 6, 2007 Posted April 6, 2007 Well if you don't plan on overclocking you could get a cheaper motherboard. As far as SLI what are the chances that you will actually use it? I think you would be better off with a single more powerful card. The Gigabyte S3 might be a good choice for you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hutch Posted April 6, 2007 Posted April 6, 2007 Well if you don't plan on overclocking you could get a cheaper motherboard. As far as SLI what are the chances that you will actually use it? I think you would be better off with a single more powerful card. The Gigabyte S3 might be a good choice for you. What's the difference between the S3 and DS3? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coors Posted April 6, 2007 Posted April 6, 2007 The D series mobos have the Durable all soild capacitors. Angry has one so I doubt not having all solid caps would be a problem. But if the DS3 is only a little bit more than that would be a good option as well. I think the newer revision DS3's also have two pci-e slots...but I'm not totally sure so don't quote me on that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hutch Posted April 6, 2007 Posted April 6, 2007 As for as the CPU goes, big difference between E6400 and E6600? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coors Posted April 6, 2007 Posted April 6, 2007 the 6400 has a 8x multi and has half the cache. the 6600 has a 9x multi and has 4mg cache. If you not going to OC then you might want to consider the 6600 because it has a higher default at 2.4mhz. Whereas the 6400 is 2.13 I think. But if I had two decide between two cpu's it would be between the e4300 and the e6600. The e4300 is cheaper than the e6400 and has a higher multi. How come you aren't going to OC? Even with the stock cooler I was able to hit 3ghz on stock voltage. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hutch Posted April 6, 2007 Posted April 6, 2007 How come you aren't going to OC? Even with the stock cooler I was able to hit 3ghz on stock voltage. Have another system at home i am OCing. I just want a solid, reliable, stable, fast gaming PC. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hutch Posted April 6, 2007 Posted April 6, 2007 I think you would be better off with a single more powerful card. Thanks for the help so far. Any suggestions on the solo graphics card? 8800 GTX are just way too expensive. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coors Posted April 6, 2007 Posted April 6, 2007 How about this one? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Branjo Posted April 7, 2007 Posted April 7, 2007 If your dead set on using Vista and want to keep the price as low as possible then that 8800GTS Raider suggested is actually the only way to go. It has the best warranty and it even allows you to add your own cooler and not void it. BTW I think its against the law to buy a C2D and not overclock it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hutch Posted April 13, 2007 Posted April 13, 2007 I think I am going to go with the Gigabyte 965P-DQ6 and E6600 and overclock it. The reason I didn't want to overclock this PC (besides having another one I currently overclock) is the heat issue with this case. I currently have an ATI X800XT that is running 70C and was up to 110C the other night. However, I have decided to go for the complete overhaul and get a new case and possibly watercooling. I was looking at the CoolIT system like you are running Raider. Why did you choose that one/ I didn't notice capability for a GPU block, any comments on that? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Branjo Posted April 13, 2007 Posted April 13, 2007 A Zalman Vf700 or Vf900 will solve your GPU temps. I have the Vf700 and the X800XT and the GPU hasn't seen above 54C Load. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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