680I Motherboard Choices

[Ertman]

Hey everyone, haven't posted in awhile. I have searched and read and, well I come to the powers here for further revision.

I just can't decide on a 680I board. I have done the research and STILL cant' decide.

The ASUS Striker Extreme

The Gigayte GA N680SLI DQ6
or
The MSI Diamond P6N (MS7320-210)

All seem to get high reviews, solid names.

The only thing I don't get is why 2 of the 3 are DDR2 800 and the MSI is 1066.

From what I am researching all are outstanding oc capable. Is the fact that the MSI board with its 1066 memory make THAT much difference?

Opinions please,and thanks in advance.

Ertman

 

[knowsitall]

it does matter which one you get dude. basically all the same. But make sure whichever one you get comes with a fan on the northbridge! becasue the north bridge does get smokin hot!

 

[Ertman]

Thanks, I read about the northbridge so that makes since. I just don't understand why these other boards with their great quality don't have 1066 memory, I feel like I am missing something.

 

[knowsitall]

Thanks, I read about the northbridge so that makes since. I just don't understand why these other boards with their great quality don't have 1066 memory, I feel like I am missing something.

dude if ur running a core2duo stock.. all u need is 533mhz ram to run it at a 1:1 ratio, only people who truly know wut they are doing when overclicking need 1066mhz ram..

 

[Ertman]

I have lightly overclocked my current AMD 4000 but it took work and reading from here and other areas. I still am obviously a noob when it comes to overclocking. Thus from what you are saying it really doesn't matter IF you know how to do it. I appreciate the input.

 

[lmimmfn]

i overclocked the CPU on my evga to 3.52Ghz( im sure it will do 3.6 ) on 4-4-4-12 without changing any voltages

 

[Ertman]

bump

 

[alarinn]

Um there is more to the MSI than meets the eye. eSata for one. Onboard Creative XFi is two. Additional OCing features. Of course, the big issue is are you willing to shell out the $$$ for a board that has inherent problems with frying RAM (all 680i mobos are now having issues). I've researched 3 of the 680i mobos and all have numerous reports from various users that after weeks of normal use, their RAM fries (C1 errors, random BSODs, reboots, etc). This is the issue that has prevented me from buying one even tho I love the future-proof features. I'd look at the 650i mobos if I were you.

 

[squatpuke]

.
.
Thanks for this warning bro...

Has got me considering something besides 680i...


but what?


I'm going to go with the 8800GTX...would it be best to run this with the nVidia chipset?

 

[alarinn]

Look at the 650i mobos. The MSI is a good buy and is rated very highly:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130081

Here's one by ASUS:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131142

Good luck!!

 

[chaddeus]

and if you want ultimate, then Gigabyte GA-N680SLI-DQ6. I don't know why that MB is soooo expensive everywhere.

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=242713

Of course there's always alternatives.

Gigabyte 650i
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10005052

If you insist on getting the 680i, then I think MSI P6N Diamond would be good. X-Fi sound, good O/C.
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=249650

 

[eric54]

Gigabyte P35-dq6. Ultimate choice for you, expensive but if overclocking is what you're after this offers all the cake you can stuff your face with. Others will fill in more details i'm sure.

 

[Ertman]

I already have a X-FI Pro card, so although that is nice, I just want the best for the overall system.

I haven't read about the memory frying issue. Is is substandard, or average memory, and/or heat issues?

EDIT: I found several articles on the memory issue. Seems it is a prolonged 2.4v according to most. I found this article seems to be on the mark.

http://www.evga.com/community/messageboard/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=31115