Asus Maximus III Formula OR Intel DP55KG Motherboard. Help me decide.

[mattd860]

I just can't decide whether to get the Asus Maximus III Forumla mobo or the Intel DP55KG.

1. Asus Maximus III Formula: http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=0ODEkxv4cmlXkqmr&templete=2

2. Intel DP55KG: http://www.intel.com/products/desktop/motherboards/DP55KG/DP55KG-overview.htm

I will be going with the Intel Core i7 860 processor, 8Gb of memory and XFX Geforce GTX 260.

I'm leaning towards the Intel because I probably won't need all the bells and whistles (i.e. ROG) on the Maximus board and I also like having both the mobo and processor made by the same manufacturer. In the end I just want the most reliable board. The both do pretty much the same thing (minus the ROG) and they both have a 3 year warrantee.

Thanks!

 

[epkfaile]

im pretty sure the asus board overclocks better, but if you're not, get the cheaper one. there both good mobos.

 

[mpavao81]

I currently have the Maximus III Formula and the i7 860 and i have to say that this board overclocks like a champ. And yes it does have more features than most people will use, but its nice to have. The software that comes with the board makes overclocking easy even if you have never overclocked before. And having a board that automaticly adjust your memory timings/voltage/ to the most optimal settings is nice. Only had mine for about 2 weeks but i love it, running my 860 @ 3.6ghz(air cooled) runs perfect and runs cool.

 

[mattd860]

Do you use the factory intel heatsink/fan for the processor?

 

[mpavao81]

Im using CNPS10X Extreme which preforms really well. If you do use a large cooler like that with this board like I do you will want to install your ram before you install your cooler. My cooler just barely covers the first ram slot when the cooler is faced so its blowing towards the rear of the case.

At stock speeds I was running at 32C with my cooler. Overclocked right now at 3.6ghz im running at 36C.

 

[mattd860]

Just wanted to update and say that I purchased the Maximus III Formula and I am loving it. The ROG connect while not really needed is awesome because I can monitor my hardware while in game. No more alt-tabbing or playing in 'Windowed Mode'.

Bios is very easy to use and tune even though I am a novice overclocker. And the Asus software is also fantastic. I also ended up using the Prolimatec Megahelems Rev B for a cpu cooler.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f77/mattd860/P1020027.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f77/mattd860/P1020069.jpg

 

[mattd860]

Best answer selected by mattd860.

 

[UTMBA2007]

Just wanted to update and say that I purchased the Maximus III Formula and I am loving it. The ROG connect while not really needed is awesome because I can monitor my hardware while in game. No more alt-tabbing or playing in 'Windowed Mode'.

Bios is very easy to use and tune even though I am a novice overclocker. And the Asus software is also fantastic. I also ended up using the Prolimatec Megahelems Rev B for a cpu cooler.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f77/mattd860/P1020027.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f77/mattd860/P1020069.jpg

Matt,

My questions come from the pictures you submitted of the Maximus III Formula and Megahelems - (1) How is the cooler working? How cool is the CPU? (2) What is the height of the cooler mounted on the board?

Thanks.