GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P

[VinnyChase]

Is the GA-MA770T-UD3P a good candidate for overclocking either a X3 720 BE or X4 955 BE 10-20% without running into heat issues? What about ease of overclocking in BIOS? It's my first build and overclock so I wonder if the GA-MA790XT-UD4P would be any easier. I'll be using an AMC, something like the Sunbeam Core-Contact Freezer. I only plan on using a single video card.

I'd really appreciate some input as a newegg $25 discount combo with the GA-MA770T-UD3P expires the end of Aug 31. I've read most of the reviews, but they are overclocking to the limit, which is not my intent.

 

[gkay09]

^ That board has enough o/c options for a decent overclock...So for your intended 10-20% o/c, that board is more than suffice...
Actually you can even reach higher than 10-20% o/c with that kind of CPU cooler...

 

[VinnyChase]

The things that concern me were highlighted in the Benchmark Reviews article.

"The small heatsink also seems to go against Gigabyte's claims of durability and construction quality. On one hand, the Ultra Durable 3 manufacturing process truly does reach beyond the marketing hype and help improve durability. But on the other, Gigabyte suggests that users find their own VRM cooling solution if they want to use ACC. It just seems counter-intuitive. Every other aspect of the MA770T-UD3P is built to last, but if you want to overclock with it, I suggest taking Gigabyte's advice and add some extra cooling.

Another little quirk with this board is the size. At only 8.3" in width compared to the standard 9.6", many of the components and ports had to be squeezed closer together or moved into awkward positions. Given the proximity of the RAM slots to the socket, you'll want to be extra cautious when picking out memory and CPU heatsinks. Once installed, though, most of these problems shouldn't be an issue and you'll be rewarded with excellent performance. In our benchmarks today, the MA770T-UD3P managed to keep up with the more expensive ASUS M4A79T in just about every test."

When it states that users find their own VRM cooling solution if they want to use ACC does that mean an AMC like the Sunbeam Core-Contact Freezer will suffice or would I have to get a cooler specifically for the Voltage Regulator Modules? I know you use ACC when unlocking cores, but is it always used if overclocking?

 

[gkay09]

^ ACC was initially used for o/c with the older phenom and the newer ones as the newer ones had them inbuilt...
So when overclocking, I dont think its necessary for the ACC option to be enabled...

And for a modest overclock, you wont have to worry about the VRM cooling...Just make sure that CPU cooler blows air towards the VRM and that cooling would be suffice for the overclock that you are planning...
And if you check out the reviews, you can see that 3.6GHz was easily achieved with that board without any issues...

 

[gkay09]

But if you are pretty much worried about the VRM, then get this VRM heatsink...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835708016

Or this mobo if you are not set about the combo deal...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131398