Intel system -- best price, decent mobo

delt

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Nov 29, 2002
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I am upgrading to a core duo system. I am interested in the GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 mobo. I don't want to spend more than $120.00 for a motherboard. I don't plan on using SLI. I also have a sound card ( X-fi ) and am not worried about onboard sound. So, for $120.00 or less, is the Gigabyte the best buy? I'm into FPS gaming, and OC'ing is important to me. I'm not sure on the CPU yet, as I was set on the e6600 CPU, but since the Intel price cuts are forthcoming in late July, I may be interested in the E6750. Indication for prices on this CPU are around the $183.00 range. Also, it's not clear on the Newegg site if the board will be a rev. 3.3 board. Newegg currently advertises the 1.3 rev. I do like the extra fan headers on the 3.3.
 

lfranklin

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Jun 18, 2007
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I want what your smoking. I don't think the E6750 will be around $183. More like the E6600 might be around $183.

Nevertheless, I have the rev 1.3 for GA-965P-DS3. Its been great! I actually got it for $99. For the P965, the MSI Platinum is also very good but a little over 120. So for under 120, I would say yes to the GA-965P-DS3.
 

Taft12

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Dec 16, 2006
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If you are set on an Intel chipset, go for the newer P35 instead of 965 since it offers 1333 FSB, but for OC I like the new nVidia chipsets over the Intel ones (these also support 1333 FSB). Since you don't care about SLI, the 650i Ultra chipset is the way to go and the prices are very nice:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010200280+107171927+1071728777&name=NVIDIA+nForce+650i+Ultra

Sorry, can't offer any advice between the XFX, eVGA or BFG - can't believe the XFX is only $80 after a $20 MIR!