Just when I had a motherboard picked out..........................

[goatfarmer]

I had finally decided on a motherboard for my new E8400 system:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128337&Tpk=ga-ep35-ds3l

Now, I have been reading that people have been having issues with overclocking with the DES(Dynamic Energy Saver) on this board. Others have not had an issue. While I am not going to overclock initially, I would like it to be an option in the future, and trouble free.

My dilemna now is whether or not to get this board or not? I even emailed Gigabyte, and they said this board is the same as the old GA-P35-DS3L, except it has the DES. They also said that the DES could be disabled. So.........do I take the chance that this board is alright, and that a select few are having issues, or do I choose something else, and if so, what do I choose. I would like to stay around the $89.99-119.00 range. Another alternative I guess would be to buy the older version for $20.00 more. I have always been a fan of buying the "latest and greatest" version though, but not if it has issues. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[blacksci]

Ds3l is supposed to take a e8400 with just a bios update done to it, i would look to see how old those posts are about the issues they are having, it might have been version 1.0 thing. Also how high do you plan to oc? The magical number for these boards seems to be 3.6 gigs.

 

[goatfarmer]

The posts/reviews are all within the past week or so. And it is with the GA-EP35-DS3L...........the "E" being the newest model with DES incorporated into it.

 

[blacksci]

Could also be part of the learning curve, they might have given the offer to turn it off, but no one has found it yet, or something like that. But i feel your pain, i like a no hassle mobo, and the ds3l was it for my quad.

 

[alfrido]

GA-P35-ds3l
take the plain one.

DES doesnt matter to me.
If you have a power supply with more than 80% efficiency. That more than enough for me.

Why do you really want a DES?
If your psu can already save you enery cost.

 

[blacksci]

Go with antec earthwatts, 80% efficency, and a great performing psu

 

[alfrido]

or go with pc power and coooling 610 watts actually 670 watts
efficiency is 80+

Very good quality psu