MB CPU Combo

[necrodreamer]

Okay guys its been a couple of years since my last build. I know after hassling with Asus so much I am wanting to go back to good ol' Abit. I have 400.00 to spend on motherboard/cpu. I definately want Intel. I already have a 9800pro and a hercules gametheater external soundcard so I wont be needing onboard sound/video. What is the difference in between the IC7 and IS7 and which of all the "-G" "-M" "-E" or "-MAX3" is the big dog? I am assuming the IC7-MAX3 is but in a post a few days ago there was some comments that crash and some others made about which was better of these two boards. What chipset is better 875P 865PE 865G 865PE and what are the differences? What version of the P4 do I get? 800mhz I know but what is the code name, P4c? Will this board support the new Prescott processor when it comes out? Thanks for you help in advance.

 

[Crashman]

I recommend the Abit IS7.

Their are huge design differences between the IC7 and IS7, but they perform about the same, and the IS7 has a nice network chip while the IC7 doesn't. The IS7 also cost less.

The price difference is mainly due to that of the 865PE/875P chipsets. The later is hyped for having PAT (a memory shortcut for lower latency), but in retail boards it isn't making a noticable difference.

The IC7-Max3 is fancy, but the cooler adds little to enhance the board. It cost nearly 2x as much as the IS7, hence I still recommend the IS7.

You'll want PC3200 memory or faster for any of these boards using the P4C series processors. Have you considered your budget there yet?

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[necrodreamer]

Crash- I guess I will go with the lower cost IS7. So there really is not difference with the mem shortcut on the IC7? I think I will also go with the 3.0P4c I totally forgot about mem, Im thinking 3200 DDR400 512mb. Do I go with the XMS or what? What version should I grab at http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=147&manufactory=1666&DEPA=1&sortby=14&order=1 or would you go with the new DDR500? Would there be much difference? I will probably be OCing to like 3.4 Also, anyone know of a site with a large collection of nice cases like xoxide? The ones they have I like are sold out. Thanks again guys!

 

[Crashman]

Abit actually hacked the 865PE to re-enable PAT, but even then it's not a significant factor.

I got my DDR500 for free, so...that's what I would go with personally You have to try balancing your budget, you might consider the 2.8C and some PC4000, or consider the OCZ PC3700 Gold, which is known to clock to PC4000 speed if needed and offers lower latency than Corsair at PC3700 speed.

PC3700 speed gets the 2.8C to 3266MHz. PC4000 speed gets it to 3.5GHz. Most will max out somewhere between those two speeds on air cooling.

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