Need MB help

[Kolorean]

Buying a new system, my first build ever, and I am looking for the MB. I am going to use the 6600 Core Duo DDR2 800, and a 8800 GTS 640 card. I want something that would be stable, and easy to learn how to over clock on. I am not running SLI (trying to save some bucks)

 

[kitchenshark]

Gigabyte DS3! =D

I have it paired up with a 4300 and it works like a dream! Following the C2D overclock guide here on the Forumz I was able to go up to 2.7Ghz with only a 0.05v core voltage bump.

I HIGHLY recommend the DS3 if you want a non-sli, rather simple board. It doesn't have a lot of extras, but it does a great job for me.

EDIT: And it's super easy to OC with! Just follow the OC guide. =)
Linkage: http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/Core2Duo-Overclocking-Guide-v1-ftopict197995.html

 

[Kolorean]

I am going with a Scythe Ninja CPU cooler, would you assume I could over clock it more (checking the 4300 out from the OCing reviews it gets)

 

[kitchenshark]

Yes, the Scythe Ninja cooler in my opinion is excellent for overclocking. I have the Scythe Ninja Plus and it's been working very well for me. I could go all the way to 3Ghz probably without problem, but without air conditioning in my room it'd still get too hot in the summer.

Another nice thing about the Scythe Ninja Plus is that it's QUIET. At least by my estimation it's silent...at the very least it's quieter than my one 80mm case fan!

EDIT: Intel 4300 @ 2.7Ghz idles for me about 40C and TAT measures maximum of 75C on each core at full load. A little on the warm side, but still not too bad I don't think.

 

[Kolorean]

This was the MB I had picked out through reading reviews and such. What do you think?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813130082

 

[kitchenshark]

Hey, looks like a great board.

I haven't read too much about the 650i, but what I've heard seems to be good. You'll have to google a different OC guide though because the one I linked doesn't cover this particular board, although the basics should be about the same.

EDIT: Although check the Scythe heat sink site and see if they can tell you if the motherboard is compatible. It's a rather large heat sink.

 

[Kolorean]

Thanks for the help Kitchen..

Anyone else have any experience with this MB?

 

[oc]

dont even debate just buy the ds3 you wont regret it! bestbuy!