What motherboard to get? Confused

[aevm]

Just in case you're confused, "SLI" means running TWO video cards together in the same machine. The two cards work together to create one picture. By working together they can double your graphics processing power but it's an expensive option and totally unnecessary for any current games.

I agree 100%. I just wouldn't say "double" because that makes beginners get excited about SLI only to be disappointed later. Let's say "adds a bit, depending on game and resolution and settings and type of card" or whatever.

OP, check this out, for example.
http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid=332&type=expert&pid=4

 

[freelance]

Ooops, I am back.

mongoosed - Tom's Hardware published on May 14 an article on R600 (alias ati 2900XT) where you can find plenty of benchmarks with various VGAs in SLi, Crossfire and and nonSLi/nonCrossfire modes. It might help you decide about the VGA config. Looki hera: VGAs - ATI & nVidia

Guys, btw, to the point now - mobos for the mongoosed config with E6600 and possibly(!) one 8800GTX or not . Here are three options I come with - feel free to criticise or add:

1. On nForce 680i - best reviews EVGA nForce 680i A1. For that see this thread on Anand: Best 680i mb

2. On Intel 965P - new goody from the DFI itself - DFI Infinity 965-S. This one was discussed and highly raised on one thread here at TG. The guys from this thread say this board is selling fast. For a discussion see this thread on XS:DFI Infinity 965-S Tests (535 FSB 1:1)

3. On the brand new Intel P35 Bearlake - future Penryn supportive, fast and somewhere furious :twisted: - Gigabyte P35-DQ6 (or Gigabyte P35-DS4). I know these two did not get time for a decent review and testing to prove they are sufifciently stable, but do bear with me. I've metioned that DQ6 was already tested in comparison with 680i and 965p on this quicky ocworkbench site: P35-DQ6 vs 680i and 965P

What do you think?
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The usual disclaimer - my advise, your decision: bad mama is your problem, not my fault

 

[cahutch]

Agreed.

Personally, I went with the P35-DQ6 and 8800GTS.
Parts arrived today, building this weekend.

The 8800GTS is more than sufficient for me without SLI.
On an LCD monitor, anything more than 60FPS is a waste.

 

[freelance]

Agreed.

Personally, I went with the P35-DQ6 and 8800GTS.
Parts arrived today, building this weekend.

The 8800GTS is more than sufficient for me without SLI.
On an LCD monitor, anything more than 60FPS is a waste.

cahutch I agree.

BTW I am going to build a new rig myself and I'm buying some parts this Wednesday, but not all yet and without spending too much. Was thinking about Abit Fatal1ty FP-IN9 sli on nF650i. I searched the reviews and those were absolutely great and I was happy, and then... I found a Hexus thread on that board. O boy(!), according to those guys that board has serious PROBLEMS at OC and some people had problems even without any OC! What a pitty, I was so hopeful, but well... So I might be either looking at the same mobo you have or maybe spare for the future and most probably look at the "middle" brother of your mobo - the P35-DS4.

On some formus people sugest P35 heats more than 965P - hence the cooling. I am not sure, since DQ6 and DS4 had a good colling even with the 965P. Tell us next week what your rig feels temps and BIOS wise, will you?

 

[freelance]

I had only one chance/day for parts shopping - yesterday. So I just bought a Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4 + e4300 + ocz2gb1066mhz listed as compatible on the Gigabyte website dedicated to p35-DS4. I also read a review that the P35-DS4 doesn't heat up that much, not hotter than 965P version (or even less). Well, anyway, unfortunetely don't have time for it. Moving to another apartement and it's a mess.

 

[ComputerCustomizer]

If you can afford it, get the Asus Striker Extreme. It delivers top-notch performance for a little over $300.
ComputerCustomizer