Confused: 965P, 650i, 680i or P35 ?

M

meatnub

New Member
Looking to build my first rig, a gaming rig. I don't want to wait nor will I be able to afford the x38 when it comes out, nor the quad penryn, nor the g90, nor ddr3.

So I'm looking to build my first gaming rig with an ASUS or Gigabyte 965P, 650i, 680i or P35.

But which one?

I won't be running SLI and I don't plan to OC.

Some say the P35 is only good for DDR3 ram and it pees on DDR2. Yet a few P35 boards only support DDR2. Others says the 956P is dated and only good for overclocking. I have no problem with a 650i or 680i. Some say the 680i is only better than the 650i for SLI.

If the P35 is fine, I'll most likely get the Q6600 for it.

If the 965P is the way to go, I'll probably get the E6600 or E6850.

So i'm at a serious xroads and would really appreciate some help.

I plan to also purchase the 8800 GTS 640k and 4 gigs of ram (vista 64bit) as well as a WD Raptor 150.

Thanks!
 
Either the P35 or 680i, depends really if you want SLI or CF. I've used both and they are both excellent overclockers with lots of options and upgradability.
 
I doubt I will be running SLI. When the time comes when I can afford a second card, I will probably just go from 8800 GTS to GTX. And from there the G90.

And what is CF ?

My only hesitation about the P35's is that they are so new, there's not too many reviews about them, and they are first revisions so ... but I guess you can't go wrong really.
 
P35 or 650i
If you are not SLi, no point to buy expensive 680i. While P35 or 650i are at more 'reasonable' price.
If you looking for a P35 MB with supporting both DDR2 and DDR3 RAM. I think you can either go for Gigabyte GA-P35C-DSR or MSI Neo Combo
I personally will go for Gigabyte, as it have 4 x DDR2 RAM slot while MSI have 2 only. Also it provide better onboard audio chipset.

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/2007/06/05/pipe_dreams_six_p35-ddr3_motherboards_compared_uk/

Also if you want a 650i chipset, make sure get one which support 1333 FSB
 
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CF is short for CrossFire, which is ATI's version of SLI.

I wouldnt recommend the 650i, from what I've heard they dont overclock as well as the 680i's and dont have as many features.

The P35 can be found for around $120, which is pretty reasonable. I have the P5k Deluxe and it's been a great board, but a bit pricey at $220.
 
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