P965 Sff??

[c00kie]

Hi all - I am new to the SFF scene. I want the most powerful non-SLI SFF (GFX not a major priority) available (if I can afford it!). I am tempted by the 975X-based Shuttle SD39P. However, after reading reviews, I understand the Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs are still no. 1 and the 975X/P965 chipsets are the fastest. Further reading tells me there’s not much between these 2 chipsets but the P965 is “more up-to-date” and overclocks better than the older 975X. I am keen to have the most up-to-date components to future proof my investment.

However, unless I go the more expensive mini-ITX route, I cannot find any SFF/barebones (preferably Shuttle) that support the P965 chipset. Any takers?

TIA
Scott

[Thorburn]

How likely are you to be overclocking that highly in a SFF system anyway?

Compromises made in the PCB design due to the small size mean a P965 SFF board won't reach the kind of FSB speeds as say the P5B Deluxe, they simply aren't designed with that in mind.

The P965 is a newer chipset than 975x, but in this kind of usage the different won't be noticeable.

[staffsMike]

as Thorburn says..these boards are not built with overclocking in mind. Most of them have basic overclocking options but generally no control over voltages etc.. just basic FSB control.

They will not overclock very high in most cases, I beleive asrock do the best board for overclocking at the moment. Abit's fatal1ty is supposed to be ok for overclocking to. But only to around 300 - 330mhz fsb

Why a barebones system though..just build one with the parts you want.

[c00kie]

Thanks for the fast/helpful reply Thorburn!

So, if I get an Core 2 Duo CPU and a fast HDD, do you think the Shuttle SD39P is the most powerful non-SLI SFF available please?

Thanks
Scott

[c00kie]

@StaffsMike

Yes, I could build a mini-ITX and have had a look at mini-itx.com but cannot find any P965-based mini-ATX mobos, perhaps I have overlooked them?

The ability to overclock is not a major requirement, just that I have future-proof components, so I don't need to upgrade for as long as possible.

I could have underestimated the power of the 975X v P965 because it's the older chipset of the two.

@all

Do you have any recommendations for the most powerful SFF (preferably but not limited to Shuttle) please?

Cheers
Scott

[staffsMike]

i thought we were talking about micro ATX lol

how small is small as mini-ITX seems a bit of a dead end with regard to upgrades etc..

that might be ignorant as i dont much about mini-ITX

[c00kie]

sorry I meant micro-ATX

[staffsMike]

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...d=5&subcat=326

but i'd be more tempted by this

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...d=5&subcat=326

cheaper at scan..it was just easier to find on ocuk

these leave plenty of scope for upgrade.. both support 800mhz ram out of the box and socket 775 which is good for the next batch of intels as well as pi-e x16

[Thorburn]

I'd vote for the Asus P5B-VM.

965 chipset is still, in my opinion, the best for C2D.

[c00kie]

Both very nice, high specs. Good recommendations.

I have looked for a case but not quite sure what I should be looking for, which is the latest 'n' greatest. Can you recommend a case also plz?

[staffsMike]

well i'm so new to this...I started a thread yesterday hehe..

but i really like this

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=244420

window version is £10 more

its prefect for me as it allows 2 fullsize hard drives and 2 dvd writers..also allows as far as i know a double width gfx card and standard atx psu

i'm sure there is cheaper but for me that is perfect and reasonable.

[menthel]

Don't underestimate the overclocking potential of shuttle built sff pc's. They are made of top quality components and the cooling is good. You won't get huge overclocks like from a atx desktop, but you can get a significant improvement over base clocks.

[Thorburn]

Yep, I'm sat on an SD31P right now with a Pentium D 950 that I used to run at 4GHz in this Shuttle.

But they still don't tend to clock high enough for 975x to be a limiting factor. My main system is able to break 1333FSB easily enough with a P5W DH.

[menthel]