Motherboard for new Q9450 chip.

[mac007]

We know how grand the Q6600 GO SLACR is.
Was going to get one, though with the release of the Q9450 soon, thought it might be worthwhile getting that instead.
Looking at getting a good motherboard take advantage of this chip.
Not that interested in SLI or Crossfire.
Only overclockability and price.
Preferably with PCI-E 2.0.

Was thinking about the Asus P5E, iX38
Which board do you recommend?

[staffsMike]

Since RAM will be your limiting factor I wouldn't blow too much on a fancy motherboard.

Abit IP-35pro springs to mind. No PCIe 2.0 but nothing really utilises it's bandwidth yet anyway.

I'm sure you don't want to hear it () but I would still get the Q6600 and an IP-35 dark raider and live a life of luxery..for a week.. with the savings lol

[Blitzen]

Abit IP-35pro springs to mind.

Poor value

[BUFF]

at £93 on Today Only the IP35 Pro isn't poor value if you value the extras but if you don't need them then the IP35-/IP35-E represent better value.

[mac007]

The Abit IP-35 Pro looks Sweet.

Haven't done any overclocking, though am keenly interested.
My next question probably quite elementary.
Can this board & chip be cooled by air firstly, then later on changed to water cooling?
Suppose the case would also need to be changed?

[staffsMike]

Air cooling will be fine for both. Something from scythe or thermalright would be my suggestion for the CPU HSF, the boards heat sinks are good enough for reasonable overclocks to.

What case do you have?

[mac007]

Building a new system from scratch.
Old system is in another country, so no good to me here - but is well out dated.

Was thinking of the Antec P182.

[staffsMike]

Great case, my personal favourite