Mobo recommendation for new build

[Mithrandir]

I've always had an AMD system but recently got myself an e4600 along with some Reaper-X HPC (4gb) ram.

I've been obsessively readng about mobos and the Intel chipsets and I was going to get a mATX mobo (for Silverstone TJ08) but realised this won't work with the ram. So, instead I'll be getting an ATX mobo. Looks like the best ones within my budget are based on the P35, P43 and P45 chipset.

I'd like a stable and good overclocker mainly. I've listed some of the possibilities but any input on personal experiences or suggestions would be much appreciated.

P35 mobos
ASUS P5KC
Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3
MSI P35 Neo2-FR iP35
GA-P35-DS3L
GA-EP35-DS3
DFI Blood Iron P35-T2RL
DFI DK P35-T2RS

P4x mobos
GA-EP45-DS3P
Abit IP43
DFI DK P45-T2R

[staffsMike]

Why won't the RAM work with uATX boards?

There's very little real difference between P35 and P45. Overclocking a chip like you have will be a breeze for either of them. The only noticeable (that should really be notable) difference is PCIe 2.0 which isn't relevant as of yet, if it ever will be.

Not abit have thrown in the towel I'm backing DFI. Great overclockers and as far as I know of lan parties, very reliable but I am yet to try one.

P45 DFI plus version would be nice.
P35 DFi will be good too.

I never touch MSI anymore, or Gigabyte but that is an old prejudice. The abit IP-43 is a bit basic for my liking and the Asus DDR2/DDR3 thing never appealed to me on the -C.

P5Q's aren't too bad though.

[Webby]

The G33 and P35 chipsets are the same (except the G33 has intergrated graphics) I have a Gigabyte G33m-DS2R which is happily running OCZ Flex DDR2-1150 modules.

Now if you meant that you couldn't fit the reaper modules in the case thats a different matter entirely

[staffsMike]

What would block them though? HDDs?

[Webby]

Yeah i think the cage might be in the way, those reaper coolers are tall! but they slant will have a think about it!

Edit - Looking at my photos I would say the cage will not be in the way but any hard drives in the bottom 3 slots could potentially be a problem, of course if the is only one and a single optical drive then it could be put up top instead.

[staffsMike]

HDD if it was just one could go in the second 5.25" bay

Or just do what I did and mod it all little to fit futher into the bay. Just snapped the little bits that you screw the blanking plate on with off and taped (I think..) the plate back in. Fits perfectly

[Webby]

Yeah, see my edit

I agree plenty of ways around it Seems a shame to not use a TJ08 for that reason such a nice case if I could have fit the water cooling in I would still be using it now.

[Mithrandir]

I was thinking the Reapers would stickout too much with the drive space filled.

I was thinking the P45 over the P35 for future proofing and the ability to run X-fire at x8/x8 rather than x16/x4.

Also I'm hoping to get the Xigmatek HDT 1283 for cooling

[Mithrandir]

The Asus P5Q looks good.

[hank]

HDD if it was just one could go in the second 5.25" bay

Or just do what I did and mod it all little to fit futher into the bay. Just snapped the little bits that you screw the blanking plate on with off and taped (I think..) the plate back in. Fits perfectly

Which mobo are you using there and don't you have a graphics card?

[Webby]

That is an Asus 690G board if I remember correctly (sure Mike will speak up soon ) and no graphics as it has onboard and wasn't made for gaming (again if I remember correctly it was for the missus).

[staffsMike]

Yeah it's an ASUS M2A-VM. I has decent onboard graphics with DVI/VGA, good for HD playback etc..

[Hawker1986]

Asus P5Q pro or Gigabyte P45-DS3R, ive used both and theyre both good, persoanlly I prefer gigabyte mobos so I would lean that way. Also if your thinking crossfire then you want to go with the P45 as 16x/4x is rubbish and not up to the task.

Hawker

[shomei]

you can't go wrong with one of these:
Asus P5Q-E: http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=818508
DFI Lanparty DK P45-T2RS Plus: http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=884418
Gigabyte EP45-DS3: http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=839037

[Mithrandir]

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys. I think I'll get a p45 chipset mobo as its more future proof, unless I come across a superb offer for a p35 mobo.

Just need to shop around now and see if I can snag a bargain somewhere.

[Technogeek]

I have a Foxconn Mars P35, and i love it.

http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=828780