Best Motherboard for Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 build?

[Sam1]

Hi!

I'm new to Hexus, a friend of mine advised me to post here!
Basically i'm upgrading my current system, but unsure about which motherboard to go for, as there is a huge amount of choice.

I'll be looking at spending between £80-£120.

It'll need to be socket 775. I won't be using SLI. Definately not wanting integrated graphics, and won't be overclocking my CPU at all. Will just need a PCI-express x16 slot for my GeForce 9800 GT graphics card, and a couple of normal PCI slots for my sound card and wireless network card. I'll be buying the Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 (unless you suggest better for similar price?). And will be getting 2x2GB DDR2 Ram, although wouldn't mind 4 slots on the board for RAM if possible. Just looking for a good quality, reliable Motherboard really.

System will mostly be used for gaming, high def movies and just general usage.

Thanks in advance! Help would be much appreciated

[PeterStoba]

Any Gigabyte, ASUS or MSI P45 based board will do the job fine, they are all pretty much the same, just find a nice one with the right amount of sata and usb connectors etc...

[Sam1]

Thanks Peter, fast reply! If they're all kind of the same like you say, will just find one with right specs then. I just thought one might give a better performance or something.

Cheers

[PeterStoba]

Well if you aren't overclocking then they will all be the same.

Although, the ASUS P5Q range have heatsinks on the mosfets, which will keep them cool.

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Asus-...-SATA-RAID-ATX
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Asus-...-SATA-RAID-ATX
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Asus-...-SATA-RAID-ATX

[Terbinator]

I second the P45's.

[Sam1]

Thanks again, the ASUS P5Q Pro you linked looks perfect really.

The Gigabyte-GA-EP45-UD3R seems good too tho. (can't link yet, annoyingly)

Will probs go with the ASUS one.

[muddyfox470]

Which is the best southbridge currently? I'm not quite up to scratch with the latest chipsets.

Although I think the Intels have better onboard RAID controllers (although they won't pass for real hardware ones).

PS. Just a word of caution, look for decent cooling and space around the CPU socket. Good VRM (voltage regulation) cooling and heatsinks is vital for a stable system, and will help if you do want that little extra juice.

And for me I like on board video (especially HDMI or DVI) as if your graphics card does go belly up you still have something you can trouble shoot, although most ATX (I am assuming you want full size) don't have onboard video, most of those that do are MATX

Also:

• Gigabit Lan is a must (some have 2 which is a bonus)
• 6 USB 2
• esata (if that floats your boat)
• spdif out (altho onboard sound never really impresses me much)
• 8 sata ports? (I guess 4 is the minimum now)
• IDE and floppy if you still use those?

Sorry to edit again, but think carefully about the motherboard layout, which will be most suitable for your case and your cabling, to make it easier and to help reduce impedence of airflow. i.e. the first one Peter posted Asus P5Q, iP45 has the main ATX power slot in the middle of the board :s

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Abit-...-SATA-RAID-ATX ?? [Abit have stopped making boards though] Also seems the X38 has been superceeded by the X48

Also Sam, I know you have a rubbish PSU in your system, so don't forget to put some money aside (£80ish) for a decent PSU - Corsair, Seasonic...

[Sam1]

Haha, yea I'll get a new PSU, although mines fine for the job, its very loyal to me, gonna go for the ASUS P5Q Pro iP45 motherboard. Got all the right slots and ports for me too.

[atmadden]

I have had the Asus P5Q pro since it came out it it is a decent mid range overclocking board. If I were you though and you don't want to overclock or never intend to I would get a cheaper board as this has features you don't need or will use. performance will be virtually the same

[watercooled]

I believe Biostar also do good boards

[Terbinator]

Should of stuck with the MSI Neo-F if your not overclocking, known to be a good stable board.

[muddyfox470]

How about this one that just cropped up on HotUKDeals...

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/s....jsp?DFI-DKX48

DFI Lan Party X48

[Terbinator]

Overkill for his wants/needs though isn't it ?

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

How about this one that just cropped up on HotUKDeals...

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/s....jsp?DFI-DKX48

DFI Lan Party X48

Unless there is a decent motherboard for under £60 this motherboard is excellent for the money. The X48 is highest end Intel chipset available for socket 775 and is stonking value for around £80 delivered!!

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Overkill for his wants/needs though isn't it ?

Not for £80 though. Far better than the P43 and P45 based motherboards available for a similar price.Also when the OP sells their setup an X48 based motherboard will have a higher resale value as it is the best chipset for the Core2 IMHO.

The motherboard has got decent reviews too:

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/mai...dkx48t2rs.html

http://www.cpu3d.com/review/4869-1/d...roduction.html

[muddyfox470]

Free *standard* delivery for everyone (3-5 day) I think which is pretty good, only free next day if you are on their forums.
It's the lower end of your budget, you are getting a very highly regarded manufacturer (that uses higher quality components) and from what Cat say, good performance too Even if you aren't overclocking it's good for resale value etc - CAT-THE-FIFTH does tend to talk some truths amongst all his garbage

But I read something about the X chipsets being a little better so thought i'd give the headsup, and considering its free delivery it doesn't hurt getting it from different suppliers.

EDIT: It does seem to be missing a few things on the back panel so it's entirely dependent on what you want.