Gigabyte GA-X38-DQ6 (LN19836) query

[Grim Reaper]

I had read (Bit-tech preview I think) that you cannot fit a CPU cooler that requires a backplate on this motherboard (I have a thermalright 120 xtreme). This seems strange to me as surely for an "enthusiast" board they would allow for this.

Can anyone confirm whether this is the case?

[Whl...]

I'm not sure about that particular DQ6, but I have a GA-965P-DQ6 and it certainly has a copper plate on the underside of the mobo directly behind the CPU socket, which prevents coolers that need backplates being fitted.

[Lee H]

Sorry but that does appear to be the case as I've just googled a few reviews and there is a HUGE copper cooler on the underside of the CPU area which would hinder any backplates being fitted.

[Grim Reaper]

Now I'll have to wait even longer for a different X38 board

[Danishwonder]

On the P35 Dq6 you got some kind of srews to use so you could take off that backplate, So you still had all the copper on top of board. So i can't see why this would be dif?

Edit found this

[nickaal]

I think there is a heatpipe connected to the underside cooler.
Sounds quite difficult to remove.
Anyway, if you wait one more month you could get a x48 board.

[Danishwonder]

Just had a look at the manual and its the same as the P35 DQ6 So Yes you can fit any cooler as long the backplate is removed.

Drownload the manual for The X38-DQ6 and look at page 16.

[nickaal]

ah true, my mistake.
it's the nforce 680 dq6 that has the heatpipe going at the back.
Still i think you should read this before buying a x38 board:
http://www.tcmagazine.com/comments.php?shownews=16141
But obviously, with the price of the ddr3, x38 is still a good choice.

[funke_munke]

This is starting to drive me nuts, I've given up waiting and I'm ordering a p35 board next week! It's one after the other with no real performance boost. Sorry for the hijack!

[philster123]

FAO Grim Reaper, i'm new to the forum so don't flame me but looking at zalman 9700 nt cooler, there does seem to be an option to do a "clip" install rather than backplate depending on the orientation of your machine - don't know what that means but check the zalman website/user manual for details... can't post here The installation movie shows back plate but click the link for the manual underneath. clip installation details on p4, i hope i'm not too late

[godsdog]

philster123 - the Scythe Miné is the way forward if you don't want any back plate hassle, same 'clip on' deal and an excellent cooler, plenty of room for an overclock if you so desire.

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=383006

[Grim Reaper]

Just had a look at the manual and its the same as the P35 DQ6 So Yes you can fit any cooler as long the backplate is removed.

Drownload the manual for The X38-DQ6 and look at page 16.

Thanks - this is good news.

X38 choices with DDR2 are pretty limited (QuadGT, DQ6, P5E) and DDR3 is far too expensive. The DQ6 has the most USB ports (8 v 6 on P5E and 4 on QuadGT), also 3 PCI-E slots on the quadGT is far more than I would ever use (doubt I'll ever even use 2).

[merple]

How about the DS5? It's pretty much the same board, hasnt got the "crazy cool" heatsinks on the back and is a little cheaper.

[Danishwonder]

How about the DS5? It's pretty much the same board, hasnt got the "crazy cool" heatsinks on the back and is a little cheaper.

Do yuo men the DS4 No DS5

[merple]

Says DS5 on the site.

[Grim Reaper]

How about the DS5? It's pretty much the same board, hasnt got the "crazy cool" heatsinks on the back and is a little cheaper.

Are the heatpipes copper on the DS5?

the only difference I can see on the specs from the gigabyte website is "All copper Silent Pipe and Crazy Cool" on the DQ6 but no mention for the DS5.