A little guidance please!

G

gima

Limp Gawd
Joined
Feb 21, 2002
Messages
184
alright..

I'm working on a new build (finally) and i can't figure out which way i want to go. I was originally dead set on the abit ip35 pro w/P35 chipset.

now i've been looking towards the X38 chipset.. my main concern is the PCIE x16 vs PCIE 2.0 x16

I'm going with the e8400, 4gigs of ram..

MINIMAL overclocking (maybe in the future but not right now)
computer going to be used for gaming, sound and normal use..

So i'm stuck now between these mobos

DFI LP LT X38-T2R @ $270
ASUS P5E @$225

ABIT IP35 PRO @$170
DFI LP DK P35-T2RS @$140

I've only owned ABIT & DFI and wanted to keep in the family..

I guess i'm not really sure what the difference between between the PCIE x16 vs 2.0 is? Same as that of AGP4 x vs 8x?

Keep in mind the last build i did was about 6 years ago.. with an IC7-G.. lots has changed since then.

so some guidance would be really appreciated..

thanks :cool:
 
Today's PCIe 2.0 cards are backwards compatible with the PCIe 1.0 (x16) slot... in fact, there isn't a single card out today that fully saturates the PCIe 1.0 bus. The only (legitimate) reason for getting an X38-based motherboard right now is if you are going to utilize CrossFire. From the FAQ:

Why should I (not) use SLI/CrossFire?

SLI/CrossFire is absolutely not worth considering if...
  • you're gaming at a resolution under 1920x1200 (as you'll see no performance benefit over a single card), and
  • you plan on buying one card now and another one much later (like, over 6-12 months after buying the first card).
SLI/CrossFire as an upgrade path is usually a very poor idea, as by the time you're ready to get that second card, a new single card solution will likely be available that will outperform two of your older cards in tandem. Furthermore, there really is no cost benefit to the upgrade route, as any additional cost in getting the new card can be easily mitigated in most situations by selling the original. By avoiding an SLI/CrossFire solution when it will not be of benefit, you gain a cooler running, simpler to maintain system, and, more importantly, access to a much better (and broader) selection of motherboards.
Click to expand...

The IP35 Pro and the P35-T2RS are both good choices. The P35-T2RS is geared more for the overclocker, and has settings within the BIOS that may confuse those new to overclocking.

Don't forget a 64-bit OS... without it, you won't be able to fully utilize all of your RAM.
 
Gaming isn't my main priority anymore, it once was. I still want to be able to play some of the latest games from time to time if i want to. Just not on the same scale as i once did. That being said I don't need the most expensive video card on the market right now. I'm just trying to wrap my head around this PCIe x16 vs 2.0 thing. I don't plan on running in sli or crossfire at all, no chance what so ever. I'm actually looking at the EVGA 8800GT 512mb 256bit which is 2.0 (but will work on an x16 slot just not at full capacity.. right?)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130318

I was previously looking at the EVGA 8800GTS 320MB 320bit (which is x16 - not 2.0)

I know both with will undoubtably wortk great and far better than what i have now. However when i built my current system I bought the best and newest so i could upgrade for some time before i had to actually build a new system. This thing has got me through about 6 years with zero problems. I want the same results.

So other than SLi/Crossfire the X38 chipset has nothing more to offer over the P35?

I've done research, searched etc. You can only read so much in reviews. I just wanted some 'real people' input on things before i invested the money. After much researching and reading i'm nearly positive i'll end up sticking with my original thoughts and go with the P35 chipset on either the DFI or ABIT board and get a higher end x16 card. I just seems like the most logical thing to do right now. All the x38 boards are almost $250 anyway, i'd rather put that extra money into a better video card.
 
Another reason to get X38 is that it guarantees the motherboard can reach quite a high FSB so you have more freedom to overclock.
My X38-DS4 will clock to 520MHz stable, 2080MHz quad pumped FSB :)
Handy if you get a CPU that has its frequency based on a high FSB to start with like the E8x00 series and the new 45nm quads.
 
gima said:
Gaming isn't my main priority anymore, it once was. I still want to be able to play some of the latest games from time to time if i want to. Just not on the same scale as i once did. That being said I don't need the most expensive video card on the market right now. I'm just trying to wrap my head around this PCIe x16 vs 2.0 thing. I don't plan on running in sli or crossfire at all, no chance what so ever. I'm actually looking at the EVGA 8800GT 512mb 256bit which is 2.0 (but will work on an x16 slot just not at full capacity.. right?)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130318

I was previously looking at the EVGA 8800GTS 320MB 320bit (which is x16 - not 2.0)
Click to expand...

I probably confused you with what I said earlier... my point is don't worry about whether the video card is PCIe 1.0 or 2.0 because they will both work the same. A PCIe 2.0 card will work in a PCIe 1.0 slot, and vice versa.

The 8800GTS you should be looking at is the one with 512MB of DDR3 memory. It's based off the same G92 GPU as the 8800GT (and the 9800-series cards) and it can play games well on anything up to a 24 inch monitor (or, a resolution of 1920x1200). If you have a 20 inch monitor or smaller, consider either the 9600GT or the 8800GT.

gima said:
So other than SLi/Crossfire the X38 chipset has nothing more to offer over the P35?
Click to expand...

Nenu offered the only other reason I could think of for going with the X38 chipset, but if you're not planning on heavy overclocking, then (IMO) it's not worth the extra money over a P35 board with most of the same features.
 
From what I've been seeing (and maybe I need to look around more, currently), P35 boards clock just as well as X38 boards. So the only reason to get an X38 would be for Crossfire in dual 16x, IMO. Otherwise, a midrange P35 board should do the job just fine.
 
Each persons experience is different I spose.
I bought my Sister an Abit P35-E for Christmas and it wouldnt go above 320MHz.
Royal bum luck.
 
Nenu said:
Each persons experience is different I spose.
I bought my Sister an Abit P35-E for Christmas and it wouldnt go above 320MHz.
Royal bum luck.
Click to expand...

It probably needed better NB cooling. My IP35-E won't go past 350Mhz without additional cooling on the NB. With an 80mm fan on it, it can reach 500*6 w/ my E6750. As always, YMMV w/ OC'ing.
 
enginurd said:
It probably needed better NB cooling. My IP35-E won't go past 350Mhz without additional cooling on the NB. With an 80mm fan on it, it can reach 500*6 w/ my E6750. As always, YMMV w/ OC'ing.
Click to expand...

Sadly not, I had fans on absolutely everything (vregs included) to verify where the issue was founded and had to conclude the motherboard just didnt perform.
The NorthBridge was operating below 45C even with voltage raised.
You can be sure I tried everything possible to get the board running faster.

My point was that you neednt have the worry about whether your new motherboard can reach a high clock by buying X38.
It was because of my experience with the P35-E that I went X38 myself and it hasnt disappointed!
If it wasnt for such a high FSB capability I would not have known what is limiting my E8400 overclock to 4.35GHz, air cooled.
 
Nenu said:
My point was that you neednt have the worry about whether your new motherboard can reach a high clock by buying X38.
It was because of my experience with the P35-E that I went X38 myself and it hasnt disappointed!
If it wasnt for such a high FSB capability I would not have known what is limiting my E8400 overclock to 4.35GHz, air cooled.
Click to expand...

There's one problem with that bit of logic...

gima said:
MINIMAL overclocking (maybe in the future but not right now)
computer going to be used for gaming, sound and normal use..
Click to expand...

gima said:
After much researching and reading i'm nearly positive i'll end up sticking with my original thoughts and go with the P35 chipset on either the DFI or ABIT board and get a higher end x16 card. I just seems like the most logical thing to do right now. All the x38 boards are almost $250 anyway, i'd rather put that extra money into a better video card.
Click to expand...

It seems like the OP was never too keen on getting an X38-based motherboard in the first place. Since overclocking isn't a huge factor for him, I don't believe that the OP should spend the extra money for an X38 board.

But gima, I'd like to know what the rest of your proposed build is going to look like (as well as the overall budget for it).
 
Nenu said:
My point was that you neednt have the worry about whether your new motherboard can reach a high clock by buying X38.
Click to expand...

That's a high price to pay for a "guarantee." We're talking about a $60AR board vs a $200 (at least) board. Thats over 200% the price! I still think that the price premium on the X38 boards isn't worth it for its OC'ing potential alone. Any mid to higher end P35 board in the $120 - $170 range should reach high FSB speeds. Sure, the price premium may be worth it to a few people who have extra cash to throw around, but not to most.
 
Yes, I agree.
I was only pointing out something the op might want to know but its hard to pass on information here.
 
tiraides said:
There's one problem with that bit of logic...

But gima, I'd like to know what the rest of your proposed build is going to look like (as well as the overall budget for it).
Click to expand...

this is what i've got..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231148

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703005

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130318


that + whatever motherboard i go with.

already have the case + hd + cdroms etc
 
enginurd said:
could you please list those out? Thanks.
Click to expand...

gima said:
list what out?
Click to expand...

What enginurd means is...

Intel E8400 - $209.99 (free shipping)
G.Skill 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 1000 dual channel kit - $104.99 (free shipping)
PC Power & Cooling S610EPS 610W power supply - $109.99 (free shipping)
EVGA 8800GT - $194.99 ($30 mail-in rebate)

Which looks fine, especially for an all-NewEgg setup. Though, as a minor nitpick, you could purchase the Corsair TX650 right now for under $100 (with free shipping).

Nenu said:
Yes, I agree.
I was only pointing out something the op might want to know but its hard to pass on information here.
Click to expand...

I apologize for making it hard for you, but I personally don't see the need for the OP to be going towards an X38 setup, especially if he isn't going to take full advantage of its features. You have to keep in mind that a lot of people here want the maximum performance they can get for the least amount they have to spend. It's not that your information isn't useful (I didn't know how well X38 boards overclocked before now), but it's not the best recommendation for what the OP intends to do.
 
I agree, it looks fine. Sorry, I hate having to click on a bunch of links. And for the record, more than 2 is a bunch, in my world, lol.
 
I can't seem to decide on the motherboard. heh, it's always something:(

enginurd.. alright.. i didn't know what you meant lol

on the other hand.. the e8400 is out of stock AGAIN lol, ongoing process
 
Which motherboards are you contemplating over? I'd suggest the MSI Neo2-FR.
 
these were the two i was looking at

ABIT IP35 PRO @$170
DFI LP DK P35-T2RS @$140
 
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