new sff build - need opinions

[Viscero340]

Getting ready to upgrade my existing SFF from a Intel Q6600 + Intel DG33TL to something i5 or i7. I've been watching the latest motherboard reviews here and elsewhere but I'm not sure which direction to go at this point. I really like the asus maxximus gene board but I'm concerned that I'm shortchanging myself by not going with a x58 board. This will be going into a general purpose + gaming machine with (currently) a single gtx275 card. I doubt I will be doing much overclocking with this rig - i've left those days behind at this point. I do want stability, power, and the option to throw in a 2nd card if the notion hits me. Given these parameters which mATX board and CPU combo would you pick?

 

[l00segravel]

I am looking to build an i7 SFF rig next month with a ASUS Rampage II GENE LGA 1366 Intel X58 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard and an i7 920 from microcenter if its still $200.

 

[Viscero340]

Initially I really liked the rampage but the the heat issues on the northbridge made somewhat dismiss it in favor of other mATX boards like this EVGA one. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188051

 

[crazjayz]

Initially I really liked the rampage but the the heat issues on the northbridge made somewhat dismiss it in favor of other mATX boards like this EVGA one. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188051

All 1366 mobos with passive northbridge cooling will have this "heat issue". Thus, both the RIIGene and EVGA have relatively high northbridge temps.

 

[Viscero340]

agreed but I thought the rampage was a little over the top(on nb temps) compartively based on all the reviews/owner opinions. seems like most people ended up buying extra after market heatsinks, etc that either blocked the top pcie lane or the top dimm slot. not really wanting to go that route.

based on the fact that x58 does allow for dual x16 cards I think it would be in my best interest to at least stick to that platform along with an i7 920. and it looks like the evga board will do sli as well as crossfire - so at least there's room to grow on the vid card side of things.