1st Build - Mobo Decision Help

[kyle_d]

Hello everyone, i'm Kyle :wavey:

I see you have a very good site here that's very useful, i couldnt find anywhere to ask questions about upgrading so hopefully you guys can help me!

I'm wanting to start my first build but REALLY can't decide which MOBO to get, i really Love the nForce 680i sli chipset so i think my choice is between these 3 boards..

-Evga 680i sli N Force 775 (one i mainly want)

-Asus Striker Extreme

- XFX 680i sli

One of my most important questions for you is, once iv built my computer im not really gonna be messing with many of the settings as i don't know how to do all that. But i have read MANY reviews/articles about the 680i sli chipset and it sounds to be amazing if you run other SLI components on one of them mobo's.

My budget just for the mobo is about £100 max if i can help it, i'm not too bothered about it been second hand aslong as its in good condition.

Any help would be massively appreciated, if you need to know anymore info. feel free to ask.

Regards, Kyle.

 

[kyle_d]

Are the SLI boards worth buying if im not going to be OC'ing much? I was looking at the P5K series but they're still £150ish.

I am willing to pay the money though if it's worth it, i don't wanna buy a cheaper one and regret it 2 months later

I will be most likely running a q6600 so they will need to be capable of handling one of those too.

 

[Ham]

Tbh mate 680i is on the way out. 45nm quads are due and 680i dosn't support them.

Forget SLI and pick up an Abit IP35 Pro

 

[Rastalovich]

Tbh mate 680i is on the way out. 45nm quads are due and 680i dosn't support them.

Forget SLI and pick up an Abit IP35 Pro

Solid choice.

 

[kyle_d]

Cool Cool, thanks for that info. To be honest, i'm not an extreme gamer so i dont need TOP spec.

I basically wanna build a fast computer with plenty of space to upgrade. Doesnt need to be able to fit 3 graphics cards in as i will probabley never put more than one in anyway as i hardly ever play games on the PC.

If i scrap the 680i... what would you say is better..

Any of the P5K series, or the Abit IP35 Pro?

Iv researched quite a bit about the P5K series but i don't hardly know anything about the Abit IP35 Pro.. i'll look now.

 

[kyle_d]

Just had a look through the IP35 Pro on the Abit website and its looking good!

It has everything i could need really, anywhere recommend the cheapest place to buy it?

Ebay seems to be one of the best places for PC components, i'm suprised.

 

[Ham]

Try here

Cant go wrong with it for under £100 tbh.

Also check out the review here for an in depth look.

 

[kyle_d]

Nice!

Good price, those overclock3d threads are amazing, i must have read about 30 different reviews on there over the last few days alone.

I was reading this one but i'll take a look at the overclock3d one now, didnt think about looking on there for this mobo.

 

[Kevin Street]

Would like to throw in my thanks to Ham as well, I've been looking around for a new MoBo and have to say this one has everything I need and a good price tag.

 

[Ham]

Glad to help.

 

[kyle_d]

Anyone recommend a good case? Iv found the Coolermaster 831 for £80, anyone know any others as good as this at around this price?

 

[kyle_d]

What do you all think to this??

http://www.custompc.co.uk/labs/137997/asus-p5k-premium-wifi-ap.html#

The Abit IP35 doesnt seem THAT good on there. Let me know what you think to that mobo.

Cheers

 

[kyle_d]

I've been reading the reviews on CPC about some of the latest motherboards, and i think iv made my decision.

Asus P5K Premium WiFi-AP

Read the 2 reviews on these 2 motherboards and then tell me which one you would have. There is only £1 difference in cost from scan.co.uk or

Asus P5K Premium WiFi-AP

www.custompc.co.uk/labs/137997/asus-p5k-premium-wifi-ap.html

Abit IP35 Pro

http://www.custompc.co.uk/labs/137970/abit-ip35-pro.html#

 

[kyle_d]

No comments on the P5k premium? If i can afford £20 more surely i should get that one?

 

[Rastalovich]

I dunno tbh.

I have an ASUS mobo and imo the bios sucks eggs, well not just that but the software with it. BUT I know for a definate fact that overclockers do like them and they`re damn fine performers.

Doesn`t help that I`m a self-confessed ABit fanboi either.

 

[Ham]

Id take the abit tbh.

Had 2 Asus boards, both died of their own accord.

 

[kyle_d]

I dunno tbh.

I have an ASUS mobo and imo the bios sucks eggs, well not just that but the software with it. BUT I know for a definate fact that overclockers do like them and they`re damn fine performers.

Doesn`t help that I`m a self-confessed ABit fanboi either.

Hey, how come you chose the Asus if your a self confessed ABit fanboi then??

I've just been comparing the 2 boards on the same site (overclockersclub) and the only differences i can see between the 2 is that the Asus has more USB ports, more internal connectors, can handle DDR2 1066Mhz RAM and it has more overclocking features.

I've not been persuaded not to buy the Asus yet, iv just been told to buy the Abit... i'm still confused.

 

[FarFarAway]

I'd choose the Abit as it's honestly the most solid board I've ever used...period

 

[markkleb]

Anyone recommend a good case? Iv found the Coolermaster 831 for £80, anyone know any others as good as this at around this price?

I like the CM Elite and Centurion5 better (especially the price)

 

[kyle_d]

Is this worth snapping up quickly??

EVGA nForce 680i SLi - $200 delivered from US (£100), private seller, nice guy lowered the price for me if i want it.

Or do you STILL think i should go with the ABit althought its the same price as this bargain?

Once iv got my Q6600 2.4Ghz G0 cpu in there i aint gonna be wanting the new one anyway that will be do me fiiiiine for quite a while, so no need for the next quad to come out to fit it. Iv been on the same P4 3.0Ghz for about 2 years now so the Q6600 is gonna be a big difference in itself for me.