Help. I've searched the forum long enough.

[NedClocker]

I know I saw this thread somewhere but I can't find it. What was the verdict for the best C2D mobo to get?

[jonspd]

The axe?

[WarriorII]

I don't think it was in here. (shrugs


Was it this thread?
http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=503585&highlight=Fry%27s

[Audioaficionado]

What's its main function?

How much are you willing to spend?

I got that cheap but useful ASRock Dual775-VSTA board that takes all your old DDR & AGP hardware but can still use C2D chips. There's a newer version that even takes quad cores. Both sell for less than $60. Your total cost would be ~$250 for mobo/cpu. Forget about OCing though. This is just a bridging platform as you incrementally upgrade the hardware.

A new system build using the latest new components with a mid-range card can cost just under $1k.

I've just received an Asus Commando P965 to replace my ASRock as I've finally updated all my old components enough to move over to a P965 board.

There is a real good deal on a DFI P965 that looks to be a gaming/OC screamer for ~$140. There's also the GigaByte DS3 P965 for $120. But you'll need DDR2 and PCIe graphics.

There's also 975 and the NV 680i boards for more $$$.

For SMP_FAH you can't beat that ASRock platform. You can convert old P4 & Socket A platforms for <$250 each. ChasR has been doing that.

[WarriorII]

I was gonna say, that mobo has Quad Core support. :thup:

I have one sitting here, getting ready to throw a chip in it.

[ChasR]

ASUS P5B-E
Gigabyte DS3
ASUS P5W-DH
ASUS Commando

And if you want to upgrade on the cheap, Audio has it nailed.

[pscout]

Depends what best means ... the gigabye 965p s3 is just as good an oc'er as the ds3, but cheaper with standard caps instead of solid state.
P5b-d is also a good one.

Is it just for folding ( ie need lots of feature or none)?
What c2d are you thinking of (ie low multi 63x0 or high 6600 or higher) ?
Will you be able to put fast memory in it?

[cw823]

And if you want to upgrade on the cheap, Audio has it nailed.

I see lots of talk about mobos and chips but little about memory. How much is enough for a Linux SMP rig? E6600. DDR1

[NedClocker]

I see lots of talk about mobos and chips but little about memory. How much is enough for a Linux SMP rig? E6600. DDR1

Good point! I need to know how to match the memory to the mobo and proc, too!

[cw823]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157092R

[the garynator]

best core2 mobo ever = Abit IN9-Max :drool:

Best core2 mobo w/ budget in mind = the ones that were listed above ;)

[pik4chu]

Good point! I need to know how to match the memory to the mobo and proc, too!
the super talent series got some excellent results, there is a thread inthe memory section regarding 'budget sticks' with some sweet results on the 2*512 and 2*1g series of 5300 and 6400

[sno.lcn]

best core2 mobo ever = Abit IN9-Max :drool:

Best core2 mobo w/ budget in mind = the ones that were listed above ;)
You're such an abit **** :rolleyes:

[WarriorII]

For the few dollars more, the 6400 sticks would serve you longer, IMO.

[Audioaficionado]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157092R

Twice as much but it's not open box and this also takes quad cores for <$60.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157107

[greenmaji]

Abit QuadGT locking down the 1066 strap (If pure 24/7 CPU performance is what your looking for at any $)
2:3 mem divider if your ram can handle it at the given clock will also boost CPU performance.

[cw823]

Twice as much but it's not open box and this also takes quad cores for <$60.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157107

Yes, but I'm all about the frugal (read: cheap) folder. ;)

[davekusa]

You only need 1 stick for SMP folding.

[golfingtigger]

ASUS P5W-DH


Glad to hear that. Guess it means I have a good mobo to put a new C2D chip on. I was wondering if it was good enough, but didn't take the time to research the forums.

[pscout]

Glad to hear that. Guess it means I have a good mobo to put a new C2D chip on. I was wondering if it was good enough, but didn't take the time to research the forums.

It is a great mobo ... on low multi c2d's like the 63x0, the 975's mobo's don't reach as high an fsb oc as 965 mobo's, but for folding i don't think it matters since there are very few cpu's that will fold stable at much over 400 fsb.

[pik4chu]

Yes, but I'm all about the frugal (read: cheap) folder. ;)
while $25 for a C2D mobo is outstanding I have had too many frustrating experiences with open box items (even from the egg) to warrant the huge headache I get just to save some green.

[jws2346]

I don't know if this is helpful or not. I have (among other things) two P5B Deluxe mobos. One has a C2D E6300 (OC'ed 2.8 GHz) and the other a C2D E6420 (OC'ed 3.0 GHz) I also have a C2D E6600 (OC'ed 3.3 GHz) it was in the AW9D-MAX mobo until I started having hassles with the board, may be my fault, maybe not. all I do know is it runs (E6600) trouble free in a Biostar TForce P695 mobo. :shrug: The E6400 is in the AW9D-MAX mobo now, it's 24/7 folding stable at 2.4 GHz. All the boards have el cheapo SST PC6400 RAM from Ewiz. IMO as far as quality I don't think you can beat the P5B Deluxe whether it's WiFi capable or not (mine aren't, I don't use WiFi), I have also read and heard the ASUS P5W-DH is a good board, but I've never had one. As far as price/performance ($104 USD from NewEgg) it would be hard (IMO) to beat the Biostar TForce P695 mobo, I don't know if it's quad core ready, but probably will be with a BIOS update like the P5B Dlx and the AW9D-MAX boards.

[Audioaficionado]

Newegg.com offers a 15-day refund-only return policy for all open box merchandise. Remember if you purchase a Open Box product you will receive an OEM BAREBONE item, meaning you will only receive the item itself. Accessories are NOT INCLUDED with Open Box products, even if the missing accessory is required for the item to function properly.Do you feel lucky?

The main advantage of the ASRock board is that you only need the board and a C2D. All the other parts are salvaged from you old retired systems. Even the $100 good overclocking boards usually need DDR2 and PCIe graphics cards which will increase the cost. Performance and flexibility cost more.

[pik4chu]

Do you feel lucky?
except what accessory would a mobo have that would be required to run? aside from maybe the usb pci slot things or something, which aren't really required... I could see problems with open box heatsinks missing fan clips or something though.

[jws2346]

except what accessory would a mobo have that would be required to run? aside from maybe the usb pci slot things or something, which aren't really required... I could see problems with open box heatsinks missing fan clips or something though.

I don't think Audioaficionado's main concern was some kind of accessory stuff (we all have screws, extra heatsinks, fan clips, etc) I think he was referring to the way the board might be handled by a disgruntled previous buyer. I wouldn't touch a "open box" product with a "ten foot pole" Of course this is only my opinion and thankfully my money. I have read some stories where people have made out like a bandits with the open box stuff, I just don't feel that lucky.

[greenmaji]

but for folding i don't think it matters since there are very few cpu's that will fold stable at much over 400 fsb.

8 multiplier and below (most dont fold over 3.2 :confused: that would be a cooling issue I would think :shrug: ).. as soon as you overclock over 400FSB from the bios 965P chipsets force you to run on the 1333 strap. The QuadGT lets you lock in the 1066 strap in the bios :thup:

[cw823]

I was folding on one core on an e6600 at 475FSB. SMP probably would have killed it though.

[Vengance_01]

a cheap 965 board + E4400 + 1GB ram is a cheap folding beast. Also with the reduction of the price of the QX6600 its not a bad option for someone who wants to fold only on one Rig.

[Vengance_01]

8 multiplier and below (most dont fold over 3.2 :confused: that would be a cooling issue I would think :shrug: ).. as soon as you overclock over 400FSB from the bios 965P chipsets force you to run on the 1333 strap. The QuadGT lets you lock in the 1066 strap in the bios :thup: I am folding away atm at 3.3GHZ 472FSB just danding. Temps are lower than Orthos stress testing.

[Goshawk]

DDR2 prices have fallen quite a bit, some places actually have 667 stuff for LESS than DDR1... both board types would be great for folding though... with pricing so close is kinda hard to choose stuff.


~ Gos

[dfonda]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157107

I need a cheap PSU for my new build is this good enough.
Its the Asrock Quad and a PSU in a combo deal.

[Vengance_01]

I would look at the new Sliverstone 350Watt PSU. 39$ and decent rails. As long as this rig is a folding rig only, no GPU, I see no reason why this PSU can't handle the load. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817256019

[pik4chu]

I need a cheap PSU for my new build is this good enough.
Its the Asrock Quad and a PSU in a combo deal.
the fortron PSUs are excellent choices.

[greenmaji]

the small silverstones are likely enhance (and would be cheaper if branded so)

booting below 400FSB on 965P then clockgening (or similar up) then running 24/7 would aviod the 1333 strap as well on other 965P mobo's