[Caust1c]

So besides the obvious SLi support, which mobo chipset is better: 680i or P35/X38? I know that it mostly depends on preference but I would like to hear practical arguments for both. (Suchas: 680i runs hotter, P35 doesnt. etc.) I also would like to consider price ranges. I don't mean to incite argument, I just want to know which is the best board to buy for around $200 more or less. Thanks

[JamesXP]

680

Pros:

Can run memory unlinked
Supports SLi
Has more PCIE Lanes

Cons

Not the greatest clocks
expensive


p35

pros

clocks well
cheap
...supports xfire.


cons

cant run memory unlinked
. really can't think of any more...

[NoodleGTS]

The 680i is built around the SLi really... if you're not planning on getting SLi I'd go X38 as it is overall a better platform. However, if you want SLI, go with the 680i.. because that's your only option at the moment. You could wait and see how the new ATI cards perform, and base your decision on that.

[Caust1c]

I already have an 8800GTS from eVGA... but as far as SLi goes, I might get another 8800GT for my b-day in January (After I step-up my current one.) Who knows, maybe Ill just go with the P35 cause its cheap. (not like the x38). Thanks for the help.

[Mtotho]

You might get another GTS, or GT, because i dont have to tell you what you already know. You could always(pointlessly) Put both in the intel board (if you get the second) assuming they both have x16's. They just wont be Sli'd but you could have 2 displays with full gfx. And who knows maybe some day some crazy bios update will allow you to sli intel boards.

[Caust1c]

Originally Posted by Mtotho

You might get another GTS, or GT, because i dont have to tell you what you already know. You could always(pointlessly) Put both in the intel board (if you get the second) assuming they both have x16's. They just wont be Sli'd but you could have 2 displays with full gfx. And who knows maybe some day some crazy bios update will allow you to sli intel boards.

I doubt that. =( only because the 2nd pci slot only provides x4 bandwidth.

I cant decide between the abit IP35 Pro and the eVGA 680i SLi... =(

[Massive]

Originally Posted by Caust1c

So besides the obvious SLi support, which mobo chipset is better: 680i or P35/X38? I know that it mostly depends on preference but I would like to hear practical arguments for both. (Suchas: 680i runs hotter, P35 doesnt. etc.) I also would like to consider price ranges. I don't mean to incite argument, I just want to know which is the best board to buy for around $200 more or less. Thanks

I think P35 with DDR2 is a smarter choice right now. You can see in benchmarks sometimes it surpases the X38.
There is a p35 mobo with DDR3 but it won't gain much as the X38 did with DDR3 as it need more bandwith to support it chipset. But I guess no X38 mobo is under $200 right now.

Here's the plus poin of p35 aside of X38/680 :
1. It is cheaper then both but have respectable performance with only small margin difference
2. It has better watt consumption then 680.
3. Has already support for the upcoming Penryn proc too.

The things you should lookup when buying a p35 is :
1. Search one with solid capacitor
2. Always look with the one which use "ICH9R" (watch the R) for the southbridge as it provide native RAID, more USB support and e-SATA.
3. Look for better option in CPU and vdimm voltage if you planned to overclock them
4. The last and the most important, if you found some of them with the points above, choose one that fit with your budget

[Bageland2000]

Hey to the forums massive!

[Evilsizer]

like said if you plan for sli then yea 680i, but also if you wait 780i should be out soon. this brings a few more things to table. price, no one knows atm....

the only reason imo to get P35 is for a single highend card setup. P35 runs cooler then nv680i as you pointed out. P35 can do xfire but limited 4x on the second slot. really you already stated about sli so i would go the 680i route. the other thought though, wait till january when you buy your other video card. why? cause not only will 780i be out this month but 790i should be out by january. with those out 680i should drop in price, 780i prices should stablize to where they should be. then you have more options for which board when looking at sli.