Best X38 Motherboard?

[rassmatic]

What do you guys think is the best DDR2 compatible, X38 mobo for overclocking quad core cpu? and 45nm one at that. i've been considering the Gigabyte X38-DQ6, which is an overall solid board, but the overclocking results i've seen aren't all that spectacular. any suggestions? oh, and i'd like to stick to X38, so not too many "you should go with a P35" posts please. 

[Spazosaurus]

Do you even know why you want to stick with x38?

[rassmatic]

geez, way to make a fellah feel dotish. i'm pretty much future proofing, seein as i won't be changing the board anytime in the next few years. so PCI-Express 2.0 and 1600 FSB are features i'd like.

[Spazosaurus]

Ok fair enough. But if you really want to future proof, you'll also want DDR3 as a key feature. Of course, this wouldn't be a problem if you were willing to sell a kidney or other body part.

[rassmatic]

well, seein as i've kinda grown attached to ALL my body parts, i think i'll stick with the DDR2 models. any suggestions?

[rassmatic]

*sits in corner and wonders why nobody wants to give him advice*

[Arcmanov]

Well, none of us has any experience with X38. 

You can check Tom's Hardware or Anandtech.

Read up on the motherboard articles to help you with your decision.  The biggest difference between the P35 and the X38 is the FSB jump (to FSB1600),
which only exhibits any REAL performance boost with DDR3 and some serious overclocking.  Both chipsets are 45 nm CPU compatible.

Based on what I've read so far, the Asus Maximus Formula seems to be the best bet for DDR2, and the Asus Maximus Extreme for DDR3.

Keep in mind though, the exhorbitant prices for DDR2/DDR3-1600 RAM at present.

[rassmatic]

Thanx Arc. I've been reading up on X38 boards from both those sites and more for a while now. I'd really like an X38 or even an X48 board when it comes out, but as you said, DDR3 prices are way to high for me to even consider buying. Guess I'll flip a coin to choose between the Gigabyte and Asus board 

[Arcmanov]

Based on this review, it seems like the Asus Maximus Extreme is the board to get...that is IF
you're willing to bite the bullet for DDR3 RAM.

Good GOD at those RAM prices!!!    O_O

[rassmatic]

Actually, i was considering skipping X38 all together and going with an X48 board. namely the Asus P5E3 Premium. Here's a review and comparison of the P5E5 and Maximus Extreme (http://www.hothardware.com/Articles/Asus%5FMaximus%5FExtreme%5Fand%5FP5E3Premium/). As for the DDR3 thing? I guess i'll have to save a bit more to buy it, that's all.

[W1nTry]

There is no difference per say between the X38 and X48 chipsets, save the X48 are handpicked to run @ 1600MHz FSB easily. Other than that, it's the EXACT SAME CHIP. So in a sense its a RIPOFF. It's unfortunate that to future proof your system on the intel platform that the price is SO ridiculous.. I mean its not SKULLTRAIL... but it's still QUITE ridiculous...