+++ advice for a newbie please

[+ApocalypsE+]

Hi Guys,

I am about to start my first ever build and I am hoping for some advice from some of you more experienced users here at the forum. The specs on paper so far for my new build are the following:

cpu: intel Q9450

ram: crucial ballistix tracer 4GB kit

motherboard: DFI LanParty DK P35-T2RS OR UT P35-T2R OR LT X38-T2R

case: thermaltake armor+ OR silverstone tj07

psu: undecided yet

gpu: undecided yet

I would really appreciate some feedback on these specs. The system is going to be water cooled. I have never over clocked before but I am wanting to give it a go. My main concern is the motherboard choice because i read a review of the DFI motherboards (which highly rated them) which said that DFI are not recommended for first time clockers due to their complicated bios. All and any advice will be very much appreciated and thanks in advance.

 

[+ApocalypsE+]

anyone??

 

[w3bbo]

The DFI's bios is certainly the most advanced there is in terms of options but it is only as hard to use as you make it. The basic options are all there that will be familiar to anyone who intends on using an overclocking guide (which I recommend as its your first time). The rest you can leave on auto if you so desire. The DFI's are aimed towards the more experienced overclockers and going through the bios can be a little daunting. With more options however there is always the possibility you will set something wrong which if its a voltage setting could easily fry your hardware.

If I were you I would choose a board that has a lot of user support as finding help once you get stuck with a DFI will be difficult. Go for something like the Maximus or Rampage from Asus or something based around the P5k. IF you are not keen on Asus the Abit IP35pro is a very popular board as are the gigabyte range.

 

[shadowscotland]

If it's your first ever build - why add the extra complication of Watercooling?

Save yourself some time and money and by a top spec air cooler (Tuniq Tower for example)

And yes the DFI board are know for the extreme OC'er variables, might be better off with the Abit IP35 pro or any of the 5 star p35 boards

Edit: what he said above

 

[WJA96]

I'm with w3bbo on this. The DFI's are like Formula One cars - ultimate performance, but they're fragile and they have lots of options that you do need to know to get the best out of these boards. I've had 3 and none have lasted more than 3 months before they died. RMAing them is a nightmare - they have to go to Holland, and even if you overnight them, the response is very slow.

If you want something that will last a while - the Gigabyte X38-DS4 is reasonably priced for an X38 board - about £130. I don't see much point these days in buying an expensive P35 board like the Abit IP35-Pro or ASUS P5K-WiFi when the MSI P35 NEO2-FR or J&W IP35-Pro are £40 less and perform almost as well.

 

[+ApocalypsE+]

Thanks for the advice guys. Looks like i might be looking at the maximus formula or the abit p35 pro. Please feel free to comment on the prons and cons of each board (or should that be another thread?)

cheers