Nearest mobo to the Maximus Formula

[Noob101]

As above really.

I see everyone raving about the Maximus Formula but at £160ish theres no way I can justify that. So my question is what other DDR2 x38 boards are there that can compete with the Maximus?

I just want
4 ram slots -
lots of USB 2
couple of Firewire
2/3 PCIe 2.0 ports
and good reliability, oh and the cheaper the better!

Suggest away guys!

 

[Noob101]

Only the upcoming P45 seems to offer what you need

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-138-AB&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=946

X38 doesn't get much cheaper than this, and unless you go with NForce 750i, it's best to wait for PCI-E 2.0 P45


I have seen the Asus P5E for £122 though.

i've thought about the abit mo'bo. But wondered whether it was just worth spending the extra £20 for the maximus. I'm not sure how much gains I get for the £20 tho!