P35 vs X38 - DDR3 vs DDR2

Aaron_H

Aaron_H

Aaron_H

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Joined
18 Aug 2007
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16
Sorry if this has already been asked.

I'm looking to build a new PC (which seems like it's forever away), to replace my aging computer.
The current motherboard I have is the OLD P4 socket, supports only DDR RAM and only has an AGP interface for graphics (I just upgraded the graphics card to a 7800GS, so I can get a little longer out of the system until I can afford an upgrade).

I'm looking for a motherboard that will support both todays Quad Core (Q6600+) Intel processors and the newer ones that are in development at the moment, because I want to keep my upgrade options open for as long as possible (because it seems like after I got this computer, every single input on the motherboard changed and now I can't really upgrade anything!)..

So my question is this:
Is it better to get a P35 DDR2 & DDR3 motherboard or get an X38 DDR2 motherboard (because I don't see the point in paying premium for DDR3 RAM right now)?

Because I don't want to get an older chipset like a P35 and realise that the newer processors wont work very well on them. Or get an X38 and realise that I can upgrade the CPU but would still have to get a new motherboard for DDR3 memory (if it is widespread by the time the new processors are out).

It's basically coming down to which will catch on first; DDR3 memory or the new Intel processors.

Sorry for the lame explaination, but I hope somebody can understand enough to point me in the right direction.
 
Why not get a P35 board that will support DDR2, DDR3, and the new Intels (e.g. Gigabyte's P35C-DS3R). This way you have covered all bases. X38 doesn't offer much anyway apart from PCI-E 2.0 and dual x16 slots iirc.
 
I wouldn't. Those combo boards don't work especially well with either type of memory. Best option by far is get a P35 DDR2 board now, and X38/X48 DDR3 when DDR3 prices are reasonable if you feel the need to upgrade.
 
DDR3 wont be mainstream for a year or so.

Only get an x38 board if you want crossfire. Possibly if you want a new 2.0 but still there is no evidence to suggest a huge performance gain over 1.1
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll probably go for a good DDR2 P35 mobo as I have no need for crossfire in the new X38 chips. I'm aiming to get one of the new 8800GTS cards when they come out, but if they're similar to the GTs (which APPARENTLY need PCI-E 2.0) I might end up getting an X38 DDR2, just so I can get the most out of the 8800GTS. (Or even a GTX if the price is right).

I basically just want the setup to last as long as possible but whilst offering me the most upgradability (but who doesn't?)
 
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