Which Motherboard for Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550

NokkonWud

NokkonWud

NokkonWud

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I've been out of the Computer building scene for over 2 years now and since my last build we have seen quad cores and more, but I don't really understand all the new types of 775 Motherboards.

I'm looking at picking up a Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 processor, but don't know which motherboard to get for it.

I don't really want to spend over £100 on a motherboard (although if £5-£10 makes all the difference then why not..). I already have 8gb of DDR2 RAM, incase that's a possible issue.

Any help on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Karl.
 
Ae you intending on multi-GPU (if so, please specify which) at all or just single card?

Your best bet for the moment is really the P45 chipset from Intel. It's a great chipset coupled with the ICH10R southbridge. They should fit into this budget and it's really about what you are looking for in terms of overclocking etc.
 
I'm not really massively interested in Overclocking, though it's possible in the future.

The system is used as a 3D modelling and rendering system, so multi-GPU would be nice, but at the moment the current GPU from my old system will be used (GeForce 7800 GT).
 
asus p5q seems the most popular choice if your going to clock it. the gigabytes also do a good job but theres less forum support for them here.
 
Hmm - multi GPU on the P45 is limited to ATi only. The SLi route is problematic as all the nV chipsets are quite buggy and difficult to work with. The P45 runs very cool and being an Intel chipset is highly stable (greater compatibility).

Given the fact that you will be working with 4 DIMMS populated, I'd say that it really has to be the P45 chipset over any of the nV offerings. They are buggy with 2 DIMMS, let alone 4!

My suggestion would be something of the order:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showp...P45 (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard

It's the one I have. Absolutely rock solid (you can buy the UD3R for £5 less but it's worth it probably to stretch).

Or if you are really sticking to the budget:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showp...P45 (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard

I would recommend Asus aswell, however I've had a number of their recent more budget boards and found them to be a little lacking in build quality. Also, their RMA's take forever as it goes abroad. Gigabyte have a UK based RMA service which is great.
 
I'ma bit of an asus buff,so i'd say:

Asus P5Q3 Deluxe @ Wifi-N Intel P45 (which i have)

or

Asus P5Q Pro Intel P45 (which i fitted in a friends computer)

i rate both mobo's and both are 100% spot on :)
 
I ended up taking your advice and getting the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P with the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 using the Arctic Cooling Freezer XTREME and am so far very pleased with it.
It idles at 24 degrees according to Core Temp and Prime95 and after 10 mins of stress testing at 100% load it reaches 46 degrees.
I'm not too up to date on overclocking and optimum temperatures etc but from what I have read on other forums this is a fantastic set of temperatures.
Any feelings on this?
 
Yup, those are good temperatures. The build go well? I know when I built mine, it was really the least hassle I've ever had in a new rig; absolutely rock solid, it was. Glad to hear you chose a good one in the end - I'm sure you'll be very happy for a while yet.
 
Apart from bolting the Freezer XTREME to the bracket (which took about 20 mins) I only had one issue.
The Hiper Type R didnt have the 8 pin (2x4) ATX lead that I needed but I just swapped it over with the 750w Corsair TX from another system and both now run with no issues whatsoever. Will be glad to get 3DS Max on to see a comparison between render times.
 
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