Which Motherboard is best?

GoogalyMoogaly · 6 May 2012 at 03:59

Grrr, still can't decide. I just want to get it ordered now!

Rampage IV Extreme, Rampage IV Formula or P9X79 WS?

Leaning towards the P9X79 WS, but it lacks eSATA...

IvanDobskey · 6 May 2012 at 12:54

Can't believe anyone would pay that sort of cash for a motherboard

Socket 2011 is pretty pointless for a gaming machine anyway.

Each to their own I guess

Scougar · 6 May 2012 at 13:01

Not pointless when he want's to span across three displays.

8 Pack · 6 May 2012 at 13:12

GoogalyMoogaly said:
Stone Cold Jimi, could I ask if you have to use specific slots to get PCI-e 3.0 16x/16x when using SLI/Crossfire with this board?

Yes you do first red slot from CPU and third one down gives you x16 x16 config.

8 Pack · 6 May 2012 at 13:13

GoogalyMoogaly said:
Grrr, still can't decide. I just want to get it ordered now!

Rampage IV Extreme, Rampage IV Formula or P9X79 WS?

Leaning towards the P9X79 WS, but it lacks eSATA...

Rampage all the way!!!! Stable when heavy clocking!!!

8 Pack · 6 May 2012 at 13:14

IvanDobskey said:
Can't believe anyone would pay that sort of cash for a motherboard

Socket 2011 is pretty pointless for a gaming machine anyway.

Each to their own I guess

You could say that about anything though mate some want to get the best they can and 2011 gives you the best option for GPU bandwidth.

GoogalyMoogaly · 6 May 2012 at 13:35

8 Pack, you look like the man to ask (as you have a Rampage IV Extreme)...

How loud is the southbridge fan?
Do you need to connect the 4-pin cable just above the PCI-e slots that supplies power to the RAM? What sort of power cable is it? an old floppy drive power cable?
Also, I see it has an 8-pin and 4-pin connector atthe top of the board, do you need to connect both?

Thanks (would've sent you a trust message, but your trust doesn't seem to be set up)

8 Pack · 6 May 2012 at 13:58

I help abit on the ROG forum so yes I can help.

Its not that loud mate. I water cool the board anyway but you can disable it anyway if you want.

You need to connect that floppy style cable above the RAM if using more than 4 DIMMS mate. I connect it anyway as I overclock my RAM heavy. But its only truly essential if clocking 8 Dimms.

If you connect both the 4 and 8 pin it spreads the load on the VRM's so less heat if heavy overclocking and more power efficientcy. Minimum is one 4 pin. I connect all though to ensure better power delivery and cooler VRM's.

Scougar · 6 May 2012 at 14:43

I think his main concerns are the fan noise (which you've addressed) and he's worrying that the 4 pin floppy connector and the 6 pin next to it will be difficult or messy to connect up. Please reassure him lol.

8 Pack · 6 May 2012 at 15:09

The PCI Ex EZ connect is only needed when your using in excess of two cards and the floppy when full dimm population. Its not messy at all, but most of the time you dont need em.

GoogalyMoogaly · 6 May 2012 at 16:01

Is it worth getting the Samsung memory for use with any of those boards? Does clocking memory make much of a difference?

8 Pack · 7 May 2012 at 11:40

I have the Samsung sticks but have so far only clocked them on my MVG. I beleive RAM does make a difference yes but many on here who dont bench say not. You tune RAM well its free extra speed just like clocking any part of your system. 2400-2500 should be easy on the R4E with a decent IMC. If you get the R4E I dont mind helping you clock it with some settings that work.

Shimmy · 7 May 2012 at 20:39

I can recommend the Rampage IV Extreme.

Rock steady when clocking, mine's in MM with only 2 days use

GoogalyMoogaly · 7 May 2012 at 22:50

Shimmy said:
I can recommend the Rampage IV Extreme.

Rock steady when clocking, mine's in MM with only 2 days use

Yeah, that sounds like an awesome recommendation...

Shimmy · 8 May 2012 at 00:57

GoogalyMoogaly said:
Yeah, that sounds like an awesome recommendation...

I was given it as part of an overclocking competition I was invited for by Asus, it's got about 10 hours use.

I simply have no use for it, OTT for my needs as I'm still on the 775 platform CPU wise.

If you've got any questions about the board, fire away!