Suitable Gigabyte mobo for a QX6700

[Elf]

Hi, first post!

I had a look at the Gigabyte site today as I'm interested in getting an Intel based mobo with an 8-pin 12V ATX connector. There are hundreds of 775 ATX's on the second-hand sites, but the photo's don't always display the said connector

I see that the 775 boards are just about out of fashion, but could anyone suggest an ATX board for the shallow pocket?

The rig is used for multitracking music; that's it's sole purpose - no gaming.


Much appreciated

[Aussie Allan]

 With 8mb of L2 cache on these processors, there still pretty handy, have a look for a GA-X38 or48 board, ... maybe a DQ6 if you can find one, DDR2, but there a good board..... there's the DDR3 version (I think the 48). Flea-bay is excellent for researching this type of buy, ... start off by being not too specific and tighten it up if you get too many hits. 

 Aussie Allan

[Elf]

Hi Allan

Thanks, I've been having a look at you suggestions:

The GA-X38-DS4/DS5 would be ok so I'm hunting that, but the DQ's go into DDR 3 and I'm still on DDR 2.

I was hoping there might be suggestions for a non-SLI board?

I know what you mean about narrowing searches but I only have so much time and there's hundreds out there - hence posting here.

[Aussie Allan]

 Actually, the GA-X38-DQ6 IS DDR2 and is a cracker of a board!  I'm very biased as I'm looking at one right now!

 I am terrible at putting stuff on ebay that Ive retired , .... still has the lapped GO stepping Q6600 in the the board too!

 I also can confirm definitely it's DDR2 as I still have 6 (five good ones, daughter got to one when new)) DDR2-9600Mhz (5-5-5@ 2.1v) water cooled Flex IIs modules in mint condition!

 SLI or non-SLI don't really understand the criteria, just put in one card, or am I missing something?.....can you expand on this ?

 Aussie Allan

[Elf]

 Actually, the GA-X38-DQ6 IS DDR2 and is a cracker of a board! 

Sorry, I just checked again, I must have misread it.

SLI or non-SLI don't really understand the criteria, just put in one card, or am I missing something?.....can you expand on this ?

In the hope that a single PCIeX16  board might be a bit cheaper that's all. It's a BOMB system - Built On Minus Budget.

You're looking at one that's for sale, or just out of pure admiration? 

Incidentally, what do you use your rigs for?

[Aussie Allan]

 High end Photo editing... Specifically HDR amongst other things, .... ("high dynamic range" Photography) processing....

 Sorry Aussie humour kicking in there!....It is a very good platform though... Hope away but I think it will make little difference in the second hand market , SLI or non SLI...... if they recognise the difference at all !...... I thought you'd be able to pick up a board for what .... about 50 squid to suit your purposes ... everybody loves a bargain, but no body's gunna give them away, especially over here!..... the only sure way method of making money with PCs .... is sell all your PCs!


  Aussie Allan
 

[Elf]

I think you're right about the SLI. They seem to be the only boards with the 8-pin ATX connectors too? Concerns have been voiced over the net about possible instability issues without the 8-pin if you're overclocking - which I am; to 3.2GHz from 2.66. Seems to be running surprisingly cool up to now, but so far, my songs are only running it up to 20% or so..

[Aussie Allan]

   ELF!

 Number crunching with Music is really not that intensive compared to graphic based applications, keep a focus on what your trying to do and don't become too focused on brute power.......stability is far more important.....at day's end , your going to have a better system then you probably have now.

 With what I think your trying to do, the processor is key or one, memory ,number two........with 8Mb of L2 Cache your off to a good start, the difference between 3.1Ghz and 3.3Ghz you'll be hard pressed in noticing any difference crunching music.......Well that's how I see it anyway.

 The other key (Memory) 32bit the OS can us about 3.2 Gb .....64bit !!!.......this is where real gains can be made with memory/CPU intensive applications.

 Aussie Allan