Upgrade from GA-P35-DS4

[BADAMAN]

Hi guys
I am looking to upgrade from the mentioned mobo due to failure 
I would like to keep my current hardware and software (if poss). I know most times the OS will ave to be reinstalled due to chipsets so it would be a bonus if the upgrade is the same.

My hardware is as follows:
E6600 core 2 duo
2GB x2 Ballistix Tracer 240-pin DIMM (with LEDs), DDR2 PC2-6400 memory module
nvdia Geforce GT 8800
Asus HDAV Slim
Plus various HDD and disk drives

Any ideas would be appreciated
Thanks in advance

[R_N_B]

The different Intel chip-sets that followed the P35 are as follows.

X38/X48 - both are basically the same chip-set with the X48 having a more thermally friendly NorthBridge (is important for the over-clocker)
P45 - the direct follow up on the P35, a very user freindly chip-set for the first time overclocker especially with the (then) newer E8400 CPU's

Find a well priced P45 chip-set that has the feature set that you require. In truth with the hardware that you are using the UD2 or UD3 variants will be perfect for you. Just make sure you order a DDR2 motherboard. This generation of motherboard saw the introduction of DDR3 ram as an option.

Have fun.

[oggmonster]

Can personally reccomend the EP45- UD3P take a look here http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,615.0.html. If you're living in the UK would be happy to sell it for you for a good price Am also looking to sell both processors + RAM if also interested.

[BADAMAN]

Hi and thanks for info peeps
I am in two minds now. I am kinda thinking of upgrading completly and getting a eith a gigabyte P55 or Asus P755D along with an intel i7 and some DDR3.
I suppose its overkill and is gonna cost a bomb.
What do u guys think?

[oggmonster]

If you've got the money to spare then go for it. Though if you're only gaming you're not going to see a huge performance difference (and pay alot for it!) and would just be aswell buying a P45 board. That way you can pop you RAM + CPU straight in.

[BADAMAN]

If you've got the money to spare then go for it. Though if you're only gaming you're not going to see a huge performance difference (and pay alot for it!) and would just be aswell buying a P45 board. That way you can pop you RAM + CPU straight in.

Cheers ogomonster Ill consider that and your board.

[R_N_B]

Considering you are comming from a E6600 cpu you will see a reasonable improvement. HOWEVER you will see an even greater improvement if you upgrade your graphic card rather than your CPU. motherboard and ram. Seriously unless you are doing some hardcore CPU intensive stuff the graphic card upgrade will show by far the best return for your money.

Right now there are some really good deals on HD4870 1gb or nvidia 260 cards out there (£110 price range)

If you do wish to go the upgrade route then the UD3 board and a i5 750 CPU with some DDR3 ram is the way to go (on a budget) if you have the money to spend well that is a whole different ball game.

Gosh I love upgrading.

[oggmonster]

Well he has to buy another motherboard as his current one is dead.. But yeah like you said theres some amazing deals on GPUs at the moment.

[Pottypete]

Hi, Guys and BADAMAN,
May be that the mobo is still under the gigabyte warrantee if the serial no is checked for date, think it's 3 years, worth checking though,
There should be 10 or 12 digits following the letters "SN" on the sticker. Examples: SN0212101492, SN081600803517,
decypher,. 39-th week of 1996, as it's SN starts with SN9639.
But a new setup would be great,
Regards

[BADAMAN]

Hi, Guys and BADAMAN,
May be that the mobo is still under the gigabyte warrantee if the serial no is checked for date, think it's 3 years, worth checking though,
There should be 10 or 12 digits following the letters "SN" on the sticker. Examples: SN0212101492, SN081600803517,
decypher,. 39-th week of 1996, as it's SN starts with SN9639.
But a new setup would be great,
Regards

Nice one!
If i can get it repaired that would be a bonus because xmas is around the corner and all that.
My serial number begins with SN071800
Is this still valid
Thanks

[oggmonster]

Nice one!
If i can get it repaired that would be a bonus because xmas is around the corner and all that.
My serial number begins with SN071800
Is this still valid
Thanks

18th week of 2007? If so sounds like its still under warrenty. Lucky you! Raise an RMA and see how you get on

[BADAMAN]

Nice one!
If i can get it repaired that would be a bonus because xmas is around the corner and all that.
My serial number begins with SN071800
Is this still valid
Thanks

18th week of 2007? If so sounds like its still under warrenty. Lucky you! Raise an RMA and see how you get on

nice one ogg!
Can someone tell me how to setup a RMA. Doing a search on google seems to bring up US RMA website

[Pottypete]

Hi, BADAMAN,
returns@gbt-tech.co.uk
Always plan to check warrantees, lucky devil,
Virtual drinks on you M8
cheers

[BADAMAN]

Hi, BADAMAN,
returns@gbt-tech.co.uk
Always plan to check warrantees, lucky devil,
Virtual drinks on you M8
cheers

Cheers Pottypete
Heres a shot on me 

[MichaelNC]

Hi Badman, I have the same board and did replace it with a i7860 P55 and then realized it was still under warrenty, not a problem since I can always use 24x7 download whore, my mains a i7950 x58.  After researching the RMA process and even calling Gigabyte which resulted in leaving a voice mail that never got returned the RMA process seemed like a PITA and then I just Bing'ed it and wala.. it's a piece of cake.. just go to:

http://rma.gigabyte-usa.com/DirectRMA/EndUser_Main.asp

And fill out the form, and then check back in a couple days and you'll have a RMA number if accepted.  Mailto instructions are on the site.  I just hope it comes back fixed.