P35 OC Recommendations

[Kursah]

Well as some of you may know, my P5B Deluxe's BIOS decided to get all fritzed to the point nothing would clear it, so it's on RMA. Fortunately I had about 7 days left on my 1-year return plan with the 'Egg. P5B Deluxes have been a deactivated item on Newegg for quite some time, and when I inquired about this they said I'd get an option of similar items or refund. My board showed up on Thursday of last week so I expect to hear something in the Mon/Tues area.

I've been reading up on the newer chipsets, mostly the P35 series as it was the direct P965 replacement. I've started doing some research, and it seems there are plenty of good boards out there with some very good OC potential. I know earlier P35's had issues OC-ing as high as a good 965 board, but the tides have long since changed.

I was kind of curious as to what you guys would recommend for a stable, cool-running, semi-feature-filled P35 board?

If I go refund when the time comes, I should get $179.99 US. There are a couple of boards on Newegg that would fit that bill easily in the P35 area and would also be my limiting budget factor.

I am kind of leaning towards an Abit IP35 Pro atm as it has nice features, looks and from what I've read some great OC-ability. Depending on budget I could always get the IP35-E which from what I've heard is a 500+ FSB board for a bit cheaper. Of course there are quite a few good options, so if you have suggestions please let me know!

My e6300 is capable of 500FSB (3.5ghz) with just a nudge over stock voltage (1.34vcore, 1.32 is stock). And my memory is 500fsb/ddr 1000 capable with 2.15v. So if things work out the way I want and I can get a P35 board, I would like to know the one I get will run good, cool and stable. I see no need for X38 or newer as I don't need full CF or any CF at all, I have no plans for 2 vid cards. Just a good solid OC'd system that will continue to do what I want.

 

[oli_ramsay]

The DFI Blood Iron is an excellent overclocker, and only $105 at newegg.

 

[sneekypeet]

The DFI Blood Iron is an excellent overclocker, and only $105 at newegg.

+1 especially with no desire for CF...would leave money for RAM or a cooler ...well you get the idea!

 

[Kursah]

If they had that board, which I hope will be re-activated on their site...

Pretty much all I'm interested in right now is a board, the rest of my stuff suits me just fine atm. But if i had more budget to play with, I might find a way to snag more RAM and try X64 w/4 Gigs.

I'm thinking if I wanna go budget brawler I'd go with the GB P35-DS3L, or step up to DS3R.

Maybe one of the mid-range Asus P5K's, but the Abit IP35-E or -Pro's also seem like very good boards for the price. I'm sure any of them are capable of 500FSB, i'm just hoping to hear more from those of you experienced with them at those levels of OC.

Thanks thus far!

 

[sneekypeet]

I just saw one on Ebay for like $60 bones...better get on it...lol

YHPM...link to mobo!

 

[Cold Storm]

a blood iron thing without me!!! and there is no need for cross fire if you have the newest stuff.. volt mod, or g mod or do whatever you can to that card! RM's running a 22in wide hd monitor and just one 3870 on crysis with frames at 60ish..
just look at my stuff.. its sneekys but better in some spots! lol you rule sneeky!

 

[Kursah]

My 1950xtx runs just fine on my 19" widescreen

I have it oc'd in BIOS, and just recently stuck an AC S1 cooler w/Fan Module to get a better and quieter cooling solution. As long as it plays the games I want for now, I'm good, I don't have the budget for a better card, and really I'm quite content atm.

Plus I have no need for crossfire anyways, I've always been a one card 3d Card fan. Less power, less heat, less headache, i believe in getting a decent card that's a better performance value with some OC-ability to make games enjoyable at mid-range resolutions (i.e. 1280x1024 / 1440x900).

Thanks!

 

[JrRacinFan]

My vote goes in for the BloodIron, IF you can find one.

If you can't you may have to take the next step-up in the DFI line.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136043


EDIT: or if you don't mind MIR's, need crossfire, and can afford the extra $10 now:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130141

Even the P5K-e is nice ...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131225

 

[Kursah]

I was just looking at that next-step-up DFI board Jr! Just happened to come back here to post about it!

Nice find! Well if some other things fall through and go my way, I will have a newer P35 OC board! Thanks for the help thus far! I know my e6300 would do just fine on one of these and I haven't found a reason to replace my 6300, but if and/or when the time comes, I'm ready!

 

[JrRacinFan]

Well, you always have to think though, the Gigabyte X38 board is "only" $60 more ....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128080

 

[Kursah]

True, and there is good point to that. If Newegg refunds my P5B, I in theory will have $179.99 to play with, and if there was a good reason to spend more than that, I would have to think on it. I don't need the newest out there, CF is not in my future with this build by choice, and if I can find something that will take my 6300 up to 3.5 effortlessly and run my DDR2 and XTX I'll be happy.

When I go with newer will be with the newer Intel CPU's, DDR3, and whatever will be a good next-gen vid card this Summer-ish. That leaves a lot of time for things to change, which makes me want to limit how far I truly go with this build. Hell even if I did get a P5B Deluxe back, I'd be happy, prolly sell it to play with a good P35, I'd still be content with it.

That X38 board does look awfully nice though, but from what i've read CF is really the biggest reason to go X38 if I wanted it, OC-ing doesn't seem to be that different between the two...dunno if there's enough more to deem it needed in my rig. But it sure is nice...

 

[JrRacinFan]

Well, either way whatever you do, you can't go wrong. I still say the P5K-e/IP35-e are nice boards and good alternates. Whatever you do though, like always, give us some benches!

 

[Kursah]

Will do! I figure if I do buy one, it'll be either an Abit IP35-E or -PRO (I like the fan headers, chipset cooling and rear CMOS switch instead of jumper but either way, rear CMOS reset is nice) or if I can snag a Bloodiron or DFI LanParty Dark. I like the Dark better due to fuller size, better layout (aside from the 8-pin CPU power on the Bloodiron would work better for me), cooling on CPU voltage, and more fan headers.

Really, I'd like a fan header close to the memory due to my XMS Airflow cooler, that way I can hide the wiring better, but on the BloodIron I could just use the NB Fan header pretty easily. There are really a lot of good boards to choose from and it seems most are capable of 500fsb pretty easily, so I don't think I need to worry there.

If Newegg gives me full refund shortly, I think I'll be torn between the more expensive IP35-Pro, which has a good layout imo, good looks, good cooling, plenty of extra's I'd probably never use...but at least they'd be there!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813127030

or DFI LANPARTY DK P35-T2RS, which seems like the BloodIron 2.0 but Blacked out. It reviewed well, has a good price point, good OC-ability with lots of tuning and rear CMOS Jumper, plus plenty of fan headers...and has quite a few good features beyond that, though not as full as the IP35-PRO, the price point makes sense here.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136043

But that's if everything goes my way and sooner than later cause I'm gettin a tad ancy to get my rig back up and runnin! I still have some old bench screenies from my P5B 965 board, so comparisons and benches would be imminent no matter what!

I've never used a DFI board, but from what I've read of this one and the BloodIron, plus their performance history in recent years, it seems I've been missing out. I've been an Abit and Asus person for a long time, with the occasional Gigabyte product. Maybe this is a hint...but the P5K-e is a pretty nice looking alternative also. I guess it depends on what happens with my Newegg RMA...will keep ya posted! Thanks everyone, and by any means any experience with these boards and suggestions are very much welcome!

 

[BullGod]

It's a bit over your budget but I think this is one of the best p35 boards: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813186133&Tpk=foxconn+mars

The BloodIron is good too and a lot cheaper.

 

[Kursah]

Well just got word from Newegg that they recieved my MB today, and are "inspecting" it. Actually a slightly different message from what I've had before, but I'm sure it's protocal with deleted/deactivated items they cannot replace as easily. So now I get to wait another 1-3 days...uuuhhhhggg. If I had the cash I'd just get a diff MB now...I am crossing my fingers for a refund...full refund...

Here's there message:

Dear Valued Customer,

Thanks again for shopping at Newegg.com.

We recently received your RMA, and your return has been sent to our Inspections Department for closer examination. We will inspect your product as quickly as possible and email you with the details of our findings. This process may take 1-3 business days; we thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

If you have any questions, concerns or additional information to provide in the meantime, please direct your inquiries to rmainspect@newegg.com or call 1-800-390-1119 (Monday through Friday) during regular business hours for immediate assistance.

Kindest regards,

Newegg.com
RMA Inspections Department
rmainspect@newegg.com
http://www.newegg.com

Personally I think it's no big deal, they'll slap a chip and ram in it and it won't boot...then I'll be good to go. Unless Newegg replaces BIOS ROM chips, I am really not worried, it wouldn't boot with a C2D or a P4, both verified working, 2 different sets of RAM (G.Skill OC RAM and Crucial economy RAM that I used for booting up boards that don't like to boot 2.0v+ RAM...like my P5B when issues start arising).

But I'm still torn between the Abit IP35-Pro and DFI Dark...time, Newegg's actions and my budget will tell soon enough....I just hope it works out and get's over with sooner than later.

 

[Cold Storm]

I hope you get it man!

 

[JrRacinFan]

I doubt NewEgg does bios replacements. Still either way, your getting A HIGHLY WORKABLE/OVERCLOCKABLE board either way you look at it.

 

[Kursah]

True, I am just kinda hoping for a fresher chipset with better memory support/tweaking and different options to play with!

I'm going to laugh if they say that my board has no issues lol! I spent a couple days with it not going beyond partial POST! xD

I will keep this thread updated as I hear news, what happens, what I get if I end up getting a different board and what not! At this point, I just want my damn PC runnin again so I can play some COD4, do some OC'in and Tuning, and let my G/F have her rig back! LoL!

 

[sneekypeet]

The Blood Irons are back at the Egg!!!!!!!

 

[Kursah]

The Blood Irons are back at the Egg!!!!!!!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136038&Tpk=DFI+Bloodiron

Yes, but at $149.99 and about $7 for shipping is more expensive that the DFI Lanparty Dark board that has the same setup, but with a little more cooling and a touch more features....kind of a bummer...good find tho!

 

[Cold Storm]

well then... you got to ask your self which side do you want to go on!?!? the side with 550fsb, and a ocer's dream? or the other board... i know if i do some tweaks, and so forth I can hit 600.. just haven't seen the time to hunt down the parts and get to it..

 

[JrRacinFan]

well then... you got to ask your self which side do you want to go on!?!? the side with 550fsb, and a ocer's dream? or the other board... i know if i do some tweaks, and so forth I can hit 600.. just haven't seen the time to hunt down the parts and get to it..

Yes but if he has no choice in the matter and he gets his board repaired from RMA ..... It would be kinda bummers ....

 

[Kursah]

well then... you got to ask your self which side do you want to go on!?!? the side with 550fsb, and a ocer's dream? or the other board... i know if i do some tweaks, and so forth I can hit 600.. just haven't seen the time to hunt down the parts and get to it..

If I get a choice via Newegg Refund...it will be what I feel is the best bang-for-my-dollar. I want decent cooling, and price-point-performance..the DFI Lanparty Dark (pretty much BloodIron 2.0...) at $140 + $6 s/h is cheaper than Newegg's new stock of BloodIrons (if they were at $108...well, that's a tough deal to turn down...I wish I would've caught it sooner!). Paying $157 for a DFI BloodIron just doesn't sound right to me imo...sure it's an OC demon, but to me, it doesn't seem worth that price tag when I have heard repeatedly it was found for less than $120 for a while...and sometimes closer to $100. But maybe they'll have a sale soon...

I've done a lot of reading, I know the Abit P35's can hit 500, the DFI's can hit 500, my P5B's have repeatedly hit 500, and that's my goal for now. But I would like to play with DFI's extra BIOS options.

 

[Cold Storm]

yeah i get where you going at.. i'm stating if you do.. I'm hoping for yeah man! and I think you'll enjoy the dfi boards! If you dont get the board back...

 

[Deleted member 24505]

Why is it,that people always recommend dfi boards,yet all the wr oc's i have seen and all the highest oc's on xs forum use asus primarily and other boards?