Replacement for Gigabyte mobo?

[de8212]

I have a Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R that is dead. I considered waiting for Sandy Bridge to get straightened out and just redo my entire system. The more I think about it, the more I just want to replace the motherboard and reuse all my old stuff. So, I really need some suggestions.

I want to make sure it's compatible with my old components. My RAM has always been flaky on the UD3R but I've had it all RMA'ed so it's basically new.

I'd rather not have to buy a new cpu heatsink/fan. So making sure it will fit is important.

I may get a new video card but am not 100% certain.

Not really concerned with overclocking. If it happens to be a good overclocker then I may try it out.

 

[jenneth]

My RAM has always been flaky on the UD3R but I've had it all RMA'ed so it's basically new.

I'd rather not have to buy a new cpu heatsink/fan. So making sure it will fit is important.

I may get a new video card but am not 100% certain.

Not really concerned with overclocking. If it happens to be a good overclocker then I may try it out.

I'm pretty sure that the P67 can only take DDR3, so if that's the case you can't reuse your old memory. As for the Tuniq Tower 120, I don't see 1155/1156 listed on its official support socket-list.

 

[superccs]

I would part that stuff out, you should be able to get good money for most of the components, especially the q9550.

 

[justinm]

After being in the same situation, I just bought a new mobo and was done with it.

 

[de8212]

I could part it out but it just seems like a hassle. I figured a new motherboard would be a little easier.

So no one has a specific recommendation for a replacement?

And really, the only things I would part out would be the processor, the RAM and the tuniq tower (and I probably only have the intel pieces for it). Everything else would be re used.

Maybe could sell the video card but I doubt I could get much.

 

[Blain]

I could part it out but it just seems like a hassle.
I figured a new motherboard would be a little easier.

So no one has a specific recommendation for a replacement?

You've got a fine setup there. I wouldn't bother selling off and starting from scratch.
Especially since you can get up and running for less than $80 shipped with a Gigabyte GA-P43-ES3G.

Thus have I spoken, so let it be!

 

[de8212]

Thanks Blain. That board looks promising. Only possible issue is that my RAM isn't on the compatible list. I know, that doesn't always matter but my current board has done it's share of killing my crucial RAM. I have a RAM cooler now that i am hoping I can install on the new board.

Also it says "4 x 1.8V DDR2 DIMM sockets supporting up to 16 GB of system memory". My RAM requires 2.0V. I assume this board will allow the voltage to be upped? Or does it mean you can only run 1.8V to the DIMMS?

Thanks for the link again. I know it's "old" technology but it can easily hold me over for a few months until I decide if I really want/need an upgrade.

 

[Blain]

Look Here... Hmmm...

 

[de8212]

Look Here... Hmmm...

Sorry, I'm slow. Are you referring to the fact that my old (no deceased) board has the same 1.8V RAM DIMMS as the new one you recommended?

 

[Blain]

You surmise correctly.

 

[mlc]

I think the 1.8v is the stated default spec for 800 ram... so maybe it auto sets the voltage for any sticks it detects as 800 to 1.8v.. but you can override that setting to whatever you need... as you can with the latency/timings....

Just make sure you flash to their latest bios... set everything to optimal default settings to start, and then overide the dram voltage to 2.0v or whatever the labels on your crucial sticks show for voltage and timings... Then go from their with the other system settings once you get a good post..

 

[de8212]

Just had a random thought. I know it would be a tad more $ but would it be better to get a mobo that would work with my processor but took DDR3 Ram? I am just thinking future here. Of course no one knows how much DDR3 Ram will be but isn't it relatively low at this point? Then, I would only need a mobo/cpu in a few months (ie after Sandy Bridge has been out and is trouble-free).

Just thinking out loud.

 

[Iron Woode]

Just had a random thought. I know it would be a tad more $ but would it be better to get a mobo that would work with my processor but took DDR3 Ram? I am just thinking future here. Of course no one knows how much DDR3 Ram will be but isn't it relatively low at this point? Then, I would only need a mobo/cpu in a few months (ie after Sandy Bridge has been out and is trouble-free).

Just thinking out loud.

I bought a Gigabyte GA-G41MT-D3 for my P4 630 (3.0 prescot).

I added 2x1gig DDR3 modules, a 160 gig SATA2 hdd and a dvd burner to make a basic system.

Overall, it works great. I might throw in a low end video card (anything has to be better than Intel 4500 series video).

 

[mlc]

You can get something like an 8gb kit of G.Skill Ripjaws (2 sticks) for around $85.. and get a 775 board supporting the DDR3 1066 standard.. in the 50 to $70 range... so you're looking at around $150 if you go that route..

The question is, what are you really gaining ? Do you feel the ddr3 is gong to explode in price when you upgrade next go round.. ?

How many sticks of RAM do you have 2 or 4? If only 2.. you can get a cheapo board from ASROCK for around $40 .. that should get you by with your current setup .. If you have 4 sticks. .then the board will run you another 20 or 30 dollars.

 

[de8212]

Thanks mlc.

I don't know if they will explode in price but I can't imagine them going down much more in price over the next 4 or 5 months.

I currently have four 2GB sticks of Crucial.


I'm just torn on this one. On one hand, I should just wait until Sandy Bridge is out and established. On the other, I don't really need the latest and greatest and I'd like to get my PC back up and running. I'm also pretty patient though, I don't want to waste $.

So, I could:

A: Wait until Sandy Bridge is out. 3 - 4 months???

B: Get a DDR3 supported 775 board on the cheap.

C: Get a regular 775 board.


I know, the choice is mine but the more I read the more confused I get.

 

[mlc]

.. sandy bridge has had issues out of the gate... so if this is your only rig.. then I would opt for a new board...

so the question becomes whether to get a decent 775 replacement board.. or a less expensive one .. 80 or so vs... 40 or so... ?

If you're not overclocking, and not worried about supporting additional sticks of ram.. then i'd opt for the cheap replacement for now.. as you know.. deep down... that you will be going to some new technology most likely in the next 6-12 mos... (you would be on this site otherwise !!!)

 

[Blain]

I know, the choice is mine but the more I read the more confused I get.

Then listen to me. The MB I suggested will have you up and running with no Windows repairs, simply a couple of driver updates.
The P43 chipset is close enough to your P45 that it's a simple drop in and start running.
Your hardware isn't bad at all. Unless you have the funds to and were planning a major upgrade anyway, just pop for the $80 MB and be done with it.

Why are you torturing yourself? :\

 

[VirtualLarry]

Then listen to me. The MB I suggested will have you up and running with no Windows repairs, simply a couple of driver updates.
The P43 chipset is close enough to your P45 that it's a simple drop in and start running.
Your hardware isn't bad at all. Unless you have the funds to and were planning a major upgrade anyway, just pop for the $80 MB and be done with it.

Why are you torturing yourself? :\

This. Get the nicest 775 mobo you can find, and be happy. It's the shortest-distance solution for your problem.

 

[MTDEW]

There is an EP45 UD3R in FS/Trade
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2134268&highlight=ep45

I do not personally know the seller nor have i ever bought from him.
But he does have good heat.
I just happened to notice his post while browsing the other day and since i still have one in my wifes pc i remembered the EP45 UD3R.