new X38 build, or should i get the X48??

jkw

jkw

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i'm in the process of building a new system. i've decided on the QX9650 and dual 3870x2 cards, which i already have, along with everything else i need. i just got a new Gigabyte X38-DQ6 mobo delivered from newegg this week, but haven't opened the box yet.

i see that vendors are starting to sell the new X48 mobos this week, including several vendors who have the Gigabyte X48-DQ6 for sale right now. so, is there any good reason to get rid of the X38 mobo and buy an X48?

while debating the issue, i've come up with the following pros/cons ...

* price: X48 is about $50 more, but cost isn't an issue for me.
* chipset differences: X48 officially supports 1600 MHz FSB processors, which isn't particularly relevant for my 1333 FSB cpu. no other differences?
* performance: X48 is about the same as X38.
* bios: X38 has been around for a few months and has more mature bios support.
* reliability: Gigabyte X38-DQ6 is a proven solid performer with great reviews. Gigabyte X48-DQ6 is brand new and with no reliability data.
* features: only difference between the Gigabyte X38 and X48 models is the north bridge. everything else is identical (well, X48 mobo has Realtek 8111C instead of 8111, but thats not a big deal, right?).
* memory: both use DDR2, and i've got 14GB of quality Corsair XMS DDR2 that i don't know what to do with.
* others: the Gigabyte X38 mobo is sitting on my desk right now. the X48 wouldn't get here till middle of next week.

opinions? insight? thanks.
 
My vote goes for the x38. It's just as you said, that mobo has a more mature BIOS and a proven track record. Why pay $50 more for a board that offers you no real performance increase, especially since you have some nice DDR2 sticks to use. The only reason I can think of to use an x48 is for DDR3, but why bother when you won't notice the difference.
 
thanks for the input guys.

a few other notes i came up with ...

* X38 just became obsolete w/ release of X48.
* gonna be wishing i had the X48 if i upgrade to another intel cpu.
* intel has virtually no tech info on the X48 chipset on the intel site??? whats up with that?
* why bother with anything newer than the X38 since socket 775 will be history in a year anyway.


and a few articles and forum posts i found. the only one that'll make you want an X48 is the really insightful anandtech Rampage Formula article.

"X38 versus X48 at 1,600MHz FSB"
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2007/11/27/intel_x48_chipset_preview/3

"x38 vs x48"
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1264886

"Intel X48 - Much Ado about Nothing...."
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3150&p=1

"ASUS ROG Rampage Formula: Why we were wrong about the Intel X48"
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3208&p=1

"Testing Intel's X48 chipset: ASUS P5E3 Premium WiFi"
http://www.techspot.com/review/89-asus-p5e3-premium-wifi/

"X-38 - Get an X38 or wait for the X48"
http://www.csd.dficlub.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5812
 
yeah, but the thing is.... what would happen if you flashed an X38 board with an X48 bios and you retained all those options?
 
I would be surprised if there is an X48 chipset that does not support DDR2 at some point.

I'll wait till I see some reviews including the 9450 overclock potential then make a decision. I'm also looking at the 790i, but the pricetag is a bit much for me currently.
 
jkw - do you know or does anyone know if the EX38-DQ6 is discontinued? I can't find any stock in Canada, and prefer not to get an X48 board.

I'm RMA'ing my Maximus Formula soon and want to get another MB just in case the RMA is also crap.

I've heard but found nothing to confirm the Maximus is discontinued after 2 months, so I'm not feeling so confident the RMA board I receive will be of any use...but crossing my fingers.

Thanks
 
RussianHAXOR said:
yeah, but the thing is.... what would happen if you flashed an X38 board with an X48 bios and you retained all those options?
Click to expand...
It would become an X48 board. This is exactly what Maximus Formula owners are doing to get a Rampage Formula. (Sanford: You might try it too! You can find the details on XtremeSystems' site. It tends to improve overclocks, at the cost of slightly decreased cache speeds.) X38 = X48, just chips sold as X48 are tested to work @ 1600MHz, while X38 chips are tested @ 1333. So, it's like 8800GTX vs. 8800 Ultra.
 
NetRoller 3D - I was thinking about it, problem is the mobo is reporting memtest errors but the ram is fine and I figure if I flash it to x48 would it still report memtest errors, I think the memory controller is faulty.

Also if I decide to RMA with an X48 bios, it voids the warranty...can it be flashed back? EDIT: Justread the guide one way flash no going back :(
 
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