Best choice of Quad core overclocking, the DFI LANParty DK P35 T2RS shows off!

The hottest Intel Bearlake chipset is replaced Intel P965 series at the moment.

I think most of the overclockers remember that DFI’s NF4 motherboards.
It has an excellent performance in OC and stability.
Important, it only cost you a reasonable price only.

DFI launched many high-end products while in this “year of Intel”.
The LANParty DK P35 series has a total of 3 different models.
The value price one quite has the same momentum which likes NF4 Ultra D before

There are 2 different sub-models for LANParty DK P35 Series:
1.Solid aluminum capacitor + ICH9R
2.High-end Japanese capacitor + ICH9
What I knew about the price is around US$155 to 170.

I arrange the highest model of DK P35 for my lab test.
(Solid capacitor + ICH9R)
The package is all in black color. Refer to the theme “Dark”
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/9104/ddks01dc2.jpg

The accessories inside:
Menu, driver’s CD, IO shield, ICH9R, cables…etc.
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/7449/ddks02fj2.jpg

DFI LANParty DK P35 T2RS
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/4282/ddks03co8.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7028/ddks04lq7.jpg

The lower left of the board:
1X PCI-E X16
2X PCI-E X1
3X PCI
1X Floppy
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7400/ddks05ku7.jpg

The lower right of the board:
A Black heat sink for SB to loss heat.
6X SATAII,支援RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1 and RAID 5
Built-in onboard Power/Reset button
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/1089/ddks06ai4.jpg

The upper left of the board:
4X DIMM DDRII,533/667/800/1066
1X IDE,UltraDMA 33/66/100Mbps
24Pin power Input
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/2156/ddks07sj4.jpg

The upper left of the board:
4-phase digital PWM design + 16Mosfit and Mosfit heat sink.
8Pin voltage Input
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/4498/ddks08ed5.jpg

IO
6 x USB2.0
Realtek ALC885HD 8ch audio, S/PDIF-out
Red Jumper is a convenience function for clear CMOS.
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/5067/ddks09xx7.jpg

The size of Northbridge heat sink should be fit for most of cooler in market.
Besides, there is no more warranty sticker’s issue.
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/1166/ddks10xk2.jpg


Start-up screen
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/2526/ddksb01oo4.jpg

BIOS’ main page
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/4025/ddksb02af4.jpg

BIOS’ options
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/2862/ddksb03ei5.jpg

The CPU FSB- 200 to 700MHz
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/2712/ddksb04oz6.jpg

Boot up Clock from 100 to 400 MHz
This function is to let the clocking can lock in a no.
that you pick in Boot-up clock function.
It helps to increase the success rate when extreme OC.
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/2449/ddksb05mo8.jpg

DRAM multiplier ratio
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/1185/ddksb06zw4.jpg

CPU Feature
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/6553/ddksb07mh0.jpg

DRAM Timing, I think this is DFI’s expertise.
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/7238/ddksb08nq6.jpg

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/4859/ddksb09vo7.jpg

According to each option to adjust, maybe you can gain a highest OC record.
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/4072/ddksb10zr8.jpg

Voltage related page
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/7433/ddksb11vp3.jpg

CPU Voltage +12.5 to 787.5mV
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/5972/ddksb12cs9.jpg

DDRII voltage -1.800 to 3.375V
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/5587/ddksb13wi0.jpg

PC Health Status
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/254/ddksb14yj8.jpg

The DK and UT version’s BIOS are almost the same.
But DK version doesn’t have “Vcore Droop Control” option

The Test details
CPU:INTEL Core 2 Extreme QX6800
MB: DFI LANParty DK P35 T2RS
DRAM:CORSAIR Dominator TWIN2X2048-8888C4DF
VGA:ELSA 8800GT 512M
HD:Seagate 7200.10 320G
POWER:Corsair VX450W Power Supply
Cooler:Thermaltake V1
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/3434/ddks11ep7.jpg

The DFI monitoring software and utility install pages.
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/5586/ddksostx3.png

Stable in FSB500 (Quad core)
CPU: 500X7=>3500 MHz 1.28V
DDRII: 1000 CL4 4-3-9
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/3246/ddks3500pibc0.png

About 3D
8800GT 600/ 1800

3DMARK2003
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/6019/ddks350003ye4.png

3DMARK2005
http://www.twcarpc.com/photo/wwm/DDKS/DDKS350005.png

3DMARK2006
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/1...s350006ez4.png

About DRAM
CPU: 400X8=>3200Mhz
DDRII: 1200 CL5 5-5-15 1.98V
Steady in Dual SP 2004 Blend mode
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/3...12005spba4.png

DDRII 1200 CL4 4-4-9 2.47V
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/493...12004spyu2.png

CPU: 400X9=>3600Mhz
DDRII 1200 CL4 4-4-9
Performance and bandwidth
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/3...2004memoj4.png

After I spent a lot of time to adjust a suitable “Clock fine delay” value,
the system ends up in 400/ 1200MHz stably(further, it reached CL4)


QX6800, the limit of FSB: 515MHz
A single Super PI 32M finished stably!
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/4...ks515pidr8.png

45nm E8500
4G 1.28V, Dual SP2004 finished stably.
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/4706/ddks4gspov0.png

The latest Nov. BIOS of DK P35 supports 45nm CPU.
Merits:
1)There is an ID of “Dark” from outside to inside. Looks good
2)All in solid capacitors and on board Power/ Reset button and those Mosfit heat sink
3)Rich Bios options for tweaking, particularly in DRAM’s ratio
4)The FSB record is almost the fastest of all P35 boards in market.
It rocks me when DRAM can reach 1200 & CL4 level.
5)High C/P ratio in DFI LANParty series

Drawbacks:
1)The timing of launching this model is a bit too late to others in market
2)DFI product is being harder to find in channels, it’s inconvenience to buy
3)Although the 3-way Crossfire is not that popular in market yet,
but if the board has one more PCIe x16 slot, the expansibility must be better.

I tried to use QX6800 CPU for a record of DK P35, but my highest record is only FSB485MHz.
Aside from this, the performance of Dual core CPU is a bit weaker than UT P35.
But you still can reach FSB550 to 580 if your CPU is good enough.

DFI LANParty DK P35 Series provides a “overclockable” BIOS and features,
that make users have an good OC environment; DFI features 4-phase PWM this time.
Although it looks a bit weak,
but it equipped with 16 mosfit within which gains a stronger performance than 6, 8-phase digital PWM.
It has been a long time that DFI created a high C/P ratio model like NF4 Ultra-D.
DK P35 is a similar model and has good performance too.
Hope DFI could continue to launch more and more good C/P ratio models to satisfy users.

Next Review of mine. Thermaltake QFan Toughpower 650W
http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/9882/ddks12gg3.jpg

nice board.. :D

When will it be out?? I mean DFI already announced it a month ago and still no sighting at retailers..

Very nice board with a clean layout.

Great job once again windwithme, an awesome insight on the DK board.
By the way where do you publish your reviews? - I see many items listed as "to be reviewed next" at the end of your tests but see/find only a small number of them.

Thanks a lot windwithme. This helps me out a lot since I have been shopping for a P35 motherboard to pair with a quad (that I will be overclocking as much as I can). I had narrowed my decisions to this or a Abit IP35 Pro and this thread has now swung my favor towards the DFI.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dieqast

When will it be out?? I mean DFI already announced it a month ago and still no sighting at retailers..

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Retailer - http://www.motherboardpro.com/DFI-La...ard-p-428.html

They are the only ones I know who even have an item page for it. No one else seems to have it. I emailed them about a week ago asking when they thought they would have it in stock and they said that "We do not have an ETA for the DK board yet, but as soon as we can confirm one, we will post it on the site. It has not been released yet." I also emailed DFI 6 times (each one a different department) over the course of the last few days trying to get a release date and I have not received a reply.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kuhla

Thanks a lot windwithme. This helps me out a lot since I have been shopping for a P35 motherboard to pair with a quad (that I will be overclocking as much as I can). I had narrowed my decisions to this or a Abit IP35 Pro and this thread has now swung my favor towards the DFI.



Retailer - http://www.motherboardpro.com/DFI-La...ard-p-428.html

They are the only ones I know who even have an item page for it. No one else seems to have it. I emailed them about a week ago asking when they thought they would have it in stock and they said that "We do not have an ETA for the DK board yet, but as soon as we can confirm one, we will post it on the site. It has not been released yet." I also emailed DFI 6 times (each one a different department) over the course of the last few days trying to get a release date and I have not received a reply.

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k thnx my man! Still I'm going for a Wolfdale, not sure to favor this one or the IP35 Pro..Guessing DFI has worked his magic on this one to make some Wolfies roarrrr!

Very important question:

What was FSB limit with the 8500 chip?

Did you push the 8500 further? A lot of people are looking at the 8500 for substantial raw overclocking ability but FSB will be the big limiter since the multiplier is fixed at 9.5.


edit:

Quote:

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Aside from this, the performance of Dual core CPU is a bit weaker than UT P35.
But you still can reach FSB550 to 580 if your CPU is good enough.

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This was 8500 dual core? That was prime stable?

I'm curious what the asking price is for the reviewed model. You can get the Lanparty P35 (the non-transpiper version) for 220 bucks @ motherboardpro.
http://www.motherboardpro.com/DFI-La...775-p-369.html

That's my next board. Hoping to get it this month.

This is the one that Windwithme reviewed. This should be the one with the solid caps. Like WWM states, availability is low. MBP has no date for getting this board in. Does seem a very sweet board if you don't want Crossfire.

looks like 159.00 :D . I already asked mike about buying one next week and he said he could get it.http://www.motherboardpro.com/DFI-La...ard-p-428.html

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GripS

You can get the Lanparty P35 (the non-transpiper version) for 220 bucks @ motherboardpro.
http://www.motherboardpro.com/DFI-La...775-p-369.html
That's my next board. Hoping to get it this month.

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It's cheaper at newegg, $200 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136039

Nice review Windwithme. I'm really leaning twards getting this board. Like the fact that the 4 phase power with 16 mosfets is actually good for OCing quads.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kuhla

It's cheaper at newegg, $200 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136039

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oohhhh!!! Nice find. Thanks for the heads up. :up:

Pre orders.

http://www.motherboardpro.com/DFI-La...ard-p-428.html

Quote:

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Originally Posted by goatboy

Pre orders.

http://www.motherboardpro.com/DFI-La...ard-p-428.html

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Thanks for the heads-up I had been watching their website. I just pre-ordered. I hope I was one of the "6 item(s) available" that will be coming in on December 20th. I want to build my new system already :rocker:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kuhla

Thanks for the heads-up I had been watching their website. I just pre-ordered. I hope I was one of the "6 item(s) available" that will be coming in on December 20th. I want to build my new system already :rocker:

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Same here, although I wouldn't be the least surprised when the date is pushed back... ntm holiday shipping delays

whats the difference between this and the "non-transpiper version"?

i'm going to take a shot in the dark and say this is 4phase while they are 6 or 8? complete guess.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AzN_plyR

whats the difference between this and the "non-transpiper version"?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by DamienKC

i'm going to take a shot in the dark and say this is 4phase while they are 6 or 8? complete guess.

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It's more than just that, this is just off the top of my heads.

Dark P35-T2R/s [vs] non-transpiper P35-T2R

4-phrase digital PWM [vs] 8-phase Digital PWM

ALC885 on-board [vs] ALC885 on daughter board

one PCI Express x16 [vs] three PCI Express x16

The price difference makes your head aches. :D

Saw these today, when was checking one shop for something new.
144$ not bad. But the LT is still the board of choice. :)

can anyone tell me really is this worth 60$ more than the blood iron is?? best price i can find on it is 168$ while i can get the blood iron for 106 shipped.. so a 62$ difference.. i think id rather have a lanparty series but some tell me the blood iron is basically the same as this board while others tell me this mobo will stomp the blood iron... someone help please....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kuhla

It's more than just that, this is just off the top of my heads.

Dark P35-T2R/s [vs] non-transpiper P35-T2R

4-phrase digital PWM [vs] 8-phase Digital PWM

ALC885 on-board [vs] ALC885 on daughter board

one PCI Express x16 [vs] three PCI Express x16

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+

4-layer PCB [vs] 6-layer PCB
1 LAN port [vs] 2 (teaming) LAN ports
6 SATA ports [vs] 6 + 2 SATA ports
no firewire [vs] 1 x IEEE-1394 on rear + 1x IEEE-1394 internal header
3 fan headers [vs] 6 fan headers


Looks like a nice board, but I'd be a little concerned with 45nm Quad CPU support (some info claims that 4-layer PCB designs have more problems than the higher end 6-layer designs).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zfactor

can anyone tell me really is this worth 60$ more than the blood iron is?? best price i can find on it is 168$ while i can get the blood iron for 106 shipped.. so a 62$ difference.. i think id rather have a lanparty series but some tell me the blood iron is basically the same as this board while others tell me this mobo will stomp the blood iron... someone help please....

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Good question... it looks like they have similar components, but different layouts. The Blood mb is physically not as deep as the Dark (205mm vs 245mm), but aside from the impact that has on layout, I'm not sure what that means (the Dark would heave better rigidity/support due to additional mount-points). It does look like the Dark has better PWM cooling - and possibly PWM components.

Personally, the Blood Iron reminds me of one of those cheap-ass, cost-reduced ASUS boards :rofl: But I have no idea if it can perform the same as the Dark.

Too bad there's no comparision of how high can they o\c a quad core as well as there's no such comparision for Asus. Or am I wrong?