The Ultimate Core 2 Duo Guide: Chipsets, Guides, Links, and more!

[NickS]

Intel P35 Chipset

• Great overclocker. 500-600MHz FSB easy on a good board w/Dual, mid-high 400's with quad. I think I saw one 500FSB shot on a quad with a DFI board a while back.
• Supports Crossfire
• PCI-E 1.1
• Clocks RAM well if you have the high FSB to back it up.
• Runs warm!
• Generally a prime choice for any CPU/RAM/GPU combo. Great bang for buck performance.
  
• Get P35 over X38 if you don't plan on going Crossfire.
  
• Has extremely fast Matrix RAID
• Supports DDR3
  
• Good performance clock-for-clock - close to X38, better than 680/780i
  
• The best boards to get now are the Foxconn Mars, DFI P35 Lanparty series, Abit IP35 series, MSI P35 Neo2-FR or Platinum.
  

Intel X38/48 Chipset

• Great Overclocker: 500-600FSB usually, on dual core. Expect 400-480 on quad, maybe a bit more if you got a really good board/CPU.
• Ability to run Crossfire w/full bandwidth slots.
• PCI-E 2.0
• Runs very warm, TDP is high.
• Best for benching with Crossfire, Pi, etc.
• Best clock-for-clock performance.
• Has extremely fast Matrix RAID
• The two boards to get on this chipset are the Intel BadAxe2 (XBX2) and the Abit AW9D-Max. They both do the highest FSB out of all of them, out of the box and usually provide the most stable computing environment with the best OC.
• Supports DDR3.
• Best boards seem to be the ASUS Maximus Formula, Abit X38 QuadGT

NVIDIA 780/790i Chipset

• Good overclocker, seen 550+ MHz FSB out of it so far on a dual. Seems to top around mid-high 400's for quads still. Not much info as of yet.
• Runs very warm. (Hottest out of these four chipsets)
• Good for all chips generally.
• Your only choice for NVIDIA SLI.
• PCI-E 2.0
• Supports 3x SLI aka Tri-SLI.
• [Slow RAID.
• Ability to run memory @ any speed you want.
• Takes a considerable amount of tweaking for it to be even be considered usable for competitive benchmarking (CPU wise)
• Supports DDR3 (790i)
• Not much info on these boards yet, but more will be added. As of now though, they do seem pretty buggy from what I've read. More so than 680i in most cases.

Temp Threads: Threads that contain useful info that pertains to the "now," and will be outdated quickly (such as a batch of new BIOS' or something.)

• Asus E8xxx Support BIOS' (Blitz Formula, P5K3 Deluxe, Commando, P5K Deluxe)

For more information, these threads may be of assistance..

• *Official Retail G0 Q6600 Overclocking Thread* - 80+ pages of Q6600 G0 oc's. Go post/compare yours!
• **Official e8400/e8500 Retail OC Thread - Wolfdale OC's here, go slobber now.
• The Conroe Overclock Database - Great place to find what people have done with their CPU's, boards, chipsets, RAM, etc. The ultimate thread for finding results that are Orthos Stable!
• "The Official" Core 2 Duo Overclocking Thread - Basic thread with users posting in an unspecific format their overclocks and rig specs. Another good spot for info on results. Still is relatively active post wise, but the creator hasn't updated the "database" part in a while.
• A Beginners Guide to Intel Overclocking - Your one stop shop on how to learn the basics, troubleshooting, etc. Very well thought out and explained, A+!
• Basic Conroe FAQ's - Older thread, still provides some useful info pertaining to modern Core 2 Duo rig's.
• The 4GHz Retail Conroe Database - The database of retail chips that hit 4GHz.
• 1333FSB Pin Mod - Learn how to change your chip into a 1333FSB chip with a simple pin mod. Great for users who's boards lack overclocking/FSB options.
• Core Temp -> MBM5 Plugin - FCG's guide on how to do this easily for those of you who still love MBM5!
• Lapped Core 2 Duo IHS Pictures - A little gallery of peoples' lapped Core 2's. Has some neat tips/tricks in it.
• P5W64 WS Pro, P5B Deluxe, P5N32-E SLI, RD600 - Complete comparison. Great for comparing chipsets, as it includes all of them. 975X, 965P, 680i, RD600, a straight up comparison.

Motherboard Specific Threads
....ASUS Threads

• ASUS Maximus Formula SE - The online handbook basically. 219 pages of Maximus Formula SE overclocks, results, BIOS', tweaks, tips, misc.
• Asus Maximus Formula *Part 2* *Help / Overclocking / Guide* - Apparently another Maximus thread. Not quite as long, 55 pages, but has lots of info in the first post.
• Official ASUS X38 Boards: P5E, P5E3 - Info/BIOS Thread - Pictures, info, overclocks & help on ASUS Midrange X38 Lineup
• Official Thread ASUS P5E3 DELUXE.WiFi-AP Problems, Workarounds, BIOS info - Info on the X38 based DDR3 board. Lots of BIOS' listed, "tricks & tips," etc.
• ASUS P5K Bearlake (vanilla) chipset motherboard - Not too big of a thread, but lots of valuable info about the P5K Vanilla.
• Asus P5K Deluxe - Intel P35 Bearlake + E6600 B1 / Q6600 B3 - Pretty much the official guide / problems & fixes thread for the ASUS P5K series, specifically the deluxe. Lots of info, 39 pages and growing, go get educated!
• P5B Deluxe: BIOS Screens for Maximum Overclock Success - Good guide. The voltages can be a bit high for most users, but they're spot on for over 500FSB. It's a basic starting point. Once you've got a stable setting with those I recommend trying to lower them. Remember, if you can lower voltages while remaining completely stable, this is a GOOD thing. Lowers/reduces stress on components, drops heat dump & power consumption.
• P5B Deluxe: Problems & Fixes - Simply the best thread ever. Over 130 pages of useful information, tips, tricks, etc. If you have a problem/question/inquiry and your a P5B Deluxe user, be sure to stop here FIRST. Try searching the thread for your issue first though. If you can't find it, whip up a post.
• Commando Results, Info & Testing - Lots of stuff here about the Commando. Good testing by Tony, Andre & More.
• P5W DH: Problems & Fixes - Just as good as the P5B Deluxe thread. Same basic concept. Tons of tips, tricks, etc. Be sure to search the thread for your specific problem/question/inquiry before posting though!
• ASUS 680i Results - Has some good information, has enough info to be listed here.
• P5W64 WS Pro Guide - Ample information. Has links to BIOS', etc

....Giga-Byte Threads

• Official GIGABYTE X38-DQ6/X38T-DQ6 Info/BIOS Thread - 68+ pages of info on Giga-Byte's X38 boards.
• Official GIGA P35-S3/DS3/DS3R/DS3P/DS4/DQ6 bios/info thread - Just like the threads below, tons of info on Giga-Byte's new motherboards based off the new Intel chipsets (P35, etc). A must read for users of these motherboards.
• A quick 1st look: GA-G33M-DS2R, mATX P35 mobo - Info & help, pix, etc on Giga-Byte's new champion MATX Core 2 Duo motherboard, which overclocks like a freak!
• Huge Misc. Thread on the DS Series - Another thread chock full of info. Info about BIOS', problems, etc. Take a look here if you own a DSX board. (DS3, DS4, etc.)
• DS3/DS4/DQ6 Memory Thread - All about memory overclocking, tweaking, what's compatible/works, etc. Not very large yet, but could grow. Contribute!

....Abit Threads

• **Official ABIT IP-35 Pro Review/Overclock/Guide Thread** - The thread for the ABIT IP35 series basically. There's some IP35 Vanilla, IP35-E info scattered about too. Has all the vmods for the Pro, BIOS', fixes, etc.
• **Official ABIT IX38 QuadGT Review/Overclock/Guide Thread** - Same as above but for the X38 ABIT board. TONS of info too.
• The AW9D-MAX Thread - Tons of info 'bout this popular 975x motherboard. Look here if you're a user, or potential buyer!
• Abit QuadGT 965P - Info, pix, results about this board. Info about bugs, BIOS', etc.
• Abit IN9 32X-MAX Thread - Very similar to the AW9D-MAX thread, info wise. Lots of pages, lots of info.. good results.

....DFI Threads

• Challenge the limitation of Quad-core CPU-DFI LANParty DK P35 First Look - Thread all about it, BIOS', OC info, etc. Relatively small compared to other threads, though.
• Official DFI LanParty UT X38-T2R(and LT) Discussion/Review/Overclock/Guide Thread - You name it, it's there in the thread (which is apparent by the title). 74+ pages of goodness.
• DFI P35 Value Motherboard, Infinity INF P35-T2RL BLOOD-IRON - Awesome budget board, great overclocker, sleek looking. Here's the thread on it.
• **Official DFI LanParty UT P35-T2R Review/Overclock/Guide Thread** - Also an awesome midrange P35 board from DFI. Manual, drivers, BIOS', reviews, etc here. 151 PAGES LONG.

....680i Threads

• 680i Overclocking Thread - Pretty good thread. Has adequate information. Not much to say.
• 680i Tips, Glitchs, Things to Know and More. - Very good thread, lots of information. Read this!
• DFI 680i LT (NF-680i LT SLI) First Look by AndreYang

....780i Threads

• Official eVGA 780i Discussion/Review/Overclock/Guide Thread - Lots of info, but not too long yet. 780i doesn't seem so popular so far. Droop mod info, BIOS updates, etc.
• MSI 780i First Run - Very brief, not-too-informative thread about MSI's upcoming 780i board.
• Official MSI P7N Diamond Discussion/Review/Overclock/Guide/BIOS Thread - all the info about the P7N, which is a 780i based board.

....MSI Board Threads

• Good design, good overclock, good pipe-The MSI P35 Neo2-FR overview - The thread about the P35 Neo2-FR. All about the board, BETA bios' listed, quad core & dual core OC results and tips, etc.

....Misc Board Threads

• ** OFFICIAL ** Intel DX38BT BoneTrail Thread - All about Intel's X38 board. Look here if you're interested in the X38BT.
• Testing of the Intel BaxAxe 2 - Tons of info about the XBX2. HUGE thread. Look here if you're an XBX2 seeker/user.
• Biostar TForce P965 Deluxe - Fairly large thread about this powerful budget board.

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I hope you all like this little guide, feel free to post input to add for the chipsets! I'm open to it! I'll try and edit+add daily.

[jt710]

and on the fifth day, god said, "Let there be Sticky"
and it was good.


thanks!

[virtualrain]

Good stuff NickS... Hope mods sticky this.

Some suggested additions...

- How about adding quad core FSB results with various chipsets? That's a more common question these days.
- Oskar (DFI BIOS engineer) reported on the new DFI Club forums that 680i chipset overclocking varied widely depending on the particular silicon. The implication was that overclocking 680i might be highly dependent on luck.
- There is also some issue with RAID on reference 680i boards (at least) which is being discussed here... http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=128803

[Shaolin3a]

Good information and links. Will be referring to this often. Vote for sticky here as well!

[m0da]

STICKY+1

this is an amazing compilation nice job!

virtualrain has some good suggestions as well.

[mr_knowitall15]

STICKY THIS!!!! And then ban anyone who starts another what mobo thread once this has been stickied!

[adamsleath]

yeah thats wot i was thinking...
btw setting all voltages [except vcore,ram] to "auto" worked a treat for me

[PanteraGSTK]

Now this this thread would have been nice to have before I asked...I just wish I could buy them all and do a direct comparison of how high the fsb will go, memory flexability, RAID performance...everything. That way I won't have to ask what to get, I can buy them all and decide which one is best for me....Whatever happened to motherboard comparisons and chipset compairisons? I haven't seen a GOOD one in a long time.

[dinos22]

Nick that info about 680i is redundant about bugs

Has some pretty serious bugs, data corruption and a few others IIRC.

that's been solved with bios updates

i do think that SuperPI performance is lower than 965/975 though ...they are yet to fix that....i've asked for some extra memory timings in bios but no word yet

[PanteraGSTK]

Nick that info about 680i is redundant about bugs
that's been solved with bios updates

i do think that SuperPI performance is lower than 965/975 though ...they are yet to fix that....i've asked for some extra memory timings in bios but no word yet

What about the VERY slow RAID on the 680i?

[dinos22]

What about the VERY slow RAID on the 680i?

HD tech but if you actually bother to test in real life you will find out that it doesn't stand out form the pack

none of these motherboards have true raid controllers people don't full yourselves with those gimmicks....if you want a proper raid controller go get a LSI card or something similar

[PanteraGSTK]

HD tech but if you actually bother to test in real life you will find out that it doesn't stand out form the pack

none of these motherboards have true raid controllers people don't full yourselves with those gimmicks....if you want a proper raid controller go get a LSI card or something similar

I've always wondered if on-board RAID was worth it. I've ONLY used add-in cards and have never been dissapointed...

EDIT: I forgot. I had an Epox withthe 760 amd chipset that had a Promise controller. It lasted a whole month before corrupting all of my data in RAID 0 so RAID and me are not friends. I guess thats whay I'd like to give it another go.

[GrimReaper]

awesome Make this a sticky

[PanteraGSTK]

HD tech but if you actually bother to test in real life you will find out that it doesn't stand out form the pack

none of these motherboards have true raid controllers people don't full yourselves with those gimmicks....if you want a proper raid controller go get a LSI card or something similar

I looked at LSI and Areca cards. I don't think I will be buying a RAID card that costs more than my motherboard. I know they are good, but crap thats expensive. Any recomendations on a CHEAPER reliable RAID 0 card? Sorry I can't stop asking questions, but I don't like on-line reviews for the most part and you guys have more experience on this site than anywhere else I've been so thanks.

[shimmishim]

in teh intel 975x section when you say it can take a lot of volts (2.1+), i assume you're referring to the chipset voltage. is this correct?

[p0tter]

Great post Nick, Sticky!

Id recommending updating with some very basic C2D cpu info.

i.e. multi, FSB, stock clock speed (maybe steppings, but that can get wild).

[G.Foyle]

NVIDIA 680i Chipset
(...)Runs kinda warm, per norm. with NVIDIA chipsets.

Kinda warm? it's hot like the deepest deep of hell! I burnt my finger once with NB heatsink.

Lapped Core 2 Duo IHS Pictures - A little gallery of peoples' lapped Core 2's. Has some neat tips/tricks in it.

Would that be about my n00b observations to lapping? thanks very much!

[kiwi]

965 is not fairly cool, you can almost boil eggs on heatsink

[PanteraGSTK]

This is a great comparison between chipsets.

[crazyea]

What about the VERY slow RAID on the 680i?

I'm not sure about this as I tested a little higher on my evga 680i then on my p5w dh deluxe using the same stripe size and hard drives.

[crazyea]

HD tech but if you actually bother to test in real life you will find out that it doesn't stand out form the pack

none of these motherboards have true raid controllers people don't full yourselves with those gimmicks....if you want a proper raid controller go get a LSI card or something similar

The p5w dh has hardware raid built in. Is that not true raid?

[Wiggy McShades]

no mention of the quad GT? right now its the best performing 965 board.


edit: other wise pretty sweet job

[NickS]

Added: Mention of QuadGT under 965 Chipsets

[dinos22]

The p5w dh has hardware raid built in. Is that not true raid?

just looked it up it seems that the spec mentions Silicon Image 4723 Hardware RAID controller which seems to be a two port eSata controller so you probably can't use it with internal drives. i can't find any writeups comparing that controller to the other ones on the mobo...intel and jmicro.....

[crazyea]

no, the j micro is esata. the silicon is hardware raid for internal drives.

In the following picture the orage sata ports are for the asus ez-backup (hardware raid) which can be configure as raid 0, 1, or big via jumper.

http://www.pbase.com/eltonandersen/image/74197662