Motherboard Advice

[DragonChi]

Hey guys,

For those who are really technologicaly savvy with Computer hardware, I would very much appreciate your help.

I have just realized that I have a small problem. My problem being is that, I bought a RAM kit that is DDR3 2000MHZ, and I thought that my motherboard that I have supported it, because I looked at the board and it said somewhere that 2000mhz was supported, But I just read elsewhere that the most my MoBo covers is 1800 O.C.

The ram kit that I bought is Patriot Viper II DDR3 6GB PC3-16000 2000MHz Low Latency Kit with 3DMark®Vantage. So it looks like I need a new Mobo to support the new ram kit. What I would be looking for is the top of the line, Intel supporting board with the best features. I'm not using SLI atm, but I will in future.

This is my computer at the moment.

CPU: Intel Core i7-975 Extreme Edition 3.3 GHz Socket 1366
PSU: Corsair HX 1000W
RAM: Patriot Extreme Performance Viper Series DDR3 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC3-12800 Low Latency DIMM Kit
GFX Card :Nvidia Geforce 9800GTX+
PSU cooler :Coolermaster V8
Mobo: ASUS Rampage II Extreme X58
Chassis: Thermaltake Kandalf Armor+
Sound Card: PCI Express Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Champion Series
BD-RW Drive: LG GGW-H20L
DVD Drive: Can't remember but its decent and also not important.
HDD: Seagate 1TB, Seagate 500Gig x2
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit

I have also pre-ordered the GTX 480 to replace the 9800. So you may keep that in mind too.

So, with your combined savvy, what can you guys suggest. I have been told that Asus is about as good and stable as it gets. But I will let you guys fill me in. Please and thank you for your assistance.

 

[tklivory]

I've always been partial to DFI. Their LanParty motherboards, though a bit more exclusive (read: expensive), are kewl and always seem to perform really well in benchmarks. If you are into case-modding, I would definitely recommend them (although I'll admit off the top of my head I'm not sure of the RAM specifications).

As a general brand, though, Asus should have several motherboards that would fit your specs quite well. Their overclocking modules are generally considered decent (unlike, say, MSI *shudder*)

EDIT: It is true, though, that you don't have to get a new motherboard. You just won't be running your memory at its full speed. Just make sure that your CPU and RAM run in synced timings.

 

[DragonChi]

"...You have way too much disposable income."

I don't wish to stray from the topic, However, I actually don't have that much disposable income. A lot of the money i had for these parts were given to me as gifts for xmas and my birthday. The GTX480 is not coming out of my wallet. though if i bought a MB it would. but still. I don't really appreciate people making assumptions about my financial status. So please, kindly, leave those kinds of comments out. Thank you.

 

[DragonChi]

I've always been partial to DFI. Their LanParty motherboards, though a bit more exclusive (read: expensive), are kewl and always seem to perform really well in benchmarks. If you are into case-modding, I would definitely recommend them (although I'll admit off the top of my head I'm not sure of the RAM specifications).

As a general brand, though, Asus should have several motherboards that would fit your specs quite well. Their overclocking modules are generally considered decent (unlike, say, MSI *shudder*)

EDIT: It is true, though, that you don't have to get a new motherboard. You just won't be running your memory at its full speed. Just make sure that your CPU and RAM run in synced timings.

What have you heard about Gigabyte boards? are they any good?

 

[tklivory]

What have you heard about Gigabyte boards? are they any good?

I've had issues with their reliability in the past. They make good products with good features that work well if you're lucky enough to get a well-manufactured product. They also don't have the best customer service reputation.

I know some people who swear by them, and know others who would rather buy a piece of cardboard.

 

[DragonChi]

What have you heard about Gigabyte boards? are they any good?

I've had issues with their reliability in the past. They make good products with good features that work well if you're lucky enough to get a well-manufactured product. They also don't have the best customer service reputation.

I know some people who swear by them, and know others who would rather buy a piece of cardboard.

lol, duly noted. the cardboard idea does sound rather tempting though. though i doubt its compatibility.

 

[DragonChi]

"...You have way too much disposable income."

I don't wish to stray from the topic, However, I actually don't have that much disposable income. A lot of the money i had for these parts were given to me as gifts for xmas and my birthday. The GTX480 is not coming out of my wallet. though if i bought a MB it would. but still. I don't really appreciate people making assumptions about my financial status. So please, kindly, leave those kinds of comments out. Thank you.

I wasn't taking a shot at you; I consider myself to have dropped so much money in my computer and yet don't have such high specs. And at the mere suspicion that your new RAM wouldn't work at 2000Mhz, you say "Well, new mobo time. Looking for the top end." I mean come on. Plus I'm broke at the moment.

I was serious though, you really really really do not need to buy a new motherboard. You RAM will work, provided you set the clocks yourself. It would be such a monumental waste of money that it would completely justify any shot I might want to take about your money.

It wasn't a suspicion,I just happened to read a supposed reliable source that my mobo wouldn't support the ram i bought. and naturally I want it all to work. It would be far worse to have wasted money on the ram than a new Mobo, whether I end up needing it or not. I am hearing and reading so many mixed messages and information that i'm not fully convinced either way. So I am going to consult as many people and sources as I can to get down to the absolute answer. and if it turns out I don't need a new mobo, i welcome the idea. lol. I don't WANT to have to spend more money where I don't have to. I don't make impulse decisions. It is because, by the way, that I do so much reading and research about parts that my computer is what it is, apart from the money it cost.

Anywho, I'm going to keep asking around. I appreciate your knowledge and your help. it will in turn help sway the decision I make.

 

[Horticulture]

That RAM should run fine on your MoBo. You should pull the two old sticks (or add a third 1-gig DIMM) so that you can run your RAM in 3 channels, though.

 

[DragonChi]

That RAM should run fine on your MoBo. You should pull the two old sticks (or add a third 1-gig DIMM) so that you can run your RAM in 3 channels, though.

Oh absolutely, this new ram kit is a complete replacement to the 2 sticks that are in there currently.I am very excited to see this new kit at work.