Desktop chipset for Xeon X3210

[hobo256]

I've got my hands on Xeon X3210, and now i am looking for quality motherboard to support it and build decent PC out of it.

I saw/read about that it is same processor as Core 2 Quad Q6400, and that is completely compatible with most intel P35 chipset mobos. So i first had in mind asusP5K series, but i realized that i could get some latest mobos cheaper.

So this basical info on procesor and P35 chipset took me a while to search and confirm data, and internet is not flooded with something more.

I would ask for help with this, so, what chipsets are compatible, good mbos for it, and most of all if some one has done it/or has valuable information how does this proc and mobos function together?

PS - hope thread is in right place because its both cpu/mobo related.

[maxgull]

LGA775 socket, there are a bunch of boards with that socket. Wide range of chipsets, X38, x48, P35, P45, G31, G41 etc, arguably the best overclockers are the P45, and the X48.

The CPU should work in just about any LGA775 socket board, check the boards mfg website for compatibility.

[hobo256]

I have been checking cpu support list for few motherboards with P35/P41/P45 chipset and not on single of them there is iC2Q Q6400(Xeon X3210), but regularly there's Q6600 as supported.

Is it possible that chipset wont recognize Q6400 while it accepts same cpu(architecture, etc), Q6600 that just has 300mhz more(2.13 vs 2.4 Ghz)?

[b1lk1]

I would be shocked if there were a single P45 chipset board that would have trouble recognizing a X3210.

[python134r]

Just about any p35,p45 etc will do, I have used this cpu in a variety of p-35 and P-45 boards and it works well with them both.

All the boards should recognize the cpu unless you have a early p-35 board with a early bios,...maybe.

Plenty of used mobos around cheap. I am still getting yeoman use from my X3210 that overclocks to 3.6gb with just a minor voltage bump and good air cooling and also good quality components to back it up.

there is a ton of information on this at EOCF besides plenty of other forums too.

[maxgull]

Originally Posted by hobo256

I have been checking cpu support list for few motherboards with P35/P41/P45 chipset and not on single of them there is iC2Q Q6400(Xeon X3210), but regularly there's Q6600 as supported.

Is it possible that chipset wont recognize Q6400 while it accepts same cpu(architecture, etc), Q6600 that just has 300mhz more
(2.13 vs 2.4 Ghz)?

I was afraid of that mfg website thing. You are looking at Desktop boards, and it is a Server CPU. The mfg may not even test.
If you get a P45 board and it doesn't see your cpu, I will buy the board from you. Not kidding.

The xeons are server versions of the "regular" CPUs, there are differences, some xeons can be used on dual cpu boards, run at stock speed with lower voltages etc. The socket is the biggie in your case. I think the Server chipset (Intel 3XXX) allows for ECC RAM, which you wont get on a desktop board (that I have seen ...) , The CPU does not require you use ECC RAM sooo...you will be OK.

[hobo256]

Originally Posted by maxgull

If you get a P45 board and it doesn't see your cpu, I will buy the board from you. Not kidding.

deal

I have few options for mobo in past few days still looking for best price/quality/performance. So far candidates are: ASUS P5QL/EPU, MSI P35 Platinum, Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3.

But what im looking for is preferably P45 chipset with crosfire/sli support, and decent chipset/mobo cooling pipes. And that's not easy to find in Croatia.

Additional Comment:

Originally Posted by python134r

there is a ton of information on this at EOCF besides plenty of other forums too.

Yea, i realized after making myself familiar with "search" option...

+

I saw x3210 in your signature, and on few posts you wrote about it, so ill definitely hit you few pm's when i start expeimenting with him

[Nagoshi]

I had a P5QL that I got used with an E8500 for a friend. I wouldnt recommend that board. OC options are limited and the build quality is low. I expect the /EPU version to not be too far from that.

On the other end I grabbed a P5Q Pro (that used to run very nicely a Q9550) to run said E8500 and Im blown away with that board.

[johnerz]

Any of the Lan party P45's will also run it well - with the option for a decent overclock

[python134r]

Any board will do among what has been stated, Abit IP35 Pro, Asus P5 Series, Gigabyte, DFI, MSI etc.................You will use regular DDR2 ram not ECC ram that server boards can have, By the way what is it a B3 stepping or a G0?

Rich

[hobo256]

I wouldnt recommend that board. OC options are limited and the build quality is low. I expect the /EPU version to not be too far from that.

Thanks for tip very much, I tough that board is crappy as there are many selling underpriced compared to other P35/43/45etc chipset.

Any of the Lan party P45's will also run it well - with the option for a decent overclock.

Lan party mobos are great i heard from few people but extremely hard to get.

Its a B3 stepping. Dont know difference to G0.

So far i was most tempted to get Asus P5P43TD PRO, it has dd3 memory that is how it seems on ebay much cheaper than dd2 + its faster. Any experiences about that board?