Best mATX C2D Mobo?

[Dr. V]

that was an awesom write up man. it fully convinced me that i want to go with 680i now over intel for sure.

i understand that the 680i motherboards are BETTER for overclocking arent they? not only because of the CPU-RAM isolation, but simply because the chipset is better for overclocking isn't it?

either way im gonna stick it out with the 680i - im just still wondering...

thanks!!!

[Quakindude]

Intel chipsets set the standard by which all other chipsets are judged for overclocking Intel CPU's. I believe the 680i is just as capable as the Intel chipset in the normal enthusiasts overclocking adventures. If I were going for world records though, I would use an Intel chipset.

The 680i is, for me, the easier of the three chipsets to overclock. When I say three, I mean Intel's 965/975 and the nVidia 680i. The ability to unlink your ram completely from the CPU FSB is simply outstanding. I'm not aware of an Intel chipset for the C2D CPU's that allows you to do this. The 965/975 runs off memory dividers AFAIK. If your memory cannot be downclocked, like mine, and your CPU cannot reach the memory's full rated FSB, it just seems like you're losing out on some performance there. With the ability to run my DDR2-800 ram at it's full speed while my CPU is running below that FSB, I'm able to realize very good performance for the disparity.

[Dr. V]

thats exactly what im looking at cuz not only am i gonna have 533MHz ram for a bit with the board, but im also then upgrading to 1066MHz RAM. in either case i want the RAM to run at its native speed and kill that CPU (kill in only a good way)

i think my decision is gonna be good for the ECS PN2 SLI2+...eVGA as my 2nd choice (sorry quak lol)