Opinons on Gigabyte GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L

[Zoltar]

So, this is a good deal. Building new box. This will be for Photoshop and video editing so I don't need all the OC's bios setting but also I am looking for a good, solid board. I've had great results with Gigabyte so am hanging in with them.

Full build will include:
Antec case with 500 watt PSU.
4 gigs RAM 1066
Velicraptor drive for OS (XP-pro) + other drives for data.
Somebody's nice vid card, etc.

Thanks for the help!

[KarmaKiller]

Yeah, that's a nice solid stable board. I've read nothing but good things about those.

And are you trying to decide on the video card still? If so, what's your budget?

[Zoltar]

K, thanks I prob will order tonite. The vid card mainly needs to run my 24" monitor, but that's about it. I don't have to worry with the complexities of gaming for this build My main concern is #1, stability and, #2 processing speed. This is where Photoshop and my video applications stalls is on processing speed. I can run up my 5200+ dual core on my current box up to 100% and 15 min later, we're done. I simply hope to lessen this time.

Oh, yeah, so will go Quad core, don't know which Intel core yet!

[KarmaKiller]

I vote the Q9450 if you got the budget. If not, the Q6700 is a nice chip..

As far as the video card goes, you could get by with a 8800GS/9600GSO if gamin isn't a factor. That would handle anything, and they are cheap.

[JPMiller]

Excellent board...
We use them here for our office workstations
Very stable, good layout, solid performer...
I built the last 6 stations with that board

[Zoltar]

Okay thanks. I ordered the mobo from NewEgg - $79 incl rebate and free ship promo. Nice deal I thought.

So, onward to the CPU. Don't want to spend this much $$ but this would be nice: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 Yorkfield 2.66GHz 12MB L2 Cache. *Gulp* and then there's the Vel-raptor drive + 4 gigs of RAM. This is racking up the cost a little.