bit-tech Shopping: GigaByte GA-EP35C-DS3R Motherboard

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: Stable, very good quality, DDR3 memory slots, energy saver

Weaknesses: doesn't support 3 pin CPU fan

Summary: This motherboard is very nicely built. Overall very good quality. Plenty of SATA slots, four DDR2 memory slots and two DDR3 memory slots for future upgrade. Bios set up and hardware installation was easy. The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't support 3-pin CPU fan (my 3-pin Zalman 7000B fan works but spins at full speed and can't be adjusted either by software or bios, thus a lot of noise). I had to purchase a new 4-pin cooler to replace it. Gigabyte also offers a serie of software to tweak the system, like the energy saver, very cute and convenient. I have used MSI, Abit and Gigabyte mobos. They all offer good products but I think Gigabyte is the best so far. Highly recommended.

Rating: 2

Time with product:

Strengths: Price if it would work with DDR3 ram as advertised.

Weaknesses: random reboots. Can't get the recomended OCZ OCZ3P13332GK ram or e8400 to run at rated 1333 speed. Slowed ram and processor down. Works most of the time. Ram timing 8-8-8-22 processor 2.8Ghz (x8.5).

Summary: Mistake I made was waiting to do my build or i would have RMA'd the thing. Found too late that others were having the same problem with this board. Updated Bios to the latest. Need to run the ram at +.3 or system will reboot(no .05 volt increases must do .1 at a time). Ram needs 1.8 volts to run anyway. However, can't run the ram at 7-7-7-20 or the processor at 3ghz or I still get the same reboots. Played with timing and voltages and several windows installs. All memory tests pass. Processor works fine in neighbors pc. The problem is the motherboard. Check the forums and stay away if you want to run the new processors and DDR3 ram. 24th computer build and first time I have had these problems. Got lazy on the research and tried to save a couple bucks ooops. Lesson learned!