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Question

Mobo for X3330

Jul 20, 2016 3:18AM PDT

Hello everyone!

I am looking for a LGA775 motherboard to swap. Currentely I am using Intel's S3210SH. The main purpose of the computer was a server work but now I use it for video editing and music composition. The reason why I need a different mobo is the Win 7 (and newer OS) compatibility which is none.

As mentioned before I use it mainly for the music composition. The problems started after I purchased external sound interface. It technically works but since I cant update USBs, Network adapters etc. it gives me massive latency spikes which is frustrating and after hours on forums the motherboard seems to be the main and only problem.

I am an autodidact when it comes to computers (and almost anything else hah) so I was thinking the only criteria is the socket. There are the SH series boards only in the official compatibility list given by Intel and I would like to know if there are any possible problems that might occur with different and unsupported boards.

So bascially I am looking for any mobo with Win 7 and higher support that will work with the Xeon.
I know the whole setup is outdated but all of the money went for studio monitors, interface, dslr etc. so I am bit dry. Despite that it is still powerful enough to suit my needs so I would like to utilize it for a bit more.

I looked for used 775 boards on various servers in my country and this is currently what is available.

1. https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P5B_Deluxe/
2. https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P5G41TM_LX/
3. http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=...

The second one supports DDR3 which would be improvement over the DDR2 I use now.

So the final question is if there will be any problems in compatibility with any of the boards.
Also if you can recommend any other MB I should look for that would be perfect.

I hope this question is understandable for you since english is not my native language.

Thank you all in advise

Discussion is locked

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Answer
I would guess you have to look in ebay but...
Jul 20, 2016 8:15AM PDT

I don't understand your reasoning though. Why would a different mobo give you better compatibility? the board would still be old.

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Well..
Jul 20, 2016 10:05AM PDT

Thanks for answer. Well there are certain LGA775 boards that supports win7 just fine (most of the Asus boards)

The last drivers released for the board I own are for Vista so I cant update it which leads to certain problems with audio playback. The PC is usable but not optimalized.

Obviously I would rather upgrade to newer architecture but that would mean the whole setup will be useless and at this point I can't afford to buy whole new rig. I don't mind to spend few bucks for used MB that is Win 7 friendly and will solve this situation until I will be able to buy a new one Happy

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Wait a moment.
Jul 20, 2016 10:17AM PDT

If you are complaining about ON BOARD AUDIO and its drivers why not disable that and use a card?

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Actually
Jul 20, 2016 12:12PM PDT

The problem appears with EXTERNAL Card only. It must be in the comunication between my interface (Steinberg Ur22) and the MB itself. According to the latencymon the DPC peaks are caused by the usbport.sys and solution I found online is to rather update Network adapter or USB drivers which in my case cant be done.

The Xeon X3330 CPU is bascially the Intel q9400 which is supported by almost all of the 775 boards. For that reason i tought it might work aswell since I cant see any real difference.

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And we have PCIe
Jul 20, 2016 12:26PM PDT
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Answer
I'm left guessing here.
Jul 20, 2016 8:35AM PDT

I thought 775 boards were all out of production for many reasons. So it's off to Ebay to see what's left. I don't think you'll solve your issues sticking with 775.

If you are stuck with the 3 boards then google those and the word review and maybe Tomshardware to see if you can tell which is better.

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Answer
Mobo
Jul 20, 2016 9:01AM PDT