Intel D975XBX (Bad Axe)

[GWillakers]

Originally Posted by RJ

I was looking at Bad Axe 1 pricing this morning

Since the BadAx 1 is being discontinued....

I would strongly recommend buying the BadAX2 at this point...

It is already available at some distributors....

What you will be buying for any extra cash is Vista support...

[RJ]

"What you will be buying for any extra cash is Vista support..."

Vista support? I am not sure if I am going to go for Vista on my desktop as I am going to replace my 6 year old Dell notebook with a new one next year that will have Vista. I thought that even my old P4C800E-D would be supported.

Since I am not an overclocker, I was going for stability. I figured the Bad Axe 1 would be dropping in price some before they disappear. They have the bugs worked out as it is now a mature board. The Bad Axe II might have a couple of bugs. Now if the price drops down to the Bad Axe I is presently, then I think I will go for it.

[TQ]

I have to wonder what "Vista support" means for a motherboard. I mean, it's a
motherboard. Why should it care what OS it's running?

[JimTram]

If you really dive-in to the data deep - you'll see it's nothing more than a marketing ploy.

Originally Posted by TQ

I have to wonder what "Vista support" means for a motherboard. I mean, it's a
motherboard. Why should it care what OS it's running?

[Sunfox]

Intel typically makes three versions of a board... primary boxed, primary bulk, and what I would classify as OEM (meaning a cheaper version). Intel's true OEM boards are usually a fair bit different than the boxed versions, and are usually geared to a business environment.

For the BA1, the OEM version...

* Has a 1 year warranty instead of 3 years
* Uses Sigmatel STAC9220 instead of STAC9221D audio
* No digital audio output
* Has LAN with iAMT (management control for corporations)
* Does not have the secondary SATA controller (so only 4 ports)
* No firewire ports
* Features TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
* Does not feature Intel Quick Resume

The case is similar with the OEM BA2:

* Has a 1 year warranty instead of 3 years
* Uses Sigmatel STAC9227 instead of STAC9274D audio
* No digital audio output
* Has LAN with iAMT (management control for corporations)
* Does not have the secondary SATA controller
* No firewire ports
* Features TPM (Trusted Platform Module)

Now, if you're merely talking about the bulk version - which starts with BLK instead of BOX - then as far as I know the only difference is that the warranty is 1 year instead of 3 years.

[fvineyard]

Does anyone know if the D975XBX2 is supported by the Intel Desktop Contol Center? I tried to install the version 2.1.0003 of IDCC and I get an error that it will only install on an Intel Mobo. I will miss this as I have used it on both the 875 and 955 based boards I have had previously.

Thanks!

Frank

[Wry1]

I believe you need to use a new/different version for that Mobo.

Intel® Desktop Boards - Intel® Desktop Utilities

Good luck...............

[RJ]

Originally Posted by Sunfox

Intel typically makes three versions of a board... primary boxed, primary bulk, and what I would classify as OEM (meaning a cheaper version). Intel's true OEM boards are usually a fair bit different than the boxed versions, and are usually geared to a business environment." "warranty is 1 year instead of 3 years."

Thanks Sunfox for the info. I will look for the boxed version instead and watch out for the OEM version.

[JBNimble]

Forgive my failure to reread the vast number of entries on this thread, or to try a search on RAM (which would probably bring up countless useless hits, along with the good ones).

I'd appreciate a few recommendations for 2 GB of RAM for the Bad Axe 2. I hope to order next week. I don't plan to overclock the RAM very far, but I certainly want it rock solid somewhat beyond its rated speed. I plan to spend in the $200s for 2 GB.

I'm not a gamer, but I want fast number crunching.

I've already ordered a Core 2 Duo 6600.

Cheers,
Jack

[Cnemie]

Originally Posted by JBNimble

I'd appreciate a few recommendations for 2 GB of RAM for the Bad Axe 2. I plan to spend in the $200s for 2 GB.

I recommend spending a few more dollars ($240-260 after rebate) and popping for the CORSAIR XMS2 DDR2 800. Either the 4-4-4-12 or 5-5-5-12 stuff is terrific memory.

Do not skimp on the power supply either. Most of the problems I have seen or read about are directly related to cheap memory or power supply issues.

[Tenchi Muyo]

It's really difficult to chose the "right" CPU.

X6800 or QX6700?

The 6700 cost "only" 930€ the 6800 costs 961€, another Problem: next Year our BTW here in Germany will raise from 16% to 19%!

What CPU should i buy?

But the BA2 is in 5 Days available

[TQ]

What's a "BTW"?

[SpeedDMN]

Originally Posted by Tenchi Muyo

It's really difficult to chose the "right" CPU.

X6800 or QX6700?

The 6700 cost "only" 930€ the 6800 costs 961€, another Problem: next Year our BTW here in Germany will raise from 16% to 19%!

What CPU should i buy?

But the BA2 is in 5 Days available

Something is wrong with this picture. No way the QX6700 quad core costs less then the XE6800. If so buy it and send me a link to the seller

What's a "BTW"?

It's the new "by the way" tax

[DutchBBQ]

Originally Posted by TQ

What's a "BTW"?

The EU-countries equivalent of VAT/Value Added Tax

[TQ]

Originally Posted by SpeedDMN

It's the new "by the way" tax

That's pretty funny...