Which mobo for a quad core ?

[sizk]

I'm considering replacing my old E6400 proc by a Q8400 so I need to change the motherboard as well.
At the moment, I have the Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 which I'm really happy with so I'm thinking about sticking with this brand but I don't know much about motherboard so maybe there's a better move.
The idea is to keep my old components :
* Geforce 7600GT (it's PCI Express, can I put this in a PCI Express 2.0 slot?)
* DDR2 - PC2-5300 RAM sticks

I don't do video games much and don't need O/C options.
I mainly make music with it.

Thanks for any help.

 

[daisymtc]

You can flash BIOS with that Mobo. It support Q8400
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Support/Motherboard/CPUSupport_Model.aspx?ProductID=2314
Gigabyte have a programme for update the BIOS. Just install and run that, and it would do it for you.

 

[StrangleHold]

Its got N/A for the Q8400. Doesnt support any 1333 or 1600 FSB processor. Unless you have the Rev. 3.3 but then its - F14
(Non official support

 

[sizk]

No, it's rev 1.0 so I can't use the Q8xxx or Q9xxx processors with this mobo.

Any recommandations then ?
I'm considering the GA-P43-ES3G.

 

[daisymtc]

Have you already purchase the Q8400 yet?
I would recommend you to go for Phenom IIx 4 instead..

 

[sizk]

Have you already purchase the Q8400 yet?
I would recommend you to go for Phenom IIx 4 instead..

I'll look into it, thanks for the hint.

So, can I use my PCI Express graphic card on a PCI Express 2.0 mobo ?

 

[StrangleHold]

So, can I use my PCI Express graphic card on a PCI Express 2.0 mobo ?

Yes it will work. But it would be a sin to run a 7600GT with a Phenom II.

 

[sizk]

Yes it will work. But it would be a sin to run a 7600GT with a Phenom II.

I'll go and see the priest then