Although many computer enthusiasts can figure out what CPU is best suited to their requirements simply by comparing various features such as number of cores and frequency, matching them to a motherboard is a much more difficult task. There seem to be countless motherboards for each socket and chipset combination, thus it is often well nigh impossible to figure out which motherboard / CPU combination is the best for you. If you are building a new Intel system, you likely are using a Core 2 Quad or Duo (or Extreme versions of those CPUs), thus you will most likely want a motherboard built around the P35, X38, or X48 chipsets. Since the X38 chipset features many advanced features which are not suitable for the lower end systems, here is a list of popular High End and Enthusiast & Professional level X38 motherboards that will suit most computer power users and overclockers.

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HIGH END

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Abit IX38 QuadGT

FSB: 1333 / 1066 / 800MHz

Southbridge: Intel ICH9R

Number of RAM Slots: 4 x 240pin

Memory Type: DDR2 800

Maximum Memory: 8GB

Dual Channel: Yes

PCI Express 2.0 x16: 3

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DFI LANParty DK X38-T2R

FSB: 1333 / 1066 / 800MHz

Southbridge: Intel ICH9R

Number of RAM Slots: 4 x 240pin

Memory Type: DDR2 800

Maximum Memory: 8GB

Dual Channel: Yes

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Foxconn X38A

FSB: 1333 / 1066 / 800MHz

Southbridge: Intel ICH9R

Number of RAM Slots: 6 x 240pin

Memory Type: DDR3 1333 / DDR2 800

Maximum Memory: DDR2 Max. 8GB DDR3 Max. 4GB

Dual Channel: Yes

PCI Express 2.0 x16: 3

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Gigabyte GA-EX38-DQ6

FSB: 1600 / 1333MHz

Southbridge: Intel ICH9R

Number of RAM Slots: 4 x 240pin

Memory Type: DDR2 1200

Maximum Memory: 8GB

Dual Channel: Yes

PCI Express 2.0 x16: 2

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Gigabyte GA-EX38-DS4

FSB: 1600 / 1333MHz

Southbridge: Intel ICH9R

Number of RAM Slots: 4 x 240pin

Memory Type: DDR2 1200

Maximum Memory: 8GB

Dual Channel: Yes

PCI Express x16: 2 x PCI Express x16 (The PCIE 16 1 slot supports x16; the PCIE 16 2 supports x16.)

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Intel BOXDX38BT

FSB: 1333 / 1066MHz

Number of RAM Slots: 4 x 240pin

Memory Type: DDR3 1333

Maximum Memory: 8GB

Dual Channel: Yes

PCI Express 2.0 x16: 2

PCI Express x16: 1 x PCI Express x16 (x4 model)

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MSI x38 Diamond

FSB: 1333 / 1066 / 800MHz

Number of RAM Slots: 4 x 240pin

Memory Type: DDR3 1333

Maximum Memory: 8GB

Dual Channel: Yes

PCI Express x16 slots: 4, (2 runs x4 speed)

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ENTHUSIAST & PROFESSIONAL

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Asus P5E3 WS PRO

FSB: 1600 / 1333MHz

Southbridge: Intel ICH9R

Number of RAM Slots: 4 x 240pin

Memory Type: DDR3 1333

Maximum Memory: 8GB

Dual Channel: Yes

PCI Express 2.0 x16: 2

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Asus P5E3 Deluxe / WiFi-AP

FSB: 1600 / 1333MHz

Southbridge: Intel ICH9R

Number of RAM Slots: 4 x 240pin

Memory Type: DDR3 1800 (O.C.) / 1600 (O.C.) / 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz

Maximum Memory: 8GB

Dual Channel: Yes

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Asus Maximus Extreme

FSB: 1600 / 1333MHz

Southbridge: Intel ICH9R

Number of RAM Slots: 4 x 240pin

Memory Type: DDR3 1800 (O.C) / 1600 (O.C.) / 1333 / 1066

Maximum Memory: 8GB

Dual Channel: Yes

PCI Express 2.0 x16: 2

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DFI LP LT X38-T2R

FSB: 1333 / 1066MHz

Southbridge: Intel ICH9R

Number of RAM Slots: 4 x 240pin

Memory Type: DDR2 800

Maximum Memory: 8GB

Dual Channel: Yes

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