September 9, 201015 yr New at this. My goal is to build an unRaid server with a Core i3, but still keep it cheap. I don't need tons of drives to start, so a mobo like this with 8 SATA ports is appealing. I can always add cards down the road if needed. MicroCenter has it for $80 after rebate and they are local for me. http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0317952 Thanks for any help!
September 9, 201015 yr The P55 chipset doesn't support the onboard video of the i3 processor, so you will need to add a video card in order to use that mobo. Several of us are using an H55 chipset board - while you lose two of the SATA ports, you do gain the onboard video. You say that you don't need lots of drives to start, so I'm guessing that the video support may be more important to you. Edited to add: Searching for H55, I see that microcenter are offering some h55 boards for only a few dollars more than that P55, including the MSI H55-G43 for just $7.99 more.
September 9, 201015 yr Author Good catch. Yep the on board video will be more important for now. Thanks!
September 14, 201015 yr Just saw this on NewEgg...is it available at your retailer? H55 and 8 SATA ports... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188062
September 14, 201015 yr Just saw this on NewEgg...is it available at your retailer? H55 and 8 SATA ports... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188062 If you are willing to pay $120 you can go for it - but first check out the brand of the network chip as it is not shown. I personally do not understand the obsession with 8 SATA ports - recently there was a deal om MSI H55 motherboard with dual PCIe x 16 slots for $50 after the MIR from Fry's and Fry's also used to have bundles i530 plus basic H55 board with 6 SATA ports for $105. They are 34 motherboards on Newegg with H55 and 6 SATA ports on Newegg with price from $75 (brand new) / $55 (open box)
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