975 or 965??? Conroe

the 965 chipset doesnt support sli or crossfire so go with the 975x chipset just make sure you got to a retail store and pick it up because only the new 975x motherboards work with conroe "Only versions of the Intel desktop board D975XBX with AA# D27094-304 or AA# D29532-303 or higher support these processors." http://www.intel.com/design/mother [...] ilable.htm

there are 965 motherboards with two pci 16x slots but a little searching on the intel site will show you that 965 doesnt support sli or x fire

by the way the board version i was talking about was the intel version i like that one best it has 3 pci 16x slots two for sli and one other one for either a quadro or a physics card (i think there pci e) if you read this THG article http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/0 [...] _tomorrow/
you will probly like that one two
try to find a microcenter in your area i know they stock them and they have the best price right now (yeah better then newegg) i wouldnt buy that board online because you dont know what version they're sending you so if you cant find it at a local store then get the 965 but you wont be able to use sli but if your friend is loaded he can just get a 7950GTX2

Well if your rich friend isnt interested in OCing and wants stability for his money. I think the XBX is a good choice. Less hassle for you as the system builder and the 975 chipset has had more kinks worked out as its a bit older than 965.

Lets us know what you choose.

-M

Part of the point you are missing is he said price doesnt matter. The right board at the right time was the question posed. I think ANY 975 chipset has the potential to be an easier setup and more stable since its been out for a bit.

For an enthusiast's computer I might agree about looking at a 965, but this guy just wants a system and probably doesnt care whats in it, just wants it to work. You have to build for the person not the computer.
Since its for someone else, slap an XBX in it and be done fast.

-M