Need help with motherboard selection!

[inferno_32]

This is my first build and I would really appreciate some input. I don't know whether to go with Intel or AMD for a motherboard. If I go AMD, my cpu will be the Athlon 64 X2 +6400. Otherwise I'll get the Core 2 Duo E6750. Looking to spend around $150. Also, I'll be running Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800 and a 9600GT. I might overclock, I don't know a lot about it. I'm open to any ideas.

Thanks,
inferno_32

 

[o1die]

I recommend you download the board manual of the one you're interested in before ordering. If you can understand the language and photos, then you may have a winner. Some of these boards are written by techs whose first language isn't english. Need I say more? The abit Ip35-e was a bargain when a rebate was offered. Don't know if they still have the rebate. I wouldn't pay extra for sli or crossfire. It's easier to get a top of the line video card than 2 lesser ones. Sli and crossfire systems generate alot of heat and use alot of juice, so you usually need a $100 plus premium power supply to handle it. With a p35 chipset board, you don't need too much knowledge to overclock. I also recommend you install the memory and cpu/heatsink out of the case, on the box the board came in or a phonebook, and do a bare post, with just the cpu/heatsink, video, and one stick of memory. Then finish the install inside the case. It's easier to troubleshoot out of the case.

 

[hughyhunter]

^^ agreed! The P35 chipset is by far the best chipset I've ever seen for someone 1. On a budget 2. No ambitions for SLI/crossfire. 3. Wants to overclock.

I would recommend one of these two boards http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010200280%20107172277%201071728997&bop=And&CompareItemList=N82E16813127030%2CN82E16813128059 with (like o1die said) the abit being the number one pick. However if you want to save $$$$ and dont care much for a RAID array than the Gigabyte would have to be the second pick.

Oh yeah... get the E8400. Newer and faster than E6XXX

 

[Shadow703793]

^ Agreed. A P35-DS3L or a ABIT IP35/IP 35 Pro or a P5K would be perfect. If you plan on going with the P35-DS3L, you will be happy to know that there is a OCing guide written for the DS3L!

See:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/forum2.php?config=tomshardwareus.inc&cat=29&post=245679&page=1&p=1&sondage=0&owntopic=3&trash=0&trash_post=0&print=0&numreponse=0&quote_only=0&new=0&nojs=0

 

[inferno_32]

Thanks for all of the input, I'm sure it's tiresome reading about some noob wanting help with hardware choices. I was actually looking at the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L and the ABIT IP35 before I posted my question on here.

Thanks,
inferno_32