Motherboard Suggestions

[smithbradk]

I am looking at buiding a new pc. I have good computer understanding and background, but I haven't built my own system in many years. I have been doing a good bit of reading over the past couple weeks. I am a big online gamer, thus my CPU requirements are higher than my GPU requirements, but the GPU comes in a close second. My current system is about 5 years old (P4 550 3.4 Ghz Prescott).

I am leaning toward one of the 45nm processors, probably the Q9450. But with the news of Intil EoL'ing that processor, I will probably end up going with its replacement (Q9550 I believe). Anyway, my question really is with all the motherboards out there, and all the reviews done everywhere, what is a good solid motherboard. I am looking at PCI-E 2.0, probably only 1 video card for now because I am looking at the GX2. Would like to go with 4 Gb DDR3 memory unless someone can tell me DDR2 would be better for some reason. I have a really good Zalman CPU cooler for my existing LGA775 chipset and could reuse that for my new processor, as such, would probably overclock at least some. I have no desire to be a cutting edge overclocker, but would like to get in the mid 3 Ghz range.

Any suggestions on my thought process and good motherboards would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Brad

 

[ilovebarny]

790i is your best bet for ddr3 i would go with ddr2 just because its a Lot cheaper and the performance is not worth the extra money from what i hear. if you go with ddr2 get the 780i. there is a foxconn board that supports ddr2 and ddr3 from newegg. its an x38 if i remember correctly.

 

[Shadow703793]

Go with DDR2 and a good X38/P38 board. No need for SLI unless playing at 1600*1200 or higher.

What is max budget?

 

[smithbradk]

I currently play on a 24" wide screen at 1920x1200. Would like to keep the budget below ~1000. Keeping my current video card, hard drives for the moment. But the processor, motherboard, and ram have to go.

 

[Shadow703793]

My recommendations:

E8400 (OCed to ~3.6+); if planing to save $ and OCing go with a E2180 (Max OC of ~3.2Ghz); if video editing,etc Q6600
P35-DS3x (ie DS3R) or P5K
Corsair 550/520 or PP&C 610
(G92)8800GTS/8800GT (or wait for the new 4000 series ATI cards or G280s)
7200.11 HDD (or re-use old)
2GB+ DDR2 800 (DDR2 1066 has compatibility issues)
any case,etc you need and like

 

[aminel1358]

If you do not need SLI go with p35/X38 Chips.
PCI e 2.0 is the way of future, but still will be good if you want to buy a VGA with PCI e 2.0.(Gaining full speed of your card and your system will be more future proof)
Regarding to price, p35 is better but if you can pay more X38 will be better choice(PCI e 2.0)
DDR2 will give you better price/performance ratio and bus 800 will be wiser choice(stability and price)
At p35 point Giga p35 ds3-L will be good and ABIT IP35 Pro is much more better(better Overclocker)
At X38 ABIT IX38 Quad GT is one of the best Choices you can find(OC,stability)
CPU point if you want a Quad core,Q6600 will be a nice choice(price/performance and OC are really beautiful)
For Dual core go with E8200 as it will do everything you need and with a bit OC you can reach the performance of 8400,8500 with less price.
Do not persist on having every new technology.Just go for things that will suit you for your need atleast 1 to 2 years and ofcourse do not let the latest technology make your pocket empty