Looking for mobo suggestions for first build/overclock.

[jmwilliams]

I originally bought a MSI P43 Neo3-F (PCB 1.0) but after doing a little more research on the bboards I've found that it's not that great of a mobo. Could anyone point me in the direction of some good candidates for someone working on their first build and will also be attempting my first overclock (if everything goes as planned)?

Here's was I was looking for:
A good quality respected brand. MSI seems to be a negative and I'd like my first build to be a positive experience so I was thinking ASUS or maybe Gigabyte?

Will be used for C2D/C2Q not sure which yet.

Takes DDR2 800 RAM(at least 8 GB)

At least 1 eSATA and PATA Connection

6 SATA prefered

Good overclocking options and easy BIOS setup

And here is the kicker.... I'd like to spend less than $150 if possible. If it's on Amazon, even better because that's where I bought my original one and when I send it back they will just credit my account because I used a gift card.

Any help would be very appreciated. Oh and I'm new at knowing what to look for (as you can probably tell) so if you have any questions about my needs please ask.

P.S. no i7 boards lol I'd rather not shell out the money for 3 more sticks of RAM. AMD is not my first choice unless someone gives me a compelling reason to switch.

 

[aevm]

GA-EP45-UD3P, $115 after rebate at newegg

 

[jmwilliams]

GA-EP45-UD3P, $115 after rebate at newegg

That's in my top 5 choices. What do you think about this one... http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-P5Q-LGA-Intel-Motherboard/dp/B001A834C2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1232997938&sr=1-2

 

[aevm]

Hmmm, $138.59 and only one PCI-E x16 slot? Not a great deal.
The UD3P is better, and it's $1 less at Amazon (and $23 less at Newegg).

http://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-GA-E...ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1233016178&sr=1-1

There's also the P5Q Pro, $115 at Newegg.

If I were you I'd buy the MB from Newegg. I don't like Amazon's prices for hardware. Can you use that Amazon credit for books or DVDs, or does it have to be hardware?

 

[jmwilliams]

No I don't have to but I'm on a budget and $100 off the total price is welcome. I could use it for the video card or PSU though.

 

[aevm]

How about this $99 GA-EP45-DS3L, is that enough for your needs? No RAID, a single video card, no FireWire, but pretty good otherwise.
http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-GA-E...ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1233022977&sr=1-1

 

[jmwilliams]

Ok after looking at about 12 mobos tonight I think I've narrowed it down to the GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P or the ASUS PSQ PRO. Basically it's down to a flip of the coin after I get my tax refund.

 

[aevm]

They are both good, and the features are very similar. The UD3P has a higher percentage of 5-egg reviews at Newegg so it's probably safer.