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Which i7 motherboard is the "best"

Forum Motherboards & Memory : General Motherboard - Which i7 motherboard is the "best"

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I'm getting ready to build a new computer(budget around 1500-1800), and am currently struggling with which motherboard I should go with. Here's what I know(pretty much) I'm going with:

920 i7:currently $280(approximate, but can be gotten with certain deals/combo's)

OS/HD: Was told to with Premium Vista w/ WD 1 TB($180), but with this combo, the Ultimate is only $45 more at $225.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.182632

RAM: going with 6 GB(3 x 2), right now mulling Mushkin($100, 8-8-8-24 timing), Corsair($100, 9-9-9-24), or OCZ Platinum($95, 7-7-7-24, by far the cheapest with that timing).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820226028
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145222
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820227381

GPU::Gonna start with 1 275gtx 1792 MB I think(still checking it out to see the problems with it), and expand to 2 later. Around $300.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] CatId=3669

PSU/Case: Was thinking 850W should be good and there are lots of deals and combos. Looking at this now that alot of prices have changed today it looks like. It's a 900w w Case for $260
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.192519
There is one that's 1300W(normally $500, down to $350) I was checking, but it's still a bit pricey. Does give $105 off of CPU combo($534), or $110 off w WD 300GB Velociraptor combo($440) though.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.185235
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.185241
Not sure on the 1300W, might be total overkill, but i wouldn't ever habe to worry about it again. Probably go with the 900W combo.

Motherboard: This is where I'm torn. I don't mind spending a little extra on the board if it will prolong it's life. The DFI is $270, Asus P6T Deluxe $280, Asus Revolution is $350, and some others I liked too. Which one is the "best" considering layout, expandability, etc.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131365
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813136063
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131358
Which one would you pick if you building your own, and you weren't concerned about the extra $60-100.

I put it at $1175 roughly before the board(on the low end), $1295(w 1300W/CPU deal, 1 TB WD/Vista, RAM, 275gtx 1792MB, Case($130)) . Any input would be appreciated.

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Think I found a little better way with combo discounts and it makes the price more bearable...

CPU/PSU: Think I'm gonna stick with the 1300W PSU/i7 920 CPU for $535(it gives $105 off), unless someone can tell me the PSU stinks??
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.185235

RAM/GPU: I like this combo of OCZ 6GB and 275gtx(only 896, but most said the 1792 wasn't really that much better) for $300.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.187038

I'll probably pick up a 640 MB WD for $75, and save few bucks. Sounds like the bigger 1.0+ TB have more trouble anyways.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136319

Lastly, I think I've narrowed down the Motherboard/OS finally. Either the EVGA($405 w/ Vista Ultimate) or the ASUS Deluxe($390 for Vista Ultimate). There are a few others that have good deals with the Vista combo, but these look good.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.182609
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.182605

But that brings the total to $1315, without the case and fans. Anyone know if there is a huge difference between the EVGA and ASUS Deluxe??? Any thoughts if any of the "cheaper" steel or aluminum cases are worth it and can fit the PSU?

Any input would be GREATLY appreciated.

Reply to stark700

The evga and asus board are both great choices for the i7 platform they both overclock quite well, but I'd go with the asus one out of personal preference to all the asus goodies (as well as gigabyte goodies shoved on to their motherboards), also nothing but good comes from the ASUS P6T Deluxe V2, it's also a bit newer design while the evga one used to be a more expensive board that has lost value over time if that means anything to you :)

Either way I'm sure short of a bad 1st board you'll be happy with your choice.

Reply to IzzyCraft

Maximum PC Magazine May 09' rates the MSI Eclipse SLI the "Best of the Best" in the enthusiast class.

They also mentioned the DFI Lanparty and the Asus Rampage but listed reasons why they didnt pick them.


Message edited by zipzoomflyhigh on 05-17-2009 at 03:50:10 PM
------------------------------ P965/Q6700@3.2 8MB HD4850 OC Edition
4GB Corsair XMS 800
Vista64/Win7
Fatality 550w/Antec 300
Reply to zipzoomflyhigh

I too like the Asus, I just finished building one and went with the P6T Version 2 and am very happy with it.

Reply to niteman11
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