Picking out a motherbpard

Wide open question. You're looking at a CPU that's fast and top of the line in terms of speed and overclocking ability - is that what you want in a motherboard?

I bought a GigaByte_GA-MA785GM-US2H recently and am quite happy with it, but it's not an overclocker's dream machine. But with built-in video and basic BIOS control, I'm quite happy with it. I also got the cheaper X2 550 BE cpu and unlocked it to X4 so I have basically a 950.

Answer with more details. Since you posted in the Asus forum, are you looking for an Asus motherboard only?

Thanks for your answer I was looking for a budget PC not so much for gaming but want the close to the best. How do you go about unlocking the MB to make it x4 and do i need any special coolers for it to run in that mode?

Well, I wouldn't start with AMD's 2nd most expensive CPU for a budget PC.

Consider that you can buy the motherboard I mentioned above WITH my CPU as a combo from NewEgg for less than the 955 BE alone. Will be similar deals for Asus - I keep noticing I'm posting in that forum! Pick a couple motherboards that seem to do what you want, then look into them in detail. Search for their part number, check out the company's site for info on them - don't trust what the seller's site says. Read the reviews but remember that very rarely do satisfied customers write reviews.

The un-locking of the 550 BE core is a crap-shoot - works about 70% of the time. Don't go into it if you'll be disappointed if it doesn't work. It doesn't affect the CPU temps, actually reduced a bit on mine. Forums here explain how to do it, takes 5 secs. - if it works.

I got the MB & CPU above, 4GBs of G.Skill RAM (you may want more), a Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black hard drive, and an inexpensive 585W power supply. I already had a case, floppy, etc. I'm happy with the built-in video/graphics that comes with the MB. You'd need a DVD/CD drive. I'm using a 22" Samsung monitor already.

For what I got, figure about $400 plus a DVD and case and monitor.

I do low-end gaming, mainly business applications and a little graphics design.

I think I am gonna go with the setup you have but one question I have is the 585w Power Supply overkill or can I get away with a 400w?

The manual says:
To meet expansion requirements, it is recommended that a power supply that can withstand high power consumption be used (500W or greater). If a power supply is used that does not provide the required power, the result can lead to an unstable or unbootable system.

I had a 350W and decided to get an inexpensive new one. If you plug in the options I use - and I run up to 9 hard drives in my computer - into a site for calculating power usage, it shows I need less than 300W. But I don't know a few things - like how much power the built-in video uses or whether my un-locked CPU draws more power.

I figure, you got a new computer because the old one broke or was too old - then it's time to get a new power supply. And why wonder if the odd problems you have are caused by a bad or underpowered PS.
http://extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine

Here's everything I got - all from NewEgg except the drive I got locally at BestBuy
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

OK, the last one is the cool fans I got for my old tired case when ordered the cooler. Guess I'm old, but not dead!

I haven't installed that RAM yet, will get it tomorrow. Running some I'm not happy with cause I was trying to save a few dollars. They should fit under my cooler w/o problems, but we'll see.

If you decide to get a cooler - and you won't need it unless you decide to play with overclocking - might go for a bigger tube of thermal stuff. I was sweating making that one last. I think the Artic 3 is the favorite and might come with more. Some reviews have said that peanut butter works as well as some of this stuff and gives your computer a nice nutty scent!!

And hey, I'm just one person - old-time computer guru who's very out-of-date in building systems - but I have built close to 1000 in my day. And I did my research. I can't believe the ASUS fans haven't jumped in here with ideas. Or nasty stories about Gigabyte.

If you do get this and love it, you owe me dinner next time I'm in your hometown! Of course, I haven't left Texas in 10 yrs, so likely a good bargain. If you hate it, guess I'll change my name!

Thanks so much for helping me out! If your ever in the connecticut area let me know there are some fine italian restarunts here!