Help choosing a mobo/cpu

[Minthe]

Here is what I have currently for a system!

OS: Windows 2000
Mobo: Asus A7N8X Deluxe rev.2.0
CPU: AMD Athlon XP 2800+, OC'd to 2.2ghz
RAM: OCZ Platinum 1GBx2 PC3200
PSU: Seasonic SS-550HT 550W
Video: AGP HIS Radeon X1650 Pro
HD:Western Digital 80GB IDE WD800JB-00DUA3
Sound: Creative Sound Blaster Live! EMU10K1



I plan on replacing the hard drive, cpu, mobo, os and by extension the video card. I already have a replacement for the HD and OS and vid cards I know enough about to choose my own, but mobos and cpus, I do not.

I need help with is the Motherboard and probably need info on cpus too that are compatible.

Basically, I need help finding a good motherboard at a reasonable price. I was thinking of an AMD board, but I read that intel is supposed to be better now. I'm not sure, heh. I will use the rig for gaming - wow, half life 2, and maybe newer games too like the upcoming Aliens vs Predator game, but obviously i'll need a new vid card for that.

Any ideas?

I would prefer a mobo at least under $200, preferably under $150. Also, if someone could list what features I should look for in a mobo (especially when trying to match a cpu to it), i'd be grateful.

 

[Emperus]

Please list a complete budget for all the components you wish to purchase.. The MSI 790FX-GD70 is a wonderful motherboard for your mentioned motherboard budget..

 

[Minthe]

The only items I need help on is pretty much Mobo and CPU. The mobo's range is 150-200. As for the CPU, I am not so sure what was decent price is for one. I'd say 150-200 as well.

On another note, the case I have is a large case marketed for a server, do you think this mobo should align with the screw holes in it?

 

[Emperus]

So basically you've a 300$~400$ budget for the mobo and the cpu.. That's a good budget.. I'll recommend the Phenom II X4 965 (955 if you can get it with a C3 stepping) for the cpu and Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD5 or the MSI 890FXA-GD70 for the motherboard..

P.S. - Your case can hold motherboards of multiple dimensions such as mATX, standard ATX and may be even E-ATX.. So only it has multiple holes for screw implantments.. Nothing to worry about..

 

[davcon]

The 965 or 955 are excellent choices for a gaming cpu.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007671%2050001028&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=343%7C19-103-808%5E19-103-808-TS%2C19-103-727%5E19-103-727-TS
You could also consider an X3 Rana for very good gaming performance.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103872
I would choose either one of these mobos.they have x8x8 gpu performance which is only a 2-3% decrease from 16x2 pci-e slots.$139.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007625%2050001315&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=22%7C13-128-435%5E13-128-435-TS%2C13-131-631%5E13-131-631-TS
I would pair either one of those boards with fast 1600Mhz CL7 ram
Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model 996782-$94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226103

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-gaming-cpu-core-i5-760-core-i7-970,2698.html

 

[Minthe]

Ooo very nice. I'll keep those in mind, but seeing as I don't know much about mobos and cpus (and yet I am quite techy with other stuff, i just seem to have probs with those lol) i'll probably end up with one of what you posted. thanks!