Which mobo for future computer?

[jg3220]

Hello, all.
Ok so I'm a complete novice (well not complete, but treat me that way) at building computers, and I wish to build my first. All I know right now is I want to go with the Intel Core i7 920 processor, so... which is the best brand, which motherboard is best, etc. Suggestions?

 

[Twoboxer]

Asus, Gigabyte, save a little with Asrock . . .

Which board depends on what features you want (crossfire, sli, USB/SATA 3.0, how OC-friendly), what your budget is (+$100 maybe better spen on graphics card than mobo).

So tell us the goal of the system - get a better answer.

Until then, here's a frequent recommendation made here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128412

 

[jg3220]

Well I do want crossfirex for it, and as for general goals of the system, I want a solid (and compatible) board that wont burn out on me any time soon. I plan to take great care of my entire system, with no overclocking, but i still want an online gaming pc with excellent speed (and again solid/reliable).

I just found an MSI that's within budget. MSI X58 Pro-E. Whatcha think?

 

[jg3220]

oh and as for budget, i hope to spend at most maybe $200, although I'll consider saving for more.

 

[Twoboxer]

First, I apologize for linking the wrong board, and making the wrong comment. I saw your cpu choice, but ignored it lol.

Next, your mobo choice is reviewed here (conclusion page):

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2010/06/07/msi_x58_proe_motherboard_review/6

It appears to be a solid no frills board.

This board, for example, provides USB/SATA 3.0 support, if that's something you want to prepare for:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128456

 

[jg3220]

This last board looks decent. Well, I have another preliminary question. I plan on using crossfirex, like i said, but also need at most 2-3 pcie 2.0 x16, and 1-2 pcie 2.0 x1, and maybe a slot for a tv tuner down the road (not necessary), so is there going to be a micro-atx board with the space for these, and still have enough space for 6-8 gb ram? or am i gonna have to go atx?

 

[jg3220]

sorry, correction:
2-3 pcie 2.0 x16
1-2 pcie 2.0 x1
4-5 sata ports

 

[Snipergod87]

Micro ATX boards will not have that many PCI-E slots

 

[jg3220]

gotcha, ATX it is.....

 

[tomate2]

micro atx usually or only has 4 expansion slots
and high end graphics card usually take up two slots so if ur going to crossfire
there wont be space for anything else
and the two graphics card would be so close to each other that heat build up would prop be an issue...........

 

[Twoboxer]

^ has it right - you can look at images on Newegg and verify which 4 slots you will use/lose when crossfire/sli 2 boards. You'll likely have choices to make. Normally on-board sound and USB devices can be substituted for expansion boards.

 

[jg3220]

huh. ok then, I might not do crossfire, it was just a thought. so twoboxer, you're saying that normally the on-board sound card and usb devices are good enough to use for things like online and offline gaming?

 

[tomate2]

he meant that some micro atx motherboards can have more than 4 expansion slots i guess...
but sacrificing sound card and a couple of usb ports
but on board sound cards are usually more than enough for online gaming...
its more about what speakers you buy and not the sound card
and i dont know what usb has to do with online gaming except for plugging a joystick or something but its prob enough too

 

[jg3220]

gotcha. ok then that's even better

 

[Twoboxer]

Sorry if I wasn't clear - you didn't say what you planned to put in those expansion slots you listed. I was trying to say that most everything you would install could just as easily be done via USB - wireless and TV tuner, for example. Most folks don't need a sound card given today's onboard sound, but with care even an mATX board in SLI/crossfire might hold one. An ATX should have no problem, though more cards mean more heat and less air flow.

 

[jg3220]

ya i guess that's true. i don't know i was shooting for micro, but full atx is fine, too. im just looking to be practical with space, power consumption, etc... thats why i was looking for pci expansion cards to save space, but usb works too.

 

[jg3220]

Best answer selected by jg3220.