Motherboard Selection

[larsson719]

Hello all. I am in the beginning process of selecting parts for my new computer. I'm currently stumped as to what motherboard I should buy to go along with:

AMD Phenom II X4 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor
[ Link Here ]

And also one that fits an:

ATI RADEON HD 4850 1GB
[ Link Here ]

I've looked at a few motherboards that have an AM3 socket but a lot of them have the South Bridge right next to the PCI-E x16 slot and I'm afraid my Video Card won't fit because of that. For example, I was told this was a good Motherboard:

ASUS AM3 ATX Motherboard
[ Link Here ]

If you notice the South Bridge(think that's what its called) is right below or next to the PCI-E x16 slot. If you click the link to the Video Card that card is pretty huge (I have the Video Card already).

One last thing is the case. I plan on getting an ATX case because I hear most Motherboards with AM3 Sockets are ATX sizes. However, I'm not sure if with that Processor and Video Card if I would need to buy any supplemental fans...

[ Link Here ]

So, any suggestions?

 

[requiemsallure]

depending on your budget, that motherboard could be improved, with SATA III and USB 3.0 (making it future proof) also your video card should fit just fine here is a review on the first motherboard http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/amd-890gx-radeon,2571-3.html
ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890GX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 $149.99 plus 7.87 for shipping.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131631
or the lower board of the same kind will work just about as well, however this one doesn't have USB 3.0 still has SATA III though.
ASUS M4A89GTD PRO AM3 AMD 890GX HDMI SATA 6Gb/s ATX $139.99 plus 7.87 shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131633
and as far as the case i have the perfect one for you.
Thermaltake V9 Black Edition $65 after rebate and promotion code free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133074&Tpk=Thermaltake%20V9%20Black%20Edition&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

 

[larsson719]

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll definitely go with the first motherboard due to the fact that I'm sure the card will fit perfectly. I also see it has another PCI-E x16 slot.. does that mean it has crossfire support?

 

[requiemsallure]

Yes sir, it does also here are some expanded specs
http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=eCWbkolMf0DOW0IV&templete=2

are you going to be overclocking? you shouldn't need anymore case fans necessarily but you may want to invest in a good heat sink if you are.

 

[larsson719]

Nope, I don't really know how to overclock.. I've never had any extra computers to try it on so I never really learned. I just want to keep my hardware cooled down just in case.

Also, the deal on the case is great but I was looking for something blue-ish because I have a razer mouse and keyboard that has ice-blue backlighting. I found this deal while looking for a better PSU:

Antec Earthwatts 650W PSU / Antec Twelve Hundred ATX Full Tower
[ Link Here ]

What do you think of this deal? Is it worth it.. the case seems kind of huge though. I also found this one on sale:

Antec Nine Hundred ATX Mid-Tower
[ Link Here ]

Cooler Master ATX Mid-Tower
[ Link Here ]

I attend a couple of LANs here and there so I tried to stick to Mid-Towers with good cooling and blue LEDs to match my other hardware. So what do you think any of these deals worth it?

 

[larsson719]

Best answer selected by larsson719.

 

[requiemsallure]

RAIDMAX Quantum ATX-798WB Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $59.99 after Rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156241

only bad thing about this case is you need to install your hard drives first. (if you consider that bad)

a nice lightwieght case, since you like taking it to LAN parties.

the antec is good also, but it will not be able to fit the biggest video cards in it.

and for the cooler master RC-690 i would recommend buying more fans for.

the cooler master storm scout is a great case too ;P

last but not least, if you end up buying more fans for any case, make sure that you check the CFM on the fan, get ones that are above 80 CFM (120mm or higher otherwise they could be quite noisy)

 

[larsson719]

Okay, will do. Thanks a lot for your advice and help. I will definitely refer back to this thread if I end up buying more fans for my case in the future.

 

[requiemsallure]

let me know if you have anymore questions.