Best CPU+Mobo combo?

What would you say is currently the best CPU+Motherboard combo out there for gaming, long-term? I've heard accolades for NForce chipsets and the Barton 2500+, mainly.

Not necessarily the top performer, but the best buy for someone with a budget of about $1800 (including monitor).

Gaming PC in progress, suggestions welcome

asus p4p800 865p & p4 2.6c ghz

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My computer is <b>sooo fast</b>,
It finished <b>SETI</b> in <b>10 seconds.</b>
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Budget of $1800, including monitor? Abit IS7 and a P4 2.6C would be a good place to start.

<font color=blue>Only a place as big as the internet could be home to a hero as big as Crashman!</font color=blue>
<font color=red>Only a place as big as the internet could be home to an ego as large as Crashman's!</font color=red>

he asked what would be the best mobo for a barton 2500...

he did not mention wanting to go with an 865 and a p4...


Proud owner of DOS 3.3

Is7 + 2.4C/2.6C

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P4 2.4C @ 3.0GHz 1.525V Stock HSF
Abit IS7 BIOS v1.3 GAT Auto
Corsair XMS 512MB TwinX3200C2 2-3-3-6
GeForce4 Ti4200 AGP8X 128MB
Seagate Barracuda 7220.7 80GB SATA

Actually he asked what the best mobo/cpu combo for gaming was. He then stated that a friend had recommended the barton. He didn't directly come out and state that he wanted an AMD setup or Intel setup...

<font color=blue> Ok, so you have to put your "2 cents" in, but its value is only "A penny's worth". Who gets that extra penny? </font color=blue>

I'd like to second jmecor with the asus p4p800 865pE & p4 2.6c ghz altough if you're spending 1800 you could easily get the 2.8 or higher, especialy if you wait a little while when intel drops prices, if you don't like that I'd say go with the abit, but for that kind of $ intel will get you better preformance