Building my first rig- need help choosing a motherboard- help!

[ACBrown]

Hey all,

I'm new to Tom's Forum. Looks great. Lot's of helpful threads.

Anyway, I'm ready to embark on my first build (no more Dell for me). Here is what I want to do:

Primary use: Gaming.

Processor: E8500 or Q9450

Memory: Corsair DDR2 800

GPU: 8800 GTS 512 (EVGA) (and I don't plan on doing SLI)

Windows Vista 32

Case: I don't know. Maybe the COOLER MASTER Stacker 830 RC-830-SSN3-GP Silver Aluminum ATX Full Tower or the Antec P182.

PowerSupply: OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI ATX12V 700W

I have never OC'd anything before, but would like to very modestly pump up the processor (call it jitters). I've been eyeing this motherboard (GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard), but can a 100.00$ Mobo really be good enough? I love that price. Tell me it's a good buy 🙂

Or should I go X38 and future proof myself a little more? Bottom line: If I can get by spending 100-160.00, that would be great.

Enlighten me O' wise ones!

Thanks,

Austin

 

[chookman]

GA-P35-DS3L is a great buy for the price and will support these CPU's... if you dont plan on SLI as you mention then that is all you need 😉

 

[g-paw]

Agree with the Gigabyte but you need/want more features check out the ASUS P5K E with or without WIFI. About $40 more but worth it if you'll use most of the features otherwise the GIGABYTE would be the way to go

 

[random1283]

I think an ASUS P5K range motherboard is worth the extra money because of all the features

 

[ACBrown]

Hey thanks guys. I'm glad to hear that that price range provides me with a good product. Many thanks again... Now if those darn 45nm's would come out...

Austin