Need suggestions for a mobo!

[rbk88]

Hey everyone,
So I'm building my first ever desktop and I'm looking for a motherboard but am utterly confused at all the terminology and such. I'm on a budget so cheaper is better (hopefully under $100). Please give me your suggestions on the best available motherboard for my specs. I'm looking at the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R but I'm hoping there is a cheaper model. I'm not a HUGE gamer and I'm not going to do anything crazy like dual graphics cards or connect 10 drives either. I just want one that will take advantage of the CPU to the max (maybe easily overclocked) and is reliable/cheap. Thanks a lot!

CPU: Intel E8400 Core 2 Duo 3.0 Ghz.

Graphics : HD Radeon 4830

Connecting one DVD Drive, one internal hard drive.

 

[Peaks]

maybe something like the Gigabyte EP45-DS3????

 

[sub mesa]

ECS GF7100PVT-M3 (V1.0) is a cheap choice. Reasonable chipset, low power too. Just not great GPU like GF9300 and only two DIMMs etc. Still a nice lil board

http://ecsusa.com/ECSWebSite/Products/ProductsDetail.aspx?DetailID=853&CategoryID=1&DetailName=Feature&MenuID=44&LanID=9

 

[rbk88]

ECS GF7100PVT-M3 (V1.0) is a cheap choice. Reasonable chipset, low power too. Just not great GPU like GF9300 and only two DIMMs etc. Still a nice lil board

http://ecsusa.com/ECSWebSite/Products/ProductsDetail.aspx?DetailID=853&CategoryID=1&DetailName=Feature&MenuID=44&LanID=9

Thanks for the suggestions. I just saw on newegg that the ECS mobo received a "great value" award and that's the kind of mobo I'm looking for. However, it seems that in the comments people are saying its nearly impossible to overclock, and that is one important factor for me. Are there any other ideas? Also, since I'm going to buy a 4830 graphics card, it won't matter that the mobo has a good GPU correct? Thanks

 

[sub mesa]

That is true, the ECS board doesnt do overclocking. Maybe you can find other boards like GeForce 9300 chipset which is quite good, boards which do support overclocking. I'm not into overclocking really, i prefer under-clocking more than over-clocking. ;-)

 

[rbk88]

When you are looking for a mobo, what kinds of things should I be looking for? What is the most important aspects for a reliable and fast mobo? Is it the FSB? The DDR2?

 

[sub mesa]

The chipset is the most important. Other important things are:
- power consumption (influenced by many things; but the motherboard having Solid Capacitors is also a good sign)
- additional features (firewire, howmany USB/SATA ports, howmany PCI/PCIe ports)
- BIOS options/functionality

Generally, you first choose a processor, then choose a chipset, then choose a motherboard. On Intel most chipsets use alot of power, but newer nVidia chipsets are quite efficient and do not require things like heat pipes or active cooling to operate.

 

[rbk88]

oh wow I never realized the "chipset" until now. So you would definitely recommend an nVidia chipset? Also, I'm assuming you are talking about the north bridge? Since I already have bought the processor (E8400), now I need to choose a chipset. so this chipset won't affect compatability of anything else right such as the graphics card I'm going to buy? Also, which nvidia chipset would you recommend (the nForce 700)?

 

[Outlander_04]

Have a look at p43 boards . Chipset performance is near identical , but you dont have support for the things you are not interested in .

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/memory-module-upgrade,2264.

$85

 

[sub mesa]

Chipsets usually consist of both north bridge and south bridge -- but nvidia chipsets often consist of only one chip serving both as north bridge and south bridge. Simply said the north bridge connects your CPU, memory and Graphics card, while the south bridge connects all the Serial ATA/Ethernet/USB/PCI communication -- the less fast stuff.

The nVidia GeForce 9300/9400 chipset is also known as MCP7A or nForce 730i MCP -- three names for the same product nvidia might not even sure about themselves

 

[rbk88]

Thanks for all the info guys. The thing I want to know now is what exactly am I LOSING by getting the cheaper mobo in this case?

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX which costs about $115

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128359

GIGABYTE GA-G31M-ES2L LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX which costs $55

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128357


Can someone explain to me what exactly makes up the price difference? Will I not be able to fully utilize my CPU by getting the cheaper one? What about the difference in "standard RAM" how will that affect anything? Thanks

 

[mamw93]

Anything ASUS is great.

 

[Crashman]

Hey everyone,
So I'm building my first ever desktop and I'm looking for a motherboard but am utterly confused at all the terminology and such. I'm on a budget so cheaper is better (hopefully under $100). Please give me your suggestions on the best available motherboard for my specs. I'm looking at the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R but I'm hoping there is a cheaper model. I'm not a HUGE gamer and I'm not going to do anything crazy like dual graphics cards or connect 10 drives either. I just want one that will take advantage of the CPU to the max (maybe easily overclocked) and is reliable/cheap. Thanks a lot!

CPU: Intel E8400 Core 2 Duo 3.0 Ghz.

Graphics : HD Radeon 4830

Connecting one DVD Drive, one internal hard drive.

More features and great overclocking for less money: ASRock P45XE

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157143

 

[Crashman]

Anything ASUS is great.

Don't lie for your favorite brand.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/intel-p45-core,2110.html

 

[rbk88]

More features and great overclocking for less money: ASRock P45XE

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157143

Thanks for the suggestions I will definitely consider that product. However, do you know of any other mobo's that are cheaper (maybe around $60-80)? I just want a mobo that is reliable with quality performace/speed. It doesn't need to support Sli, raid, dual graphics, blah blah blah.