New Motherboard

[Perel]

Alright, I don't know much at all about motherboards, but here is what I want to do.

My current setup is this:
p4 2.0ghz processor
2x256mgb of RAM
ATI Radeon 9800 pro 128mgb
Maxtor 40gb HD
The Intel D845EPT2 mainboard


The motherboard I have now has 2 slots for memory, and supports only up to 4x AGP. I need a motherboard with 4 slots for RAM, so that I may buy another 512mgb stick and add it, and a motherboard that supports 8x AGP (for my 9800 Pro)

Can anyone help or show me what motherboard I need?
Also, if it seems like a better idea to upgrade the processor at the same time of the motherboard, I want something with HT technology, then would you let me know on what I should do?

Thanks,
Dustin

 

[Crashman]

You don't need AGP8x for your 9800 Pro, because it doesn't make a difference for that card. It was introduced more as a sales push than a performance need.

You do have a matched pair of RAM however, which might be nice for running Dual Channel mode, and those boards DO have AGP8x, even though you DON'T need it.

Best rate to run RAM in Dual Channel Mode is synchronous. In fact, I think that's all Intel's chipsets support. Yes, that means underclocking your RAM, but the advantage is, both modules get accessed simultaniously, doubling the bandwidth.

So if you REALLY want to upgrade the board, I'd go with the Abit IS7. But if I were in your position, I wouldn't bother upgrading, even though you DO want more RAM.

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