Picking a Motherboard...

[SurfnSoCal]

I know there are alot of threads regarding this subject (help me pick a motherboard!!!), so I will try to give all the information about what i am looking for first.

System Planned:
Intel e6600 or e4300
Thermalright Ultra-120
CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX
WD Raptor 150gb
Ati Radeon x1950xt

I don't need to run dual graphics cards
I do plan to OC to 3-3.4GHZ on air
I plan to play some games (Counterstrike, Empire Earth, etc.)
I do not need RAID
I will need to edit pictures and video (Adobe)
I will run Windows Vista
I want something that can be upgradable (8GB RAM, better proc, etc.)
I have had great experiences with Abit and Asus in the past.
I'm looking to spend under $300 for a Mobo
I'm looking to spend under $300 for 2GB of excellent RAM

I need help in choosing a Mobo and RAM. I want both to be more than able to handle any OC I throw at it.[/list]

 

[outlw6669]

3-3.4GHz should be fairly easy to reach with the E6600 on most any MB.
With either you will only have to reach 333MHz (3GHz) or 378MHz (3.4GHz) FSB for your desired overclock.
Here are my top picks for great overclockers, however.

Asus P5B Delux
Gigabyte GA-965-DS3

The Asus board is a massive overclocker and with the latest bios, so is the Gigabyte.
I would recomend against MSI's P965 Platinum as it looses juce around 370FSB.

As far as ram goes, Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800 is what you want.
I use this ram in my system and got it stable to 1101MHz before I lost FSB overhead.

You may want to consider spending any leftover $ from the MB/Ram budget to get a 8800GTS
It only costs ~$130 more than an X1950XT after rebates and is a much better card.
If you plan on gaming with Vista, it is a mutch better choice.

Hope this helps you some and good luck with your build!

 

[SurfnSoCal]

Which mobo has more features? I want something with a lot of "bells and whistles".

Will that RAM be able to handle up to 400fsb or more?

And I am going to wait to see what AMD/ATI comes out with for a DX10 card. Would you suggest a different midrange card for light gaming, good video editing?

 

[outlw6669]

If you don't mind spending a little more, the Asus board would be my pick.
These boards have many similar features, but the Asus is known for solid and stable overclocks.
If you are looking for something with a lot of bells and whistles, the Asus striker extream would be a good choice.

Yes the ram can handle 400FSB.
At a 1:1 ratio , the ram would be running DDR @800MHz.
The Corsair ram can overclock verry nicley so you can bump it up some also.

As far as a midrange gaming card is concered, the 7600GT can be had for ~$100 or you could get a X1650XT not much more.
They are bouth decent performers and either would let you save for a DX10 upgrade down the road.

 

[SurfnSoCal]

Funny, I keep hearing mixed reviews for the P5B...some say it is great and others say full of problems.

That striker extreme board seems nice...and like it'll last a while (as far as upgradeability).

Is it worth looking at higher clocked ram (more than DDR2 800?) so it can for sure handle any OC...?

 

[outlw6669]

Everything I hear about the P5B Delux is good.
If you go with any of the lesser P5B boards, they are not as great.
Delux = Great
Vanilla = Decent

The striker extreme is a sweet MB if you can handle the price tag.
Unless you really want SLI, $420 for a MB is a bit eccentric in my oppinion.

Good DDR2 800 should be all you need.
I have the Corsair DDR2 800 running @1101MHz stable.
To put it in perspective, you would have to get your OC to 550FSB with a 1:1 ratio to reach what I keep it at stable.
Unless you have extra cash burning a hole in your pocket, stick with some good DDR2 800.

 

[SurfnSoCal]

Ya I don't need SLI...but it is a sweet board.

I'm thinking about the Asus P5B-Premium when it comes out.

Any idea when?