Build a new Intel based Rig, looking for some Motherboard recommendations please.

[AmineD]

This is what my rig is so far. New Computer

The only thing im worried about is my choice of mobo. Seems solid, however id like my mobo to support PCI-E 2.0 since my 8800gt is. Would think it would give it a little boost. Im trying to stay under 150 bucks... even 150 is high imo but if its a good mobo then id pay it.

Any recommendations? please and thank you!

 

[DSF]

First, you can't use two graphics cards in tandem on a P35 motherboard. Beyond that you can't use SLi at all on Intel chipsets. If you're dead-set on using two 8800GTs you'll have to buy a motherboard with an Nvidia chipset, and about the only one that would be in your price range is the 750i.

SLi/Crossfire aren't really necessary on a 22" monitor anyway. Get an HD4850 and you'll be fine. I believe Newegg has an ASUS model for close to $150 after rebate.

PCI-e 2.0 isn't really a big deal unless you're running two graphics cards. A P35 motherboard like the one you chose would be fine, or there are some P45 boards that fit into that price range as well.

 

[AmineD]

oh ok, so if i dont plan on SLIing then 2.0 isnt really a big deal? Is the mobo I have good or should i get a better one? I wont be needing to SLI ever really.. dont think its worth it imo...

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: AmineD
oh ok, so if i dont plan on SLIing then 2.0 isnt really a big deal? Is the mobo I have good or should i get a better one? I wont be needing to SLI ever really.. dont think its worth it imo...

Right, if you aren't using SLi then I wouldn't worry about PCI-e 2.0, unless you plan to keep this motherboard and upgrade the graphics card three or four years down the road. If you want the piece of mind, P45 isn't terribly much more expensive than P35. In fact, if you're not overclocking you could go for the P43 chipset which is less expensive than P35 but still offers PCI-e 2.0.

At any rate, I don't understand why you have two 8800GTs on your wishlist if you're not going SLi.

 

[AmineD]

I only have 1... odd....

http://secure.newegg.com/WishL...1147&WishListTitle=New computer
copy and past that and check again... strange.

 

[DSF]

I just noticed you also have two monitors. I would sort that out before you buy anything.

 

[AmineD]

Thats odd because on my end there is only the EVGA 8800gt oc to 650 and the Acer 22 inch monitor.

 

[DSF]

Look in the Qty (Quantity) column on the left. The item won't be listed twice if you have more than one, the quantity will just be listed as 2 in that column.

 

[AmineD]

all says one to me...

btw.. would getting a x48 mobo really improve performace or should i stick to the cheaper p45?

 

[DSF]

If you're running Crossfire, the X48 will show a slight gain in performance since both of it's PCI-e 2.0 lanes are full bandwidth. On the P45, the run at PCI-e 2.0 x8 instead of x16 in Crossfire mode.

If you're only running one graphics card it really doesn't matter.

 

[GundamF91]

With new BIOS, the P45 and ICH10R should be faster than X48 based board, when you're running single GPU card.

 

[AmineD]

This computer is going to mainly be used for gaming. With some 3D modeling and Photoshop. Can anyone recommend mobo? Not sure which to go with honestly. Also, how is my choice of monitor? It was between that and Sceptre 22inch

 

[DSF]

You're only running one graphics card, so it comes down to what other features you need in a motherboard. How many SATA ports? Onboard RAID? Firewire? eSATA? Overclocking features?

If you expect to overclock, go for the P45. If you don't, go for the P43. Find a board that has all the features you need, and as few extraneous ones as possible. If you can be specific about what features you want/need, people would probably find it easier to recommend specific boards.

 

[AmineD]

My Setup so far (and probably wont change really) is.

E8500 C2D 3.16g processor
EVgA 8800GT vid card
4g G.Skill Ram
500g WD Caviar Sata HD
Samsung Sata DVD drive/burner

I just need a mobo that wont hold any of my components back is all, nothing special really, Just able to perform well and not overheat. Not sure if ill be doing much OCing, but perhaps.