E6300 - Need Help Deciding on a Motherboard

[Punchy01]

Hello to all, this is my first time posting to this forum!
First off, let me apologize in advance, because I know this is a topic that has been brought up many times before but....I am having the same problem narrowing down my motherboard choice for a new computer to be built this winter. I've read most all of the articles, checked the online retailers, and scanned the forums only to realize that I'm now more confused than ever. I think there is such a thing as too much research in my case.

Here's my situation:
* With the low prices, I've pretty much decided on a C2D E6300 or E6400 over an AMD
* A p965 board will probably be the best value for me.
* I have a short list that includes the ASUS p5b-e & P5b Deluxe or one of the
Gigabyte offerings (P-s3 or DS3).
* Components I already have include: PNY Geforce 7900 GS, Sony DRU-810 A
Maxtor DiamondMax UltraATA 100GB HD, CoolerMaster Centurion Case
* I'm not an overclocker and don't intend to--scares the bejeebees outta me!
* I need something stable/ easy to use that'll last me @ three years
* I am an occasional gamer and Photoshop user.
* Eventhough I only occasionally play games, I still like good frame rates and
to turn on as many goodies as possible.

There you go, not asking much huh? What really concerns me is just the "newness" of these boards. The memory issues, bios's in early stages, my total lack of anything SATA etc. Consider me a newb, I've only built one system before and I think I was really lucky that it went as good as did. It was an Asus A7N8X-Deluxe/Athlon 2700 based system and it's still trouble free three years later. It'd be great if this build could go as well. Soooo, you guys know a heck of a lot more than me, considering I'm not interested in overclocking, what would be a good board for me? I'm probably not going to be buying any SATA devices anytime soon, and I only have the two ATA devices (so it should work with the setup of these new p965 boards-although I'm still confused on that whole issue). I like ASUS and have had a good experience with them so far (Although I hate the color of the P5B-E, trivial concern). I don't know much about Gigabyte. I'm open to other suggestions as well. Furthermore, I don't have to buy right now. I have the luxery of being able to wait a month or so for different, perhaps more stable offerings. So, what do you think, any help would be appreciated!

Josh

Oh yes, and as a PS: What memory to use? I've at least read the compatible list at the ASUS site. What's working for you guys? With my configuration, would 667 be enough or should I go for 800? Thanks Again!

 

[cmdrdredd]

anything that is using Micron D9 chips for your memory

 

[Punchy01]

Thanks for the memory tip Dredd,

You have the P5B-Deluxe/E6400 combo (nicely OC'd too), I assume you're happy with it?

 

[Regalk]

I use the corsair XMS2 Cas 5 DDR2 (these are not D9 and are less expensive but as all will say not good for overclocking even though I run at 486FSB) and the P5B deluxe. Any value DDR 2 (on asus list) should work since you are not overclocking- corsair, OCZ, Kingston, crucial etc . Since you just want a stable system get the P5B deluxe-good solid board with bells and whistles - I would buy this board again (even with the 680i out now). The P5B-E is also fine at stock speeds. I had 2 gigabytes in the past and both had some component die on me (after less than 2 years) so i am not a gigabyte fan even though they have some amazing boards.
BTW I finally retired my A87N8X deluxe 1.04 - been overclocked for 4 years!. But still running my other NF2 boards - Abit NF7S and A7N8X-E dlx.

 

[Punchy01]

Regalk,
Thanks for the post, just what I was looking for! I'm really feeling better about the ASUS boards now. Not that I think the Gigs would have been bad, I've just had good luck with ASUS. Glad to hear about your A87 as well, mine will be "retired" to a family/internet PC--I really had zero hiccups with that board, rock solid.
Looks like there are some good deals on the XMS2 memory at Newegg--that could be a viable option for sure. Since this really isn't a "high end" overclocked system; however, I may just lean toward some of the DDR2 "Value" type RAM on the ASUS list.

Thanks again, I'll probably go ASUS and hope I don't have conflicts with my non-SATA devices!

 

[you2]

I'm using gskill ddr2 800 2gb (the red ones for $209) in asus p5b-e without issues.

 

[Punchy01]

Thanks You2,
Looks like a pretty decent price on that memory, I see that Newegg also offers a 1GB GSkill kit for $109--could be right in my price range. That is, if 1GB is enough for a newer system, I don't know. Maybe 2GB should be the minimum? I see that it is in 1.8v -2.0v range which is, I believe, what I need to be looking for with a P965 board?

Thanks again, I'm pretty much deciding on the P5B-E at this time, unless something too good to pass up (@ $150.00) comes out within the next month. The "Deluxe" looks great, but really may be more motherboard than I need.