Good C2D mobo w/ onboard diagnostics

[Micah]

I'm enough of a newb/clutz when it comes to assembling my computer that I inevitably screw something up. So, when I discovered motherboards that included onboard diagnostics (ie. LEDs that flash codes), it was a big help for me. Assuming the manual was written in decent English, I could follow the diagnostic codes to figure out what I had done wrong.

Now that prices are dropping on the E4300s and I'm looking to make a move to a C2D system, I want a similar mobo.

Requirements/Desires:
- Diagnostic codes
- Moderate overclocking
- At least 1 IDE port (for DVD drive)
- Relatively low cost (<$140)
- Works out of the box (ie. no RAM compatibility issues or anything like that)
- Rock solid
- Good support and customer service

Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[manimal]

Well in that price range I would look at the gigabyte 965DS3 rev board. Some motherboards now give you alot extra in the $200+ category with blingy LEDs but most errors regarding post can be solved by how many beeps your case speaker gives. Now some heavy duty overclockers like the onboard leds to help them figure out their big OCs but your pcs behavior really tells you everything you need to know.

Some msi boards, as well as other mfgs, give you a status lights in a breakout pci slot attachment that tells you the progressive steps as the computer posts and boots. I have rarely had to use them in my old NF4 board and usually just watched for behavior. Your price range may be somewhat prohibiting but do some checking and look at some popular boards to see if they fit your criteria.