Help choosing a motherboard

[dhorn]

Okay, so I told a friend I'd build a computer for him if he gave me a budget...and I find myself stuck on the motherboard aspect.

I prefer Intel-based components, fyi. So far, the only specs I've picked out are:

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Processor
DDR2 Memory

He gave me a price range of 900 dollars, trying to include the monitor/speakers/keyboard. So I only have around 100 to justify spending on the mobo.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be great.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[disports]

Gigabyte EP45-DS3L is $89.99 after mail in rebate.

 

[DSF]

Who's responsible for maintenance and trouble-shooting after the build? Building a PC for a friend can go from a fun favor to a drain on your time very quickly.

The DS3L probably is the way to go. If he's not expecting to overclock you could save a few bucks more with the P43 chipset.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: dhorn
Okay, so I told a friend I'd build a computer for him if he gave me a budget...

You should have asked your amigo what his budget was before saying you'd build for him. :laugh:

 

[DaveSimmons]

I've had Gigabyte's P43 chipset mobo since July, used with an E8400, 4 GB Crucial DDR2-800, ATI 4870. It's $87 at newegg (no rebate needed).

It's been 100% stable so far, in Mass Effect, Fallout 3, Portal, Vampire: Bloodlines, Quake 4, Neverwinter 2, Half-Life 1.

 

[Denithor]

Buy him a Dell/HP with a nice LCD monitor. Let them provide the free tech support for the next several years. Worst case you can add a real video card and/or extra memory so it can handle games.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: smithrwon
Gigabyte EP45-DS3L is $89.99 after mail in rebate.

Newegg also has an open box of this for $71.26