Looking for a New Motherboard

[John Locke]

Recently when I tried to start up my system it would continually reset after 5 seconds (after the fans connected to the power supply go on but just as the fan connected to the motherboard is about to turn on). At this point it looks as if the problem is due to the motherboard.

My system is as follows:

Motherboard: Gigabyte 965P-DS3 rev 3.3
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 6600
Heatsink:Thermalright HR-01
RAM: Corsair Twin 2x 2048-6400C4
Hard Drives: Two Seagate 7200.10 500 GB
DVD Drives: Samsung 18x DVD RW and Pioneer 18x DVD RW
Graphics Card: EVGA GeForce 8800 GTS
Sound Card: X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1
Power Supply: Corsair CMPSU-620HX
Case: Antec Performance One 180B


This was running on stock speed.

Since it's already past warranty I'm looking to buy a new motherboard. Which of the recent motheboards would work well with the rest of my components and is decently priced? Would buying one that can more than handle the system being overclocked work better for one that runs on stock speed?

Also, would I have to reformat my hard drive due to the change in motherboards or is there a way around that?

Thank you for your help!

 

[o1die]

Have you tried just one stick of memory, and a different power supply yet? Your problem may not be the board. But if you've tested everything else, then I would get a p35 or p45 board. Can't say if you will have to do a fresh windows install; depends on what version you have and your device drivers.

 

[John Locke]

I was using Windows XP MCE. Would changing drivers fix any issues with that?

Which new motherboard is recommended? I was already told of the GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L though I'm not sure if I want to buy another Gigabyte motherboard.

Also would there be any issues with my RAM since it's DDR 800?

 

[o1die]

You can use your old ddr2 with most new boards. Newegg has a gigabyte p35 s3g for only $75. For your old files, try a "repair install" of xp. You can find some online instructions by using google. After the repair, you'll need to reinstall the service pack security updates. During or after the repair, you'll also need to install your new motherboard cd device drivers.