Looking for a new motherboard

[zrush]

I am getting parts to put together a new PC in about a month. It's not cutting edge, but it doesn't suck (well, I don't want it to). The only problem I'm having is deciding on a motherboard.

Requirements
intel Core 2 Duo
DDR2 800
PCIe 2.0 x16 (optional)
< $150 (preferably < $100)
NO ECS
Not red or yellow (I have a case window)

Potentials
XFX nForce 630i (MG63Mi7109)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813141012
- I've used XFX graphics in the past, and they've performed exceptionally well.
- No PCIe 2.0 x16
- It's micro ATX... would an 8800 GT with a good sized heatsink be able to fit on this?
intel BOXDP35DPM intel P35
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813121314
- It's intel. Last time I checked they weren't the fastest, or had the most options, but were built rock solid.
- No PCIe 2.0 x16
MSI P43 Neo3-F intel P43
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813130185
Biostar TForce (TP43D2A7) intel P43
- My old roomate had a Biostar and really liked it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813138122

One more question: can a PCIe 2.0 x16 gpu work in a regular PCIe x16 slot? If not, then the first three mobos can be forgotten, or I need to find a different gpu.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Asus PQ5 Pro Manufacturer page info

 

[iBPJohn]

Gigabyte seems to becoming pretty good also

P43: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128347
P45: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128345

You don't need to have a PCIe 2.0 to work with a PCIe 2 card unless the board is quite a bit older.

 

[RallyMaster]

I get my P43 Neo3-F tomorrow. I'll let you know once I get my computer all set up this weekend...

 

[zrush]

I should probably mention that the RAM I'm using is
OCZ Reaper HPC Edition (OCZ2RPR800C44GK)
4GB (2 x 2GB)
DDR2 800
2.1 v

I already have this, so the motherboard will need to be compatible with it. Does anyone know of any companies that have good support for OCZ memory?

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

when did memory become NOT so compatible????

 

[postmortemIA]

I can give you pros and cons for intel's board, DP35DP

pros:
super stable
decent intel support (new BIOS on month basis)
one of cheapest P35 with RAID chip
intel's gigabit ethernet
sigmatel (or IDT, new name) sound, no realtek
quiet, good fan speed controls
good FireWire controller

cons
poor BIOS, can't disable many optional stuff or tweak
no overclock
no floppy header, pain to install XP
no PS/2 controllers
slow to boot
some people had problems with non standard voltage DDR2

 

[zrush]

^ Thanks. Poor bios is tough, but having problems with non-standard memory voltage immediately disqualifies it.

Originally posted by: BTRY B 529th FA BN
when did memory become NOT so compatible????

I read reviews of people having problems with certain brands in certain motherboards. Also, some motherboards have a problem with voltage higher than 1.8.

 

[zrush]

Okay, based on the memory, I've come up to my final two choices.

ASUS P5QL-E LGA 775 Intel P43
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131322

ASUS P5N-E SLI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131142

The intel has PCIe 2 (and a heatsink on the southbridge...), but is nForce the better brand?

 

[chuckm]

Of those 2, get the P43, the nFarce isn't worth the hassle.

 

[piasabird]

What you doin with the computer that is the most important question?
Games
Video
Music
Word Processing


Intel DG35EC
Intel E7200
Crucial 2GB DDR2 1.8v only
SATA HD
SATA DVD
VISTA Home Premium

Good for Vista.

Not a good Game Machine.

 

[zrush]

The most intensive work will be games, I believe. I'll be running XP Pro.

 

[chuckm]

SLI or Crossfire?

 

[zrush]

Neither