Looking to buy new mobo, lots of help needed

[Whisper]

Ok, so like the topic says, I'm looking to buy a new mobo within the next few days, and would like any and all suggestions. A little more information from my end:

Other than for work (which consists almost entirely of microsoft word usage), I generally use my desktop for gaming. I plan on picking up an E8400, and want to find the best bang-for-the-buck mobo to go with it.

I'm coming from an Athlon 64 3700+ on a Lanparty UT nf4 Ultra-D (procured almost three years ago now, and it's done me proud), so just about anything would be an upgrade. I will be keeping my current video card (8800GT) and harddrive (10k Raptor) for the time being, but obviously will need to pick up some new RAM (I'm looking at going with 4gb).

I'm hoping to keep the entire purchase (CPU, RAM, and mobo) as close to $500 as possible. The chip looks like it'll cost around $200 (chock on another ~$50 or so if I want to pick up improved air cooling, which I likely will), and I'm guessing RAM will probably be in the $100 neighborhood, so that leaves about $150-200 for the motherboard.

Thoughts/suggestions/anything else? Thank ya'll in advance for the input.

 

[o1die]

The abit ip35-e was a favorite of overclockers (discontinued). It's still available at a handful of venders, starting at about $85 shipped. You'll have to do a yahoo or google search. If you don't need sli, the gigabyte p35 boards seem to get the most recommendations. The new x48 boards are a little out of your price range, but a few folks are getting them. I have a lowly g31 board with my compaq, so I have no experience with the better boards.

 

[Whisper]

How much are the x48 boards running? Are they in the same price range as the 790i's, or are they not quite that crazy? (I'll do a search myself to see what I can turn up as well).

Thank you for the reply

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Asus P5K-E P35 = great board - has 8 phase pwm SATA 3Gb/s 139.99$ Raid Link

 

[Heidfirst]

abit IP35 Pro is $120 after rebate (runout pricing as there is a new pro XE version, albeit with v. little difference) & is a great mobo - check the Anandtech review & then consider that the BIOS has matured further since then.
if you need/want the features at that price it's great vfm.

 

[Shimmishim]

i have had my ip35pro since its debut in July 2007 and I am still running it today.

i am upgrading to an asus x38 only because i got an itch to upgrade.

i'd recommend the IP35 or even the DfI LT P35 motherboard which is like the UT but w/o the fancy heatsinks.