Motherboard Decisions

[m33pm33p]

Currently trying to find a new AM3 motherboard that is SATA 6/USB 3 compatible. What are some of the better boards out there for sub $175.00 that meet this criteria? Thanks

 

[crucibelle]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131647

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157208

 

[m33pm33p]

Thanks for the reply!

Ive currently been thinking about this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003964KK8?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&tag=invihand-20

Motherboards happen to be one of my weakest area's with PC assembly right now though. What exactly should I be looking for as far as the performance factor with them?

I guess another pertinent piece of information would be that I am currently running an NVIDIA GTX 460 1GB. I do not ever plan to run crossfire/SLI(obviously) in the future so Id rather not waste money on a board that is somewhat more exspensive due to this option only.

 

[crucibelle]

No problem. The board you've picked out will be fine.. I really love Asus boards...very reliable & long-lasting, in my experience. You can't really go wrong with any AMD chipset board from Asus, Gigabyte, or MSI (those are the Tier 1 mobo makers). Just pick a board that has the features you desire, and you'll be golden.

ps - and, if you should have any problem with the mobo you select, you can come back here and we can help you get it sorted. I don't foresee you having any problems, though. I always download the manual & read it before I even receive the mobo, just so I can be familiar with everything. I think it's a good idea, personally.

 

[m33pm33p]

No problem. The board you've picked out will be fine.. I really love Asus boards...very reliable & long-lasting, in my experience. You can't really go wrong with any AMD chipset board from Asus, Gigabyte, or MSI (those are the Tier 1 mobo makers). Just pick a board that has the features you desire, and you'll be golden.

ps - and, if you should have any problem with the mobo you select, you can come back here and we can help you get it sorted. I don't foresee you having any problems, though. I always download the manual & read it before I even receive the mobo, just so I can be familiar with everything. I think it's a good idea, personally.

My biggest thing is I really dont know what I desire sans what I put in first post. I just want to get the best bang for my buck and somewhat futureproofed.

 

[crucibelle]

My biggest thing is I really dont know what I desire sans what I put in first post. I just want to get the best bang for my buck and somewhat futureproofed.

Understood. Performance wise, I think most of the Tier 1 AMD chipset boards are pretty much alike. So, it becomes a matter of features. For example, some boards have firewire, some don't. Some have on-board graphics. Some have e-sata. So, you just decide what you need and go with it. Of course, the more features a board has, the more it's going to cost.

Basically, you could get the least expensive board from a reputable brand, and you'd still be fine.

As for future-proofing: AMD's next line of processors will not be compatible with the AM3 socket. However, you could still upgrade to a hex-core (AM3) later down the road (assuming that's not what you are getting now).

 

[jwc553911]

I got that board at newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131631

It was a combo with a Phenom II X4 965.
Have been very happy with it! Just chose your memory carefully.

 

[mb103051]

thats a nice board

 

[crucibelle]

I got that board at newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131631

It was a combo with a Phenom II X4 965.
Have been very happy with it! Just chose your memory carefully.

Very nice board, indeed! Is it picky with memory?