Motherboard with PCI2.0 or DDR2 1066 memory

[Brose]

I have just recently decided to build my first computer, so I have been doing a lot of research to determine the parts suitable for me. However, I am a little stuck when it comes to a new motherboard.

From what I understand there are some motherboards that have a PCI2.0 slot and some motherboards that support DDR2 1066 memory. Unfortunately, there are virtually none that have both (or any that I have seen that are recommended).

Originally, I was deciding to go with a Intel Quad Core Q6600 processor, a 8800GTS video card, and 2gb or 4gb of DDR2 1066 ram.

But, if I go with the Gigabyte P35 DS3L, my ram will be running at full capacity but my video card will not.

Where as, if I get the NVIDIA nForce 780i, my video card will be fully optimized but I will have to settle for DDR2 800 memory.

So my question is, which motherboard would be better? Rather, which feature is more important? or am I missing something?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Misc. facts:
- not really willing to spend more than the 780i board
- not planning to upgrade for several yrs.
- I will be playing video games on this machine.

 

[Blazer7]

There're some mobos out there that will support both PCI-E 2.0 and DDR2-1066 like Gigabyte's GA-X48-DQ6 (supports up to DDR2-1200). You should keep in mind that JEDEC's stds stop at DDR2-800. Anything beyond that is considered as oced mem. Most good mobos out there will have no problem with higher speed mems.

The 780 supports DDR2-1200 EPP ready mem for sure. I'm running 4 DDR2-1066 sticks on my 680 @ 1066 although the board officially supports up to DDR2-800 and I know that I can also use even faster mems like DDR2-1200 EPP.

 

[Brose]

Yea, I actually just came across Gigabyte's GA-X48-DQ6. But, it is a deactivated item on newegg and i can't seem to find it anywhere else.

 

[Blazer7]

AFAIK the board is still out there. Anyways, most quallity P35/X48/780 boards will have no problem with DDR2-1066 mems so the GA-X48-DQ6 is not your only option.

 

[cactusdog]

OMG get a P5E (X38) or a P5E Deluxe (X48) instead of a DQ6, trust me, been there done that.