Need help selecting a new Motherboard

[crimsondrac]

I am thinking about upgrading some hardware on my current gamer box. It has been a few years since I've upgraded and I am currently running a Asus P5NE-SLI with a 3 Ghz Pentium D. I am planning on upgrading to the 3 Ghz Core 2 Duo E 8400 Proc but can not decide on a good motherboard.

I have decided I do not need the SLI and I am not interested in the CrossfireX either. I will probably not need more then 4GB of RAM in the forseeable future. I would like at least 3 standard PCI slots but could probably live with just 2. Do not need DDR3. Will probably run DDR2 1066. I have been looking at the Asus P5Q series but can not find any info on what the differences between the model numbers are (Deluxe vs Pro vs SE vs etc.) and I have seen some bad reviews on varios sites so I am not sure.

I would like to stay under $150 if possible.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[krnmastersgt]

If you want a cheap board, there's the this:
Foxconn nF610i/GF7050 $50
If you want something a bit more mid/high end that's pretty damn stable, the P5Q series is a good way to go, along with the P45 boards from Gigabyte. For instance:
This Gigabyte EP45-DS3L $85 amir or this Asus P5Q SE Plus $82 amir. Both are good boards that many users here use, so there's loads of people who can give you advice if you need it.

 

[Denithor]

Welcome to the forums!

The Asus P5Q series is great - very solid boards with easy BIOS updating and plenty of OC options if you're into that.

Best thing to do is go read the sticky threads at the top of the General Hardware forum. They basically lay out the best options for new builds and you can then post over there for fine tuning advice.

Also, once you've started picking out specific parts take a cruise through the Hot Deals forum, there's always some great deals floating around if you take the time to look.

 

[crimsondrac]

Thanks for the advice and pointers. After some more extensive looking, I think I have settled on the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R. I just need to make sure my powersupply has the 8-pin MB plug. I am pretty sure it has a 4+4 plug but I want to make sure before buying one and finding out I need a new powersupply as well.

Will definately check out the hot deals forums.

Thanks again.