Need to build an affordable, stable PC for the folks.

[yacoub]

I figure I can build them for nearly the same cost: a C2D 6300, 1GB RAM, and 975X motherboard or X2 4200+, 1GB RAM, and AM2 motherboard.

Doesn't have to be OMGFAST, just decent performance, reliable, and stable. As few moving parts as possible (no motherboard fan, probably a fanless GPU, etc).

I can figure out a case, PSU, and GPU, and even which X2 or C2D processor I end up with doesn't really matter, but I would like recommendations for the motherboard and if I should look at AM2 or 975X, since those seem to be the only two options for stable platforms. (P965 seems to have a lot of RAM quirks, s939 boards are not typically as stable as AM2 boards).

I don't care about overclocking or gaming or extra features. I mostly want passively-cooled so there's no noisy quick-death motherboard fan involved and stability.

What's the most stable/reliable AM2 board, and what is the most stable/reliable 975X board that's C2D compatible?

 

[Talcite]

If AM2 board, DON"T get the asus M2N-E. that's just asking for trouble

for the 975x board, get an intel.

 

[Niv KA]

by 775x you mean 975X chipset right (not the soc. LGA775)

 

[yacoub]

correct, thanks i'll fix that

 

[customcoms]

S939 boards are WAAAAAY more stable than AM2 at this point. You can pick up a DFI Lanparty UT Ultra-D and rock and roll on S939 (its the best $99 board availble imo). The "equivalent" AM2 boards are $150-200. If you have to have AM2 (I don't see this computer getting upgraded and at this point S939 and AM2 are within 10% performance wise), I would look at the Epox boards. The DFI Infinity AM2 board is also an option.

As for the C2D setup, I don't think this rig needs a $200 overclocking mobo, which is where all the 975X chipset board lie at the moment. The best is arguably this: Asus P5W3 DH Deluxe http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131025 or the Intel BadAxe: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813121016. Both of which are $270 mobo's.

As for more resonable price conroe boards, you have these two options really: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813157092 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128012

You were asking for a mature platform, and both of the options you listed are NOT mature platforms (AM2 and C2D) by any means. DFI hasn't released a Lanparty board for either platform (although I'm not expecting a great C2D baord from them), and every board out their for these two platforms is practically getting a daily bios update. If you were asking for a S939 board, I would say go to newegg, pick your price and features and the board you buy will do just great. This is not true yet of AM2 or C2D platforms.