Picking the right motherboard - integrated graphics vs non

[Linconclusive]

I've recently decided to build my first computer from scratch, which is giving me a pretty steep learning curve I must admit, but I've run into some problems with the motherboard. I'm looking at the AMD Phenom II X6 CPU at the moment, but I'd like a little advice where the motherboard's concerned. Last time I looked - which was a long time ago! - it seemed like a bad idea to get one with an integrated graphics card (I'm a big gamer, so to upgrade and keep with the times is a must), but every one I find now seems to come with it integrated. I may well have got completely the wrong end of the stick with this, so I've got a couple of questions - will having an integrated graphics card still let me add my own card if the time comes that I'd like to upgrade it? What are people's opinions on having them integrated? And does anyone have any suggestions for a good motherboard to accompany the Phenom X6?

 

[FishAk]

As a gamer, the iGPU won't be of any value except for troubleshooting. But it also won't get in your way. The boards have the option to not use the iGPU, and only use your graphics card. So unless you see a board that has all the options you want, but is less expensive because it doesn't have integrated graphics, don't worry about it.

 

[Linconclusive]

That's great to know. Gonna save me a lot of hassle.

 

[Gigantopithecus]

And does anyone have any suggestions for a good motherboard to accompany the Phenom X6?

I just upgraded my own motherboard to one of these & built a friend an X6 box with the same board yesterday. It's solid.

Edit: it has d-sub, dvi, & hdmi outs for the igpu - these are really, really nice to have for troubleshooting purposes - or in case your graphics card dies on you unexpectedly.