Please help me select a new MB...

[leeland]

Hi all...

I am working on building a new computer (first one in a long time)...I finally got approval from the boss (wife). SO...I have been reviewing various components since i will basically have to rebuild from scratch (minus a monitor, keyboard/mouse & case).


Problem is I haven't built a rig in so long i am OUT of the LOOP with motherboards and all the new features...
the Last MB I purchased was the Epox 8HKA + SO it has been awhile. Most motherboards now adays have so many features it is mind boggling...so then it comes down to decision of what is right for you or what does XXX the best...

In no particular order I am wanting the following out of my motherboard...

Motherboard request/requirements

• 
  Stable - Doesn't everyone
  Good Overclocking - I was hoping to do some mild/major overclocking, so I would like to have that flexibility.
  SLI - Since I probably won't be able to build or upgrade this rig for another 7 years (as long as it took me to convince the wife to do this build) I will probably want to have an SLI mb as well so I can add a second video card in the future...
  Onboard LAN (I believe they all come now with Dual GB NICs)
  Onboard Sound (Not sure if I can get away with onboard sound or not...)

EDIT
Two other questions...regarding overclocking.

1. If I were to want to overclock what is the right way to go about selecting the right memory or "best" memory to achieve the best results?
   
   I have read some articles about CPU coolers specifically the Zalman 9700 and Thermaltake Big Typhoon....if you have either of these two coolers, what do you like and dislike about each?

I am going with some variation of the following for my components:

• 
  Intel proc E6600 or greater
  Nvidia 8800GTS 640 mb
  2 Gigs of ram (unknown what brand at this time)
  New HD (undecided if I will get a 150 gb Raptor or Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320 gb )
  New Power supply (undecided)

If anyone could please drop me some recommendations I would appreciate it...I have read a lot of reviews on Newegg and Anandtech but honestly get a little lost with all the new technology in these chipsets...ect and which is better than the next...

Thanks in advance.

Leeland

 

[Heidfirst]

Well, if you want SLI that means nVidia 650iSLI or 680I based chipsets (asus also do a hybrid 650i/570 SLI as just reviewed by Anandtech).
If it really has to last that space of time the eVGA 680i SLI 775 A1 may be worth it for the long warranty.

 

[leeland]

Originally posted by: Heidfirst
Well, if you want SLI that means nVidia 650iSLI or 680I based chipsets (asus also do a hybrid 650i/570 SLI as just reviewed by Anandtech).
If it really has to last that space of time the eVGA 680i SLI 775 A1 may be worth it for the long warranty.

I put the comment in there about the length of time that it needs to last kind of cheek in tongue....meaning that I won't be able to just upgrade at the drop of a hat like I used to...something would have to break.

when discussing chipsets I see the references to nVidia 650i....680i and Intel...

In your Opinion...do you prefer one over the other as far as stability, overclocking, features? if you were to take SLI out of the equation?

 

[PCTC2]

nVIDIA's 680i SLI chipset is great for overclocking if you know what to do. it has a lot of small tweaks that need to be manually adjusted to get a good OC. it can handle well up to 500 FSB stock but its main plus is its ability to overclock RAM. It used to slightly fry RAM, but the new A1 revision fixes that and it can get OCs on RAMs. It does run hot though. And if you run SLI with an 8800, you lose a PCIe 1x and a PCI 2.1 slot. but the eVGA 680i A1 is a great board with a lifetime warranty.
EDIT: Also, the 680i allows RAM to run at 1T (massive bandwidth) rather than 2T.

 

[Cardio]

My Evga 680i has been a joy from the start. I had no problem of any kind setting it up. It has more features than you will ever need. It has had perfect stability and over clocks superbly. It looks good and I could not ask for more. Recommend it without reservation. Also, I think about any heatsink will fit. Have tried Scythe Ninja, Thermalright Ultra Extreme (touches nb but fits), Thermaltake Typhoon VX, now running Monsoon II. All work well, Monsoon about 5c cooler at load.

 

[brencat]

Sounds like you want to take a look at the MSI P6N SLI Platinum and the Asus P5N32-E SLI Plus, both recently reviewed by Anandtech. 650i chipsets both so you'll have significantly less demons than the P965 mobos, plus you can run 1T command rates and have great flexibility to OC your RAM too.

For coolers, I recommend the Tuniq Tower 120 or Thermalright Ultra 120.

For HDD, you can get a 150gb Raptor for $179 after rebate at newegg currently.

Re Power Supplies, don't cheap out. Spend the money for a good one you'll have many years. I recommend this:

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817703005

Or this if you are going modular:

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817151030

Lastly, wait until April 22 for the Intel CPU price drops! All the best, B.

 

[leeland]

Is it really worth using SLI if you I am only going to be able to run it at 1600 x 1200? or would it be a better idea to simply get the latest and greatest single card?

Brencat thanks for the recommendations regarding PS...those look solid.

Cardio thanks for the recommendation on the Evga board...I have read some good things about the features and flexibility of that chipset...what board do you exactly have?

I was also looking at memory, I plan on doing some research on what type to get but it looks like it would be in the ballpark of Corsair or Crucial....

The difference seems to be between the timings which I don't know a whole bunch about yet...the more expensive RAM has lower timings 4-4-4-12 with a voltage of 2.1 vs 5-5-5-12 with a voltage of 1.9

Any major difference there?

Thanks again guys for the info.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: leeland
Is it really worth using SLI if you I am only going to be able to run it at 1600 x 1200? or would it be a better idea to simply get the latest and greatest single card?

Brencat thanks for the recommendations regarding PS...those look solid.

Cardio thanks for the recommendation on the Evga board...I have read some good things about the features and flexibility of that chipset...what board do you exactly have?

I was also looking at memory, I plan on doing some research on what type to get but it looks like it would be in the ballpark of Corsair or Crucial....

The difference seems to be between the timings which I don't know a whole bunch about yet...the more expensive RAM has lower timings 4-4-4-12 with a voltage of 2.1 vs 5-5-5-12 with a voltage of 1.9

Any major difference there?

Thanks again guys for the info.

MAKE sure you stick with the A1 revsion. I was running the AR and it crapped out on me. Im still on the AR until my ApogeeGTX comes in tommarrow.

the 680i is uber expensive for a board. Not as expensive as the Striker. If your going to get the EVGA, make sure its the A1 and not T1. A1 has the lifetime advance replacement. T1 has 2 yr crap replacement. Meaning u mail it first.

 

[Heidfirst]

Originally posted by: leeland
Is it really worth using SLI if you I am only going to be able to run it at 1600 x 1200? or would it be a better idea to simply get the latest and greatest single card?

In that case I would get the single best card that you can - in which case that then opens up the mobo to other chipsets.
So, it's what features do you need/want & what budget do you have?

I was also looking at memory, I plan on doing some research on what type to get but it looks like it would be in the ballpark of Corsair or Crucial....

I would go for Crucial Ballistix 5300 C3, 6400C4 or 8000 C5 - afaik they all use the same modules but just programmed with different SPD. That means that any of them will do over DDr2 1000 if you slacken the timings & increase the voltage.

 

[leeland]

Originally posted by: Heidfirst

Originally posted by: leeland
Is it really worth using SLI if you I am only going to be able to run it at 1600 x 1200? or would it be a better idea to simply get the latest and greatest single card?

In that case I would get the single best card that you can - in which case that then opens up the mobo to other chipsets.
So, it's what features do you need/want & what budget do you have?

I was also looking at memory, I plan on doing some research on what type to get but it looks like it would be in the ballpark of Corsair or Crucial....

I would go for Crucial Ballistix 5300 C3, 6400C4 or 8000 C5 - afaik they all use the same modules but just programmed with different SPD. That means that any of them will do over DDr2 1000 if you slacken the timings & increase the voltage.

The Crucial Ballistix looks like some expensive memory...I looked at newegg and it shows a price of 271 dollars...

What do you think of this Corsair memory? Cosair
for 150 for 2 gigs?