Recommend a Motherboard??

[mp5navy]

I've been working on getting rid of some of the components from my current system so I will be using a lot of my "old stuff" (from about a year ago). I currently have a 2.8e prescott and an abit ai7 motherboard. Of course I cannot stand the heat coming off the prescott. So, I am hoping a 3200+ a64 venice will take care of this. I am going to give a brief summary of the parts I'll be using... maybe if someone can recommend a good board? I was looking at the DFI LanParty Ultra D NF4 but I only see the OEM version on newegg (I don't think this has a warranty, cables, or I/O shield??) I'm sure some boards work better than others for compatibility. I think I might overclock but my main concern is having a quick computer that does not give off too much heat (like the prescott!). I really only play Counter Strike 1.6 but I wouldn't mind trying out CS:S.

AMD Athlon 64 Venice 3200+ (haven't purchased yet)
Nvidia 6600GT or ATI x700 (pci-e)
Thermaltake PurePower 420w PSU
CORSAIR XMS 1GB (2 x 512MB) DDR400 (PC3200)
2- Western Digital Caviar SE 120 GB SATA150 Hard Drives (raid 0)
Western Digital Caviar SE 80 GB ATA133 Hard Drive
Pioneer DVR-A09XLC DVD Writer
Liteon DVD Rom
SkyHawk MSR-4610 Aluminum Case

I think that's about it? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Appledrop]

well... first off id take the 6600gt over the x700 (it is better, after all!) but the motherboard, well i would go for the new epox nforce4 or the dfi nf4 [id find out which 1 can take venice core without requiring bios update from the go before hand!!]

 

[theMan]

i would definately go for the dfi if you want to do some high overclocks, or you could get the msi nf4 platt

 

[mp5navy]

Is this the EPoX board you are recommending? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813123236

I will also look at the MSI.... about the DFI though. Is there any way I can get this board http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136152
in the Retail version? I would prefer a warranty, cables, i/o shield if possible.

 

[Appledrop]

Originally posted by: mp5navy
Is this the EPoX board you are recommending? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813123236

yes. I think your main concern should be getting a mobo that will accept a venice from the box though, since the Epox, MSI, and DFI are all very nice boards.

edit: read this thread, The Epox will work, and its a great board! Go for it!

 

[Rike]

I would say DFI nforce4 Ultra. Check out Monarch's Combo's.

If you wanted to get a little crazy, you could get some OCZ VX Value ram and OC like a madman.

Edit: The combos come with a Far Cry DVD and Half-Life 2 Download. That might offset some of the price difference from other sites.