So I'm beginning the research for my 2nd build...

[RollWave]

Hey everyone, looking to build a computer around a Q6600 chip and an evga 8800GT. I currently run 2 24" dell monitors and need a mobo thats stable (no OC planned) as a rock.

Any recs? I've been out of the computer game for a while (last system was a socket 939) so please help me out!


EDITED June-24-2008

 

[lopri]

If you don't plan to OC, any 750i/780i/790i board from reputable vendors will do. EVGA, ASUS, MSI are popular around here.

Do not go with those 'benchmarking' boards. They tend to come equipped with everything but kitchen sink and apparently excel at record-shattering benchmark sessions, but they are usually not 'rock solid' for 24/7 usage. Their prices are also not very reasonable.

ASUS might have a workstation-class 780i/790i board but I haven't checked it lately. If not, I'd look for a 750i board from EVGA or MSI.

 

[RollWave]

Thanks for the suggestion...definitely seems the 750i is the favored board on here. Its a bit expensive though!

 

[RollWave]

Any other suggestions for rock solid stability? To be honest, if I had to go without SLI to achieve this I would..its only because I have 2 24" monitors that I want it!

 

[BassBomb]

Originally posted by: RollWave
Any other suggestions for rock solid stability? To be honest, if I had to go without SLI to achieve this I would..its only because I have 2 24" monitors that I want it!

You can't use dual monitor and SLI at the same time

 

[RollWave]

What?! Really?! 2 Graphics cards and I cant use 2 monitors!? I guess this changes everything.

 

[babcom]

The video corruption bug on nvidia 750i/780i/790i put me off buying one. Mfrs have released new BIOS updates that have supposedly fixed it but there's some confusion about this eg some ASUS board owners says it cures problem other ASUS owners says it doesn't.
NB: problem not confined to ASUS. I just chose them as they're mentioned in the nvidia thread below.

http://forums.nvidia.com/index.php?showtopic=65855

If OP still fancies this chipset read the Egg reviews before reaching a decision.

Edited to add Egg reviews.

 

[surfsatwerk]

I find Newegg reviews to be best if used for entertainment purposes only. If you need a rock solid build then Intel chips + Intel motherboards has always been my choice when stability is a higher priority than cost, OC, and any other desires.

Oh, and Mushkin ram has always been my first choice when building "stable" systems.

 

[Cogman]

Intel motherboards + Intel chips are definitely going to be the best for stability. Next I would go with Intel chip on non-intel motherboard and finally some other chipset. Intel just makes some really good chipsets.

 

[RollWave]

Yeah, I dont like going off newegg reviews...thats why I thought I'd ask the always helpful folks here for help!

 

[RollWave]

what do you guys think of http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813121100

 

[RollWave]

also what about http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813136043

 

[surfsatwerk]

Well you kinda got opposite ends of the spectrum there. The intel board is a standard onboard graphics workhorse, while the DFI board is a product geared toward OC.

 

[surfsatwerk]

double post

 

[RollWave]

Yeah I realize those two are on opposite ends, but I have to admit the negative reviews for the Intel board have me worried....I dont want to have to flash any bioses or even deal with a floppy in this build!

 

[surfsatwerk]

Originally posted by: RollWave
Yeah I realize those two are on opposite ends, but I have to admit the negative reviews for the Intel board have me worried....I dont want to have to flash any bioses or even deal with a floppy in this build!

I don't know anything about the board but if you use a floppy flashing a bios should be a fairly straightfoward process.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813121314

I just threw this with an E7200 in a new computer for my wife. Once I updated the bios I installed Vista 64, no fuss no muss. And I haven't had to mess with it since.

Edit: Now if you're interested in a board that overclocks then you should go with the DFI board you listed early, though DFI bios options can be intimidating if you're not familiar with all the options, imo.