System Recommendation Please

[raven2005]

My first topic. . .please be nice. . .

I am having trouble picking out a MB for this system.

Looking for motherboard to compliment:

Antec TX640B 400Watt ATX12V V2.0
I realize that is a little low (needed a mini case) but there will not be any over clocking or SLI. I'm not interesting in SLI motherboard. Interested in stability. Specs on Power Supply (Smart Power 400):
+3.3V +5V +12V1 +12V2 +5V SB -12V
30A 28A 14A 15A 2.0A 0.3A

I realize 170-180 watts per rail is little low, but I would think fine for 1 video card card.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3700+ 2.2 GHz
Best bang for the buck, unless someone has another recommendation.

EVGA Nvidia Geforce 6800GS
Best bang for the buck, but may have problems fitting on non-SLI motherboard due to size (have heard of issues with some of the NFORCEE4 Ultra's)

1 optical drive (tbd)
1 SATA II drive (tbd)
1 PATA drive (existing)
1GB of RAM to start
PS2 Keyboard (temp due to existing KVM)
PS2 mouse (temp due to existing KVM)
Need 1394
I will use onboard sound and networking

Thanks in advance.

Top Choices as of 12/20:
ABIT AN8-ULTRA
ECS KN1 Extreme
EPoX EP-9NPA+Ultra

Not a choice
ASUS A8N-E Ultra (no firewire, but great MB from what I have read)

THANKS IN ADVANCE

 

[tropic]

I've done many system builds with both the Abit and Epox MBs you mentioned. They're both fast and solid. I like the Abit's passive northbridge cooler and the Epox' super-complete retail bundle.

 

[raven2005]

Thanks for the info. I'm really leaning towards the Abit. Concerned about 6800GS coving a USB header or something along that PCIe slot. Thanks again.

Any suggestions as to which board is easiest for a newby like me? Last system I built (still using) was a 1500XP with a Shuttle AK31. . .about 4 years ago. Haven't upgraded since then except hard drives. Everythign has changed. . .PCIe, SLI, SATA, lots more integrated on motherboards. . .a brave new world. . .

Thanks again.

 

[mc866]

Do you plan on OC'ing?

If so go with the Epox

 

[raven2005]

No overclocking.