YAMRT

[Modular]

I just picked up this AM2 X2 CPU for $25 on sale and am looking for some MOBO recommendations for it. At this point I'm thinking it's going to be used as an HTPC, as my old p4 2.8 and 6600gt aren't cutting it for HD content, but I may just use it as a gamer as well. Currently, my gaming PC is an Athlon 3400+ overclocked to 2.5Ghz and an HD4850 pushing the pixels.

I was thinking about using the Gigabyte MA790GP-DS4H but am open to suggestions. I really like this board because it has Crossfire, but also because it wouldn't require a video card at all if I were to use it as a HTPC.

What do you all think? I wouldn't be willing to spend more than $150 shipped on a MOBO and wouldn't mind the features of the Gigabyte board at a lower price either.

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

So you're spending $139.99 on a motherboard for a $25 processor? Why would you game on a dual core 2400? Fry's has an Intel C2D 7200/mobo combo for $99.

 

[Modular]

True about the gaming...but it would be leagues ahead of what I currently have, no? In the end, ideally I would game w/ a Core 2 processor, but at this point I'm thinking of using this 2400 AMD processor as an HTPC as it has such low power consumption. Also, that board is always upgradeable to a Phenom should the mood strike me. Even though Phenom doesn't come close to a higher end C2D, it's still plenty fast for any modern game.

Do you have any MOBO suggestions since I already own this CPU and you don't seem to like my current pick?

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

This one

 

[Modular]

Awesome! Thanks so much. It basically has everything I would need in a media PC: Room for 3 capture cards and a decent video card (should I decide to go that route), but the integrated graphics are plenty for HD content from what I've read so far. Thanks again!

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

You're welcome.