I would like to build a new computer to replace aging system that is also experiencing intermittent lockups (haven't been able to troubleshoot it but believe it to be hardware related rather than OS). What I'm looking for is people who have used motherboards from several manufacturers and have a favorite that they would use for their next system. In addition to being able to support this processor, I'd like the board to also support the following:
- minimum 4GB RAM (dual channel, DDR-2 800)
- 2 x PCI Express x16 w/ SLI support
- SATA 3.0 Gb/s
- at least one IDE port
- minimum 4 USB 2.0 ports
- on board audio
- on board 10/100/1000 Ethernet
- ATX form factor
Optionally, I'd like the following support too:
- hardware RAID 0,1
- compatible with Linux and/or Solaris x86 (on board network usually a driver issue)
- support more than just the CPU fan speed monitoring
Please avoid providing just a benchmark link unless backing up a statement. (I can find plenty of those on my own) Thanks
2007-05-01 09:55:30 · 4 answers · asked by Jim Maryland 7 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
If possible, please include any positive/negative feedback from the vendors website for driver/utility updates too.
Oh, suggest as though money isn't a major factor. I'm not necessarily looking to build a cheap system. The entire family plays a variety of games ranging from The Sims 2 to the latest FPS games so I'm hoping to build something to last through a few years of upcoming games.
If anyone has any thoughts on the AMD AthlonTM 64 FX Socket L1 configurations for gaming systems, chime in too. Might be a bit more than I can spend at this time, but maybe I can convince my wife to let me splurge on this a bit.
2007-05-01 10:03:38 · update #1
Johnny G - I don't intend to use on-board graphics. I'm looking to use SLI so that is why I was listing the 2x PCI Express x16 w/ SLI support. The board you listed unfortunately doesn't support SLI but does meet all the other requirements (at least at a glance). It even has RAID5 support which is a bit of a surprise for a desktop motherboard.
I'll check out some of the reviews there for similar boards too.
2007-05-01 10:30:04 · update #2
mysticman44 - I realize most applications will be single threaded, particularly games (although hopefully with more dual core systems out, game developers will start multi-threading their games). I'm also a software developer and I'd like the ability to run some more processor intense applications (BEA WebLogic and Oracle for example). I'm also considering the possibility of setting up VMWare so having the extra cores would be of use. These are not primary needs though so I didn't list them. (Actually I think my wife would be a bit upset if I started setting up a work development environment at home...games take enough time already).
2007-05-01 17:11:00 · update #3
Can't believe no one suggested this, it was the board I thought of immediately when reading your question:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131593 ASUS is easily the best maker of motherboards, and this one meets all your needs. (Not sure about Linux/Solaris).
As for the quad FX setup, not at all necessary for gaming. Current games only use one core, so why on earth would you need 4. Plus, AMDs new chips will be true quad cores, meaning four cores on one die.
EDIT: Well then, if you do want four cores you should either be looking at Intels current quad cores, which blow the quad FX out of the water, or wait until the AMD quad cores I mentioned come out.
2007-05-01 15:56:36 · answer #1 · answered by mysticman44 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here is a very solid AM2 Mother Board at newegg.com
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813127237
This board has great reviews and meets or exceeds every thing you were asking for. The audio is not onboard but it does come with a riser card for audio. Good Luck,
Joe
2007-05-01 10:28:20 · answer #2 · answered by Joe K 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188016
This is the mobo I use in the computer I just built. it has onboard audio, up to 8 GB ram, 2x PCIe x16, Supports Nvidia EPP RAM, dual gigabit ethernet. All this and it is really cheap for a quality motherboard.
2007-05-01 12:24:41 · answer #3 · answered by krg427 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128010
This board is a great board, but I would go with one without onboard graphics for better quality in video and gamming. Newegg.com is where you can find amd boards and customer reviews of the boards.
2007-05-01 10:22:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋