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Around Campus => Paty Hall => Topic started by: LegalAcidity on March 09, 2011, 03:08:11 PM



Title: Motherboard question
Post by: LegalAcidity on March 09, 2011, 03:08:11 PM
I'm looking to build a computer from scratch.  So far I've basically decided on the following:

--AMD Phenom II X6 1075T or 1090T CPU
--ATI Radeon HD 5870 GPU
--8 GB DDR3 RAM
--Probably go with a mid-ATX case w/at least two fans
--600W power supply

My question is which brand (and maybe even specific model) to go with for the motherboard.  I know next to nothing about motherboards, as I've never had to choose one before.  Considering the only two things I plan to add to it are the GPU and a wireless card, the number of expansion slots doesn't matter as much.


Title: Re: Motherboard question
Post by: deahl001 on March 09, 2011, 03:12:33 PM
How much do you want to spend?


Title: Re: Motherboard question
Post by: deahl001 on March 09, 2011, 03:15:13 PM
Also, what is the primary use? Gaming, processing power, etc?


Title: Re: Motherboard question
Post by: deahl001 on March 09, 2011, 03:34:23 PM
Well, I just went ahead and put together a list. You can choose based on your budget as any of the following would be a great choice:

MSI 880GM-E41 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130295&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10440897&PID=3332167&SID=u00000626)

GIGABYTE GA-880GM-D2H (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128458&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10440897&PID=3332167&SID=u00000626) - Note that this one only has two slots for memory so you would need two 4 gig chips for your memory. The other would allow for 4 chips of 2gigs which would save you some money. Your choice really.

ASUS M4A88T-V (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131668&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10440897&PID=3332167&SID=u00000626)

ASUS M4A89GTD (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131633&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10440897&PID=3332167&SID=u00000626)


Also, not sure if you have chosen a case, but I highly, highly suggest one of these. You won't be disappointed.

Antec SONATA IV (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129099) - I would say take this one over any others for two reasons: 1. That is a great power supply. Can't go wrong there. 2. The 120mm fan is a safe bet. The smaller fans have crappy bearings that tend to wear out and make noise after a few months. One 120mm fan with the correct design like this case will do more for your cooling than 2 60mm fans that will make tons of noise. This case is virtually silent and has a filter for the incoming air. I own one, trust me it is the best you will find!

Antec Sonata Elite (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129057) - Basically, same as above minus the power supply.

Antec Sonata Proto (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129086) - Same as Elite with one less air filter.


All together, if it was me I would take the ASUS M4A89GTD and the Antec SONATA IV. But at least you have some options.  :P :P


Title: Re: Motherboard question
Post by: LegalAcidity on March 09, 2011, 03:56:44 PM
Thanks!  I'll take a look at those tonight and probably get back to you with some questions.

This computer will be primarily for gaming and Internet usage, with an eye towards not having to worry about any serious upgrade for at least 2, maybe 3 years.

Plus it's an excuse to spend money on geek things and then put it all together!


Title: Re: Motherboard question
Post by: SUPERCOACH on March 09, 2011, 06:15:49 PM
I also highly recommend Asus and Antec.