Topic: Looking for new motherboard and ram

[LobbDogg]

I'm looking to purchase a new CPU, mobo, ram, video card, power supply.

I'm probably going to go with a Intel Core2 Duo E6550, Evga 8800 gts 320mb PCI-E, and an Antec 650watt PSU with triple 12v rails.

But I'm not sure on the Motherboard and RAM to get. I'm looking for the best bang for the buck. I will not be doing ANY overclocking, nor much system tweaking. Just looking for a solid board with a few options. Also I'd like to get the stuff from Memory Express since it is close by. My main uses are playing World of Warcraft, editing pictures, and PVR stuff through my TV tuner. I will be using Vista as well, so I'm debating on doing 4gb of ram

I'm open to any suggestions though. I only need these components as I plan to use parts from my old system.

Thanks

[Zeus]

I've heard people have issues with many 650i boards and 4GB of RAM.  If you want a solid board and don't plan for much overclocking, I'd recommend the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R board.  It supports new CPU's and should last you until you want to upgrade to a Oct-Core processor.

For RAM, I'd actually recommend a set of Patriot PC2-6400 2GB modules.  This kit will only set you back $258 (After Rebate), and you'll be much happier than with OCZ in my opinion.

If you go Vista, go 64-bit.  Most hardware supports it now (check first) and it will offer the best performance for 4GB of memory today and tomorrow.

Hope that gives you some ideas.

[LobbDogg]

Thanks for the input Zeus, I was looking at that motherboard originally, but I've been slacking off when it comes to knowing all the chipsets and what memory is best to use with each chipset, etc.

[LiViD]

With the P35/G33/G35/X38 chipsets, you can use any speed of RAM from PC2-5300 (667) to PC2-8500 (1066). If you are running a P965, i975X, or nForce 6xx solution, you are limited from PC2-4200 (533) to PC2-6400 (800).

Nvidia states that the 680i will take 1066 RAM, but it is overclocking. I have only had a few brands work at that speed on the 680i. Either the Mushkin XP2-8500, Patriot PC2-8500, or the Crucial Ballistix PC2-8500.

[LobbDogg]

I went with the above mentioned RAM and motherboard. It runs like a champ. Thanks for the help.

[Zeus]

Glad to see you're happy.  According to your sig, you've got one of top 10 systems at BCCHardware now!  Nice!  World of Warcraft needs some pretty steep hardware so you'll be laughing all the way to the jungles in Stranglethorn Vale.

[Luvlyan]

Glad to see you're happy.  According to your sig, you've got one of top 10 systems at BCCHardware now!  Nice!  World of Warcraft needs some pretty steep hardware so you'll be laughing all the way to the jungles in Stranglethorn Vale.

There's something wrong with his power supply though. I think it should be written 620W