[quote=""Comadevil""]
A-DATA 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model ADQVE1B16K
$77.99
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX All Solid Capacitor Intel Motherboard
$89.99
[/quote]
I'm currently on travel for work and have not purchased some of the main components yet. Fortunately, I have had time to do a ton of research and still on the edge of what to do. Here is what I have purchased so far:
Intel Quadcore Q6600 (64 bit 2.4GHz):
$190
Maxtor L01F500 500GB (SATAII -3.0 GB/sec, 16MB buffer, 7200 RPM, 3 Year Warranty):
$90
Antec Nine Hundred Gaming Case
$80
Vista Home Premium (64 bit, etc.)
$99
I have not purchased RAM or a powersupply because I am still deciding on the best mother board for my system. I know SLI is not worth the money, but this board has good reviews, offers SLI and PCI 2.0 and costs $149:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... _-13131232
I can get Kingston RAM (240 pin 800MHz 2GB each) for $99 (4GB total and take 2 slots) and I verified it works on this board up to 8GB.
Then I can get an Antec 650W power supply with 120mm fan (quite) for $120 (an 850W for $150). However, 650W means SLI would only work on some of the cards (like an 8800 GT). Here is a cool link for determining power needs:
Antec
This 650W would have plenty of current available on the 3 12V rails for SLI (if I decided I wanted it later). I know, SLI is not better than the newest generation card (up to 40% better if all the stars and planets align) but in another year, an 8800 GT may only cost $100 and I could get a 25% to 40% low cost boost…
So then I go back to the board you choose, with the memory you choose and I have already saved $80. I'd probably keep the Antec power supply for that system as well. I know 650W would be overkill but its a good price and a brand I trust that has never burned me. The only problem I have with the board you choose is it does not have firewire.
I use firewire all the time. My external drive I use for backup is firewire and my digital camera also supports firewire. I do not want to add an extra PCI card if I can get firewire right off the bat. The ASUS board above does have firewire...
So many choices I’m going crazy. Do any of you guys have another suggestion for a motherboard with firewire and all the features needed for current hardware?
EDIT: Thinking about this some more, the PCIe 2.0 may not be useful now, but I just spoke with an eVGA rep that told me this. Think of a highway with a speed limit of 90 mph and all the cars can go 90mph and then the speed limit is jumped to 200 mph but all the cards still go 90mph. Buying PCIe 2.0 future proofs somewhat since when the new cards come out that do go 200 mph, I won't have to upgrade the motherboard. Getting a 650W PS would also ensure I could support those new cards. I would probably never use the SLI feature (unless I bought an old card for almost free), but I do not have to, it still has PCIe 2.0.
I could also get an 850W power supply for $20 more but it has an 80mm fan (louder). This would allow me to SLI future cards, but I will probably never do that anyway. Is the extra 200W worth the extra $20 and louder fan? Using the calcultor above, with conservative estimates (using power supply for years and capacitor wear), even if I SLI with 100% usage (never is everything at 100%), it claims a 651W PS is all I would ever need with two 8800 GT cards. I think I answered this question, but I would like some other opinions.
I'm really banging my head on the wall right now, thoughts, advice, opinions???