Hello fellow computer geeks! Ok, so here is my question: I'm building a new gaming rig, but on a budget. I'm planning on buying a Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz Model BX80557E6400. I would like to know what would a decent motherboard be for relatively cheap, and also how much does a given motherboard chipset help/hinder performance, specifically gaming performance? (My components are linked below) https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersio...sp?WishListNumber=4336751&WishListTitle=ohrly Thanks in advance for any suggestions! -Charkosh
The nForce 680i is the chipset that's generally the best overclocker. Intel's i975X isn't terrible either, but given these two boards are in the same price range, the 680i wins out. The only bad thing is the motherboards with these chipsets command $200-250 US on upwards. Intel's mainstream chipset, the P965 is what you want to look at. Asus P5B or Gigabyte's GA-965-DQS are your best bets for overclocking.
Thanks for your response, Big_B what do you think? Newegg.com - Open Box: ASUS P5B ATX Intel Motherboard - OEM or GIGABYTE GA-965G-DS3 LGA 775 Intel G965 Express (See this post.)
They're both solid boards from what I've read. The only thing I'm aware of is that you'll want to make sure whatever DDR2 modules you buy work at 1.8-1.9V when going with the Gigabyte. Outside of that, I hear it's a real screamer in the overclocking department. The Asus you linked is an open box, so it may not have all the parts. Newegg does sell the unopened retail version of the motherboard, however.
