Looking for new mobo

[drew and not u]

Hey guys. As you probably noticed I've been out of the loop for a long time. I'm getting fed up with my current motherboard and I'm looking to get something a little better. I'm not too worried about flat out performance. I want something with a decent bundle and lots of features.

OC ability would be nice but is not a requirement, as I'm not trying to spend a whole bunch of money on this thing. SLI wouldn't be bad, as I might pick up another 7800GT on the cheap sometime, but I'm not really a big gamer anyways.

I prefer Asus boards, but I would probably be comfortable with an EVGA or something comparable. The biggest thing I can't decide is what chipset to go with. I had an Asus P5B Delux (965 chipset) for a while and loved it. Would it be worth it for me to go with a 650i, or 680i, or even the new x38?

This computer is mostly a used for audio/video viewing/encoding, very occasional gaming, and other general use, as well as serving double duty as a media server for the rest of the house.

Max budget is $200, but I'd really rather not spend more than $150.

Thanks!!

Current specs:
E6400
Foxconn 975X7-AB
2x1GB Kingston DDR2-800
7800GT
3x SATA2 HDDs

[One4yu2c]

Long time no see, Drewbie! Before the floodgates of recommendations open up, have you considered opening up a thread detailing the problems you've been having with your current mobo, or hitting us up on Skype? I'm guessing an issue with Operator Headspace and Timing, and would hate to see you unnecessarily spend $150+ if it's a simple fix. Like plugging in a power connector (flashback!).

On a side note, drop in more often!

[Yellowhello]

I have the PERFECT offer for you, Drew. Right here: http://forums.hardwarelogic.com/f35/...lus-10440.html

Link also in my sig.

[halutzparilla]

Nate mobo is stable only down part is its one chipset generation lower than your 975X...
i never like 975X boards anyway, i gave my old Intel BadAX 975x to my brother when i build
his puter....

[Yellowhello]

Originally Posted by halutzparilla

Nate mobo is stable only down part is its one chipset generation lower than your 975X...

You mean the 650i came out before the 975X?! Definitely not... If you mean that the 975X is better than the 650i, still not... but it's debatable...

[halutzparilla]

okie... sorry i thought P5N32-E is a 965P, and if its 650i against 975X, i would go for 650i...
like i said i had bad experience with 975X board... other than that i never seen 975X board
flourish more than 965P boards...

[screwballl]

stay away from the gigabyte DS3 boards... (P35 or P965)

[Tech Geek Deluxe]

Have you considered the ABIT IP35 Pro LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard. Current technology and room to grow. Excellent reviews, lots of awards. $159 shipped now after rebate from Newegg. Solid on features. Great value for the bucks.

I just did a build with one [The PC I am using] ... it is one of the better boards I have used. [I usually build with Asus]

I like the CMOS reset being external, the e-satas, raid is a snap. The balance of needful features. Has all solid capacitors and Decent cooling.

There are better boards at considerably higher prices. However I just finished researching and couldn't find one in this range that could compete with its features and reviews and ratings etc.

I did however buy a second board that is on its way to me for my server. GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS4 [$169]... Reviews are solid and features seem adequate at an OK price range. [Their X38 is another $110 from its current price point] I would say this is a solid second choice. I chose it for the higher end Motherboard components that are part of their "ultra durable, ultra cooling."

While I like Asus and have the P5B Deluxe and the P5B Plus [a cheap Quad ready board that I bought "open box" for $84 for my sons pc.]

I think the Abit and Gigabyte boards above have the edge on Asus boards ... on quality, performance and reviews and have better features for less money.

[drew and not u]

Thanks for the input guys. I do like that abit board, but I'm still kind of stuck on Asus. Every Asus board I've owned has been completely painless, while pretty much every non Asus board I've owned has given me problems.
I'm thinking about going with this open box P5K Premium. Any thoughts?

[gvblake22]

Be prepared for the possibility of not getting ANY accessories (like back I/O shield, manual, cables, adapters, etc) with that Newegg open box deal. Otherwise, it should be a solid board.