My Build - Selecting an MB and CPU

[jinjuku]

Be careful, 'Hz' is not the only determinate for processing speed. You must also look at cache, and FSB. You will often find that a dual-core will be faster than a quad-core because of these parameters.

To 'itschris' - ASUS in my opinion is a much more reliable board than Gigabyte. I have experience many problems with Gigabyte, and many of their models turn out to be lemons. Also, I would stick to intel over AMD.

Over the past decade plus I have had a lot of success with both Gigabyte and Asus.

The both OEM for major manufacutures (HP and Dell to name two). Gigabytes server offerings are phenomenal. I wouldn't shy away from Gigabyte.

While it is true that when you disregard the $$ Intel has a better performing line up, when $$ gets introduced AMD owns the low to mid end.

 

[itschris]

Well... I found out that the new 125W 3.2 AMD chip will not work with the ASUS or Gigabyte boards. Both boards require a BIOS update that won't be available for at least a few months. There's some workarounds, but it seems like too much trouble

Maybe I ought to just stick with Intel. Back to the drawing board.

 

[itschris]

Well... I found out that the new 125W 3.2 AMD chip will not work with the ASUS or Gigabyte boards. Both boards require a BIOS update that won't be available for at least a few months. There's some workarounds, but it seems like too much trouble

Maybe I ought to just stick with Intel. Back to the drawing board.

Okay... just did more and more reading... apparently the Gigabyte boards are good to go. So... I think it's this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128378
and
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00275G0VE/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Well... I found out that the new 125W 3.2 AMD chip will not work with the ASUS or Gigabyte boards. Both boards require a BIOS update that won't be available for at least a few months. There's some workarounds, but it seems like too much trouble

Maybe I ought to just stick with Intel. Back to the drawing board.

Computers are something else.

The most important thing to me is the ability to RETURN parts (free of shipping charge) that are not compatible.

But you only have 30 days to return. So I would not buy anything until I can get all the essential parts to complete the project.

 

[fightinkraut]

Since no one mentioned it, I'll throw out the new H55 MB + i3/i5 chip from Intel...here's a list of the MB's...perhaps one of the i3's...or the i5's? (Anandtech did a great review, i3's is a budget king!)

Don't know specifically what you'll be doing with this, but if you're at all interested in HTPC down the road this allows bitstreaming with no need for separate vid card.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Radeon 5670 @ amazon.com

Here is the amazon purchase page for the Sapphire 5670 for $99 Free Shipping:

http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Radeon-PCI-Express-Graphics-100287VGAL/dp/B0033WSDNI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1263563861&sr=8-2

 

[GlocksRock]

It's not available for purchase just yet, but it's available on newegg right now... you just won't get free shipping with it.

 

[jinjuku]

I am thinking with the Radeon Mobility 5K my next HTPC may be a laptop...

 

[itschris]

It's not available for purchase just yet, but it's available on newegg right now... you just won't get free shipping with it.

What do you guys think... is it worth $50 more to get the 5750?

 

[GlocksRock]

What do you guys think... is it worth $50 more to get the 5750?

If you aren't gaming then you don't need the more powerful GPU. It won't be long and the 5650 will be out, so that will still be a few bucks less than the 5670, even still I'll likely just hold out for the lower end cards.

 

[Warpdrv]

If you haven't gotten the mobo/cpu, I would also suggest that you take a look at MWave.com, they have motherboard bundles and will assemble and test them for you before shipping.... I have had many many mobos come to me that way, and they have very good CS and return.

lots and lots of combos to setup there... my only issue is I like better quality ram, I don't know if they offer that, but it would be worth a call...

Most higher end RAM comes with a lifetime warranty - so keep that in mind, as I have had RAM fail on me, and they honor those chips.