Please recommend motherboard and RAM for new system

[avesta]

I am in the process of ordering a new system but I need some help with the motherboard and RAM. I want to order the following system:

Core 2 Duo E6400
2GB RAM
WD Raptor 10k 150GB
8800 GTS 640MB

I am ordering from http://www.ewiz.com because they ship to Germany and seem to have good prices and shipping costs.

I need help with the motherboard and RAM (2GB). Basically, I don't want to overclock the CPU right off the bat, I would like to OC it maybe 6 months after I buy it. But I don't want a crazy OC, i've heard you can OC the E6400 to 3.0GHZ on air, if you have the right RAM and motherboard, that would be enough for me. Also, the motherboard needs to be able to accomodate the 8800GTS, I've heard some can't. I will be buying the computer case locally so I don't need to order it from them.

For the mobo I was looking at this:
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-965PDS3
I like the price, and it says it supports Core 2 Duo and has 1 PCI express x16 slot for the 8800GTS. Also would the WD Raptor 10k work properly with this mobo?

For the RAM I was looking at getting 2GB in the Super Talent chips since they seem to have good prices. Remember I don't really care too much about oc'ing, I just want to have the option to do a simple OC on air in the future with this system.

Here is the link with some of the Super Talent chips:
http://www.ewiz.com/query.php?dp=2&c...or=#displaytop

Those CL4 and CL5 chips on that page look pretty good and cost $141 and $155. Please recommend me one.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

[SwedX]

EVGA 680i motherboard cant go wrong as that's was I will get and check out ppl sig here..you see that many have that great mobo!

Any PC2 6400 or PC2 8500 memory should do fine

[Greeno]

I'd say D975XBX2, but I'm biased towards Intel and i'm not exactly "Pro-SLI" to be honest... though I'd suggest you hold off for the Intel Bearlake chipset stuff that's just around the corner (if you don't want a 680i based board that is).

[jcrox]

The 680i motherboards seem to be hit or miss. My 2nd EVGA 680i should be here today...hopefully this one works.

[ynnek]

If I was to pull the trigger today, it would be a 965 board.. like the gigabyte ds3.. with some "normal" ddr2-800 ram that supports the 1.8v standard, for max compatibility, and the least headache.

[LORD-eX-Bu]

get a P965 chipset based mainboard. If you aren't going to go SLI get the Asus Commando or the gigabyte variant(it is super cheap)

I wouldn't recommend any 680i chipset based motherboard to anyone, its been nothing but headaches.

[mullet]

Originally Posted by LORD-eX-Bu

get a P965 chipset based mainboard. If you aren't going to go SLI get the Asus Commando or the gigabyte variant(it is super cheap)

I second that, my first Intel system has been pretty painless thanks to my ASUS P5B deluxe, that is if your not going SLI.

[LORD-eX-Bu]

you could still go crossfire tho, since AMD has opened crossfire to all capable platforms

Can't wait... two X2900 XTXs in crossfire

[Madpistol]

Originally Posted by LORD-eX-Bu

you could still go crossfire tho, since AMD has opened crossfire to all capable platforms

Can't wait... two X2900 XTXs in crossfire

LOL! That is the funniest thing I think I've heard all day...

I wish you didn't have to wait either... but you do.

[LORD-eX-Bu]

mm...k?

[kevJ420]

I think the DQ6 (Gigabyte) actually doesn't have the evga boards' problem.

That will be the most future proof.

I would definately get something that would work with the 2nd coming of Quad SLI.

[FastRedPonyCar]

I've built 3 systems so far with MSI P6N SLI platinum boards and I couldn't be happier with the results so far.

My dad's system was the first that had an E6400. Didn't use the north bridge cooling fan and used the stock intel HSF on teh CPU with some AS5.

I overclocked that about 400mhz from stock and it purred like a kitten for 28 hours through the torture tests.

I just finished on my dad's brothers PC using another P6N plat. and an E4300 Allendale C2D that I also used the factory intel HSF and is running at 2.4 ghz.

My own personal system is in my sig.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with the boards. They all showed great flexablitiy, stability and the bios is easy to work with. Best of all is their price.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813130081

As for ram, Patriot has a $50 rebate right now I think on their 2X1 gig DDR2 1066 ram. I'd jump on that. It's workign really well in my system.

Otherwise get some of the geil or ballistix or XMS2 DDR2 800.