Build advice

[JasonG]

My brother wants to build a new gaming rig. I need some help with a MB. So far I've got for the important stuff:

Q6600
8800GT or 8800GTS G92
HX520
Corsair PC6400 2x1GB
WD 320GB HDD

Not worried about the other components. What would be a decent MB with some OC'ing potential and not super expensive.

Thanks guys!

[jclaydon]

Well Jamie has been recommending the Asus p5k-c. It supports the memory you ordered, plus it is very future-friendly as it will support the new 45nm chips that are being built.

The only caveat is two people have seemed to have issues with having to get a replacement board, but i think after that they haven't had any further problems..

I'll wait for the real experts to post their opinions.. heheh

good luck

-James

[shyster]

I do not know what you define as super expensive, but the generally recommended motherboards on this site are the P5KC:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131188&Tpk=p5kc

and the Gigabyte P35 DS3R:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128050

The only thing of caution, which I doubt would be an issue for you, is many of the people on this board have been having trouble with the p5kc and the new e8400. Since you are getting the q6600 I doubt it would be an issue but just so you are aware some people are having issues with this board, it could cross over into your system as well.

Of course these are just the usually recommended boards I have seen on this forum. I am sure somebody could recommend something better, this is just so you can have a look at some boards now while waiting for other responses. :p

[RickyTick]

Another board that is highly regarded is the Abit IP35 Pro.

[JasonG]

Around $130 is a good price.

[JasonG]

My brother pulled the trigger and bought a Dell Inspiron 530. :( It has a Q6600, but onboard video. He wants to put in a 8800gt. I told him that the PSU that comes in the Dell may not be up for the challenge. In doing some research I found what may be the specs on the PSU. Could this run the Q6600, one HHD, one optical drive, and a 8800GT?

Specs:
350W total
+12va - 12A
+12vb - 18A
+5v - 18A
+5vaux - 2A
+3.3v - 17A
-12V - 0.8A
combined output on +12va & +12vb: 300W max
combined output on +5v & +3.3v: 160W max

[RickyTick]

With Dell, he has 21 days to return it if he wants to. He would be much happier with a Dell XPS410 or 420 from the Dell Outlet. They are more powerful, more versatile, and more upgradeable.

Just a thought.

[chunkylover53]

You can take them to water Jason, but you can't make them drink. :rolleyes: There's been a hot deal circulating on a Dell 530 with a Quad for like $450, which is a great deal if he just wanted this thing to putz around on the web and play music:cool:. But converting it to a gaming rig? :confused: Dude, you'll end up spending more time (as the techie brother) trying to keep this thing running for him. Guess that's what family is for! :)

I think you need a minimum of a 400 Watt power supply for the 8800 GT. :( Then, if he was one of the millions (like me :o before I built my rig)that Dell has sold a Vista machine with 1GB of RAM:eek:, you'll have to get that upgraded too. Vista is not great with only 1GB, but you add a fat card and start playing games it will crawl. Plus that Quad can get a little steamy with the stock cooler (so I hear;)), assuming Dell didn't install their own "version" instead:mad:. Either way, it's not good.

On the bright side, you'll be getting plenty of practice... :p

Did I use all of the smiley's? YES :D

[JasonG]

LOL chunky!