How does the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard compare?

[ecarmody]

Hello,

I am loving this site and attempting to gather all info I need to buy and build my first computer. I am wanting a gaming oriented machine.

I got this ad from the new CompUSA.com site. They have a bundle of the above motherboard, with Q6600 plus 4Gb memory ... for $399. I think that's a good bundle, no? Here's the link to the bundle details ...

http://www.compusa.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=3601833&sku=MCM-680ILT-Q6600B&SRCCODE=COMEM009

I originally wanted to go AMD dual core (6400+??) and asus motherboard (don't know which one though).

Is the XFX/Q6600 a bundle a good componet package to get me a high speed gaming system, or should I consider a AMD dual-core instead? Sorry for such an open question ... is there a right or wrong answer.

If someone wanted to suggest a good mb to go with a AMD cpu and be comparable to the XFX (or at least same price range), I would appreciate that.

Cheers,
Eric

[RickyTick]

Welcome aboard Eric.

That's a pretty good price on that combo. It was recently reported that the Q6600 was going to drop to $229 in April. See link below...
http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5698&Itemid=1

With that in mind, you might consider waiting a month to save a little more money especially if you're set on buying a Q6600. Also, the 680i is often used as an SLI board. It's been generally agreed upon around here that the P35 is a better option for building a new rig.

Unless you just like pulling for the underdog, Intel is a much better performer than AMD. Look around here at some previous posts and get some ideas on what would make up a nice build.

Ask a lot of questions. We like to help.

[ecarmody]

Thanks Ricky,

From the hour or so I posted that, to now, I have seen more preference to the p35 chipset. I'm fine with switching, no particular loyality, yet. I haven't bought anyones hardware yet to develop a loyality.

The Q6600 seems to be a good to go with cpu. I saw lots of refernce to the P5KC motherboard, but I cannot find it on TigerDirect ... seems odd. I can find it elsewhere. I found this one http://www.directron.com/p5kc.html
Good combo for the Q6600?

Or something like the Abit IP35 Pro Motherboard - Intel P35, Socket 775 go good with the Q6600? http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3263080&CatId=3355

I keep saying the "Q6600" only because that's what I think I should consider, but what other cpu's should I consider if I plan on a p35 motherboard?

Thanks alot for your input.
Cheers,
Eric

[RickyTick]

Here's some really good info on the P35 motherboards.

http://www.techreport.com/articles.x/12747/1

This is what led me to use the IP35 Pro. Let me also add that the support I've received on Abit's forums has been superb.

Another processor to consider is the new E8400.