[InfoJunkie4Life]

I have recently decided to build a computer to suit my needs. I know how to connect all the wires and upgrade a ton of stuff, over-clocking, software, enhancing hardware, and a ton of fun stuff. This is the first time I have tried to build a computer using a limitless (or close to it) choice of parts.

I need a motherboard to start with. And after searching the market for some time I thought I could save time by seeking advice. What I need is a mother board that supports what I need but isn't overly complex.

The specs I am looking for are somewhat negotiable, but not overly so. And cost is of little importance...as long as I'm not spending obscene amounts of money.

Needs to support:
SATA harddrives no less than 3TB. Will settle for IDE HDD but only with Capacity Equivalent.
Minimum of 4GB RAM, Any: DDRRAM, SDRAM, EDO, RDRAM...something quick
PCI Slots
Fast Ethernet or Higher (GigaBit, IEEE) even if stuck with Cat5 or Fiber
Chipset: nVidia, Via, Intel, or SiS, Preferable DuoCore, and high end


Preferably Not Included:
On board graphics
Onboard Audio
Onboard USB
Or Onboard Internet if not as above listed

If there's no option i will live with them, but without is much better. These are things I would rather not have or control via PCI Slot.

Any other suggestions or comments are appreciated, and any brand, or specifics are also. Thanks Much!!!

[BG-0]

Do you want to use a Intel or AMD CPU? Also, more specific budget qould be appreciated. For MB and whole computer.

[sup2a]

Take a look at www.newegg.com even if you're not American just take a look at whats available, do a bit of research there. Its a good point, most parts have customer's reviews also so you have multiple feedback from real people

[crjdriver]

I doubt you are going to find any board without onboard usb, nic, or sound. They all come with those items. Onboard video is another matter; many boards come without onboard video.

Next you need to post what cpu you are going to install AND what you intend to do with the system; ie gaming, video editing, etc.

[sup2a]

ahh didn't read that... i haven't seen a board out there that doesn't have onboard USB! why would you rather run them from PCI? it would just crowd up the case/motherboard and sometimes cause problems (most motherboards only have 2-3 regular PCI slots close together) , video card is understandable which is why as said many motherboards do not have onboard video

[InfoJunkie4Life]

I will settle for audio and what not...but i don't want high end if so. I will not be using audio or usb's so i'd rather do without them. i only need low graphics.

as far as cpu...i'm not concerned. There's a lot out there and a lot of opinions. Whatever mother board supports most of what I'm looking for will do, I will then choose which cpu is best for that MB. I'm not too specefic in that area.

Budget: preferably around $500...but i will go as high as a couple grand for the motherboard.

I"m not too worried about the rest of the computer, just i've never worked with MB's except a few.

Basically the computer will be for holding data. But it also needs a fast internet connection, and it needs to be quick. Everything else is insignificant.

[Compiler]

You're not making sense... This is not the 1990s... very few mobos are featureless.

With todays tech, the mobo between most brands make little difference in performance as long as its a quality product. If you only need LOW-END graphics, then go with onboard graphics. Even Linux will work with onboard graphics. And if you're building basiclly a data-storage computer - it just won't require a super-powerful CPU.

You're NOT going to find a Motherboard without onboard Audio, USB, Ethernet and now onboard video is becoming standard.

AMD board: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128335
Intel board: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128084 (should have the most what you may want... 5 PCI slots, 1000mbps NIC)

[crjdriver]

You do not have to spend $500 or even $200 for a decent board.

You do have it backwards; you need to choose what cpu before anyone can recommend a board that will support that cpu.

[sup2a]

yeah i was going to say, you could buy an Asus striker II formula gaming board for $350 American, personally i would suggest an Intel processor, but it is up to you, if you want quad core go for Intel for sure, dual core AMD is a bit cheaper because the motherboard is, not necessarily the processor per performance.

[InfoJunkie4Life]

thanx guys...

the resources you provided really helped.