Best Cheap Motherboard?

Lt.Col.Dehler

Limp Gawd
Joined
Feb 4, 2008
Messages
164
Ok im just getting back into the computer scene and I need a new motherboard. I dont really know whats the best anymore since ive been out of it for a while. So im looking for a good cheap motherboard preferably at or under $100.
It needs to support LGA775 Core 2 duo, and needs to have a pci-e x16, other slots dont matter. I would like for it to be ATX. I also have a question, if I get a motherboard that has a DDR2 800\1066 memory standard can I use my DDR2 667 in it?
 
I strongly recommend one of the two following boards:
ASUS P5Q Pro: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131299
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358
Both are $100 after rebate, and they're both among the better LGA775 boards available while at the same time being very reasonably priced.
Old board, and a lower-end DFI. I recommend against it, mainly because of possible compatibility issues with newer CPUs and the fact that it doesn't support certain newer hardware features like PCI-E 2.0.
 
I strongly recommend one of the two following boards:
ASUS P5Q Pro: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131299
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358
Both are $100 after rebate, and they're both among the better LGA775 boards available while at the same time being very reasonably priced.

Old board, and a lower-end DFI. I recommend against it, mainly because of possible compatibility issues with newer CPUs and the fact that it doesn't support certain newer hardware features like PCI-E 2.0.

The only compatiblity issue I know of is with the e8400 cpu voltage. I overclocks it well thought. Also the pci-e 2.0 isn't really that important for him.
@t the OP, Correct me if I am wrong but your rig is,
E4500
2x1gb of Patriot DDR2 667
HD 3870
Thermaltake 500w PSU
 
correct. not really i high end system. probably looking to overclocking the 4500 though. its only 2.2. probably oc it to 2.8. I have very good cooling. And i got a new psu, not that it matters anyway. Thanks for the suggestions.
 
correct. not really i high end system. probably looking to overclocking the 4500 though. its only 2.2. probably oc it to 2.8. I have very good cooling. And i got a new psu, not that it matters anyway. Thanks for the suggestions.

If you are looking to have a upgrade path to a 775 quad in the future go with one of the boards zero82z suggested. But if you are satisfied with your current system and just want to oc it some more, I would get the DFI suggested.

Edit: If you don't mind going second hand newegg and mwave have some good open box deals. Mwave has a GA-EP45-DS3L for $57+shipping. This board will provide you with a good upgrade path.
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewprod...OUT-REFURB&DNAME=Blow+Out+Sales+-+Refurbished
 
I actually just noticed something on the DFI, im not really sure my cm geminII would fit over the north bridge?
 
Personally, I'd take the open box Gigabyte over the DFI. You might need a bios update on the DFI to get it to work with a newer CPU. Do you have an old CPU available?
 
Old board, and a lower-end DFI. I recommend against it, mainly because of possible compatibility issues with newer CPUs and the fact that it doesn't support certain newer hardware features like PCI-E 2.0.

Does the bandwidth offered at PCI-E 2.0 vs 1.0 really make a difference if you're not running SLI?
 
Personally, I'd take the open box Gigabyte over the DFI. You might need a bios update on the DFI to get it to work with a newer CPU. Do you have an old CPU available?

my cpu isnt really that new its a E4500 got it about 2 years ago
 
I've heard stories about people buying recertified stuff that worked fine, and stories about stuff that ended up dead on arrival. Either way, considering that the board you linked to is already $95, I think you may as well just spend the extra few bucks on a brand new P45 board like the two I linked to above. I wouldn't risk going with a recertified board for so little savings.
 
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