How to choose a motherboard???

[Kae]

Hi Guys 'n' Gals,

My new build is based around an "AMD Phenom II X4 Quad Core 965 Black Edition 3.40GHz (Socket AM3)" and looking at the AM3 motherboard options, there are loads!

I've been recommended the "Asus M4A785TD-V Evo AMD 785G", but is there a better option? Why would I spend more on a motherboard that this one?

I'll be using this memory: "G.Skill Ripjaw 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit", and wonder if any of the other motherboards will make better use of it?

The plan is to overclock to ~4Ghz eventually, so anything that will help me on the path to overclocking would be good too.

Please help a very confused, very out of date peep! (I used a graphite pencil to overclock the last computer, lol).

Thanks,

Andy.

 

[Muel]

It will only make 4ghz if you get a C3 Stepping model, I have the C2 stepping model and they all top out at about 3.8ghz.

As for boards, I have a Asus M4A79XTD EVO, very solid board, uses the 790X chipset which is an update of the 785 or so they told me, it doesn't have on-board graphics though, oh dear.

I suggest you get the Asus Crosshair III Formula AMD 790FX though, it's more expensive but it's cooler and black and red and has one of those LCD readout things.

Where's abouts in Cheshire are you from?

 

[Kae]

How do I get a C3 instead of a C2? Can I ask for this? Is it labelled on the boxes??

Any other reason to get that motherboard? Will it actually make any difference? Is the included sound card good?


Live in the delightful Crewe area and work in Knutsford.

Cheers for the input! Gives me something else to ponder

I've also just decided that the Lian-Li case is much nicer than the Antec 300, and it's only £30 more....

oh dear, where did my budget go??

Andy

 

[Kae]

Case/CPU/Memory all concrete now, so just need help with the motherboard... I think!

Cheers, Andy.

 

[Kae]

Any more ideas guys? Really confused how to choose between these AM3 motherboards!

Cheers,

Andy.