core 2 duo build needs some confirmation

[DarkPacMan77]

I made a parts list for a core 2 duo build... but I am trying ever so desperately to keep this under 800 smackaroos. I am seeking input on the mobo itself primarily.

1. does the mobo seem reliable? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813135026

2. will it work perfectly with a core 2 duo (1.8ghz one... the E6300 i think)

3. I know it needs 677 ram. Does this ram seem ok?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustRatingReview.asp?Item=N82E16820141185

4. Can I do crossfire with this motherboard... or is it sli only. ( I ask because I heard that Intel and Nvidia don't play together nicely?... I need to be educated on this)

5. Would you recommend this gpu, and possibly its crossfire companion for the future?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102688

thanks in advance, and I know they are kind of beginner questions :o If you have suggestions as to better parts, please keep in mind that I am trying to make a gaming rig/everyday computer for under 800. The goal would be to have a single-card setup that can play Elder Scrolls Oblivion... crossfire in the future is just for the added eye candy. $20.00 more for a part is honestly, right now, too much extra to consider.

-DarkPacMan77-

[glc]

1. Absolutely not. ECS is not a quality manufacturer.
2. Is it on the ECS compatibility chart?
3. See #2.
4. Nope, that's SLI-only.
5. See #4.

[DarkPacMan77]

what is so wrong with ECS? some of their boards were flimsy i heard...

the board says it is compatible on newegg... ill look for the mobo on their site in a few. For the ram also.

other than that, what would be an ideal motherboard with 2 pci-e slots for $150 or less that is compatible with core 2 duo? I'm looking around but seeing nothing that looks too friendly.

thx

[Mr.Ferrari]

As glc said. They just arent a quality manufacturer. Their boards are 3rd rate and are usually bundled for free with intel cpu's at Fry's and other outlets.

I highly suggets you go with an intel chipset. And there is nothing less with 2 fully functional pci-e slots then the 975X series of boards which go from 200+

The only decent board with 2 fully funcitional slots is the P5NSLI (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131032). Albiet it is nforce 570. Whilst being better then nforce4. I still dont recommend it with full force as there has been very little testing on it.

Just saying that you will be playing guinea pig if you go with the nforce 570 boards...And you will be limited to SLI and sli only.

[newbuilder14]

Is the Foxconn 975x motherboard good? It gets excellent reviews.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Yes if you like your motherboards' mosfets shooting little flames at you.

Atleast thats what happened to the last two guys that have officially tested this board.

And that was without any overclocking :).

[newbuilder14]

^ LOL, no, that would NOT be a good experience for a first build. Haha.

[DarkPacMan77]

damn... i was hoping to get a good board cheaper than 200.

i understand that Sli and crossfire are dual gpu setup configurations, but how do they differ, and is one better than the other?

what is so wrong with nforce 570?

[chuck4456]

I've used 6 Foxconns (although not that particular one) and never had any problems. Definitely go with an Intel Chipset.

[DarkPacMan77]

ECS is looking cheap... and reliable as far as i can tell. I found this board

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813135022

and am wondering if it can actually do sli or crossfire or both or whatever.... (sorry that I don't know the most about it). I would like to use the video card from above, so what type of dual configuration would i need to use? sli or xfire? That board also has an intel chipset... which i was told to look for also.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Nforce series of chipsets have never run good with intel. Instability and poor performance.

The new Nforce 570 and 590 are seeking to change that. So far with the small testing I have seen, they arent that great. But definately a better choice then NF4. However like I said above, there just hasnt been enough ppl with these boards to give a true statement of stability. They probally arent that bad for the money. Just saying that your more then welcome to go with the P5NSLI i linked above. But be prepared to play guinea pig.

SLI and Crossfire are two different setups that each have their own fanbase. No way to make a absolute say on which is better. Its just nvidia vs. ati.

But I will say that dual card configurations will be a waste of money if you dont plan to invest in very expensive 20-24'' lcd. If not you will see very little if any performance increases over a normal setup.

However at the moment crossfire has more powerful cards and better bang/buck pricing.

With Intel chipsets (975x) you can only do crossfire officially. However many people do use SLI with their intelchipsets. Through a very simple hacked driver that is very widely available. But you use the hacked drivers at your own risk.

Nforce is only compatible with sli.


Core 2 duo isnt very budget oriented. I highly suggest you look into a 939 build as you will no doubt get higher quailty components for the price. You are just asking for trouble with that ECS + Nforce combo.

[DarkPacMan77]

i am also fine with a single-card setup for graphics honestly, just I would like to have the option of putting in two cards if i thought i needed it in the future

[Mr.Ferrari]

Well then your asking to pay for a 270 dollar board. If thats not in your budget then I suggest you dont force it in with cheap components, because it just might comeback to haunt you later :(. I highly suggest you either skip the dual card choice and get a decent 965p board or go amd 939.

[DarkPacMan77]

i was looking into am2 just a few weeks ago, but changed my mind to the c2d because it "is better"... of which I am not fully certain I would appreciate it for being "that much better" or not. All i want is a computer that will open programs and folders within 1-2 seconds (not pc games necessarily). If I could get some assistance with a 939 build I would be willing to reconsider.

Mr. Ferrari, you have helped me before with various questions. I use AIM under this name, and would like it if you could contact me through it so that I can ask questions faster. If not, that is understandable.