Good Mobos-AMD and Intel

[BJDwrk]

Hi all-
I've been trying to piece together some decent builds both AMD and Intel based. The big thing that I can never seem to decide on is the mobo. I'm either going to go with an AM2 Athlon X2 or an Intel Core Duo 2.

Here's what I want-
firewire-either onboard or the port on the back
RAID
SLI doesn't matter
Reputable brand
around $80-90-a little higher might be ok

I always seem to find something that seems good, then I find something it doesn;t have-it really seems like a game. And then Newegg reviews play with my mind because there are always the people who like to bash stuff and you never really know. That's why I've came back here-I want a genuine opinion on good boards for both platforms-hopefully stuff that meets my criteria and you all have experience with. Thanks in advance.

[Jimmy0]

Take the Newegg reviews with a pinch of salt, and do not always take them as reliable.

If you were going with a C2D system, I would recommend an Asus P5B motherboard. Not too sure on what to recommend for an AMD build, wait for someone else for that.

[786ARS]

i agree on the P5B, it is a very good board. Not too sure about the amd, perhaps the Abit KN9?

[BJDwrk]

Thanks, but the P5B really doesn't meet my criteria
1) there is no firewire port or onboard and
2) It is too expensive-$90 is kind of pushing what I want to spend.

[Mr.Ferrari]

P5L-VM $94.99

BUT if you want minimum sata raid and firewire you will need atleast ICH8:
P5B-VM $125.99

For AMD: ASUS M2NPV-VM $84.99