Mobo selection help

[530i]

I'm building a general PC, probably no gamming, I may use it for some video editing etc. I already have a mid-tower case.

My current I plan:
PSU: Corsair HX Series CMPSU-620HX 620W (620W is more than I need, but the price is close to the 520W, so what the heck)
CPU: C2D E6420 (After April 22)

I need help with mobo and RAM (2GB). My problem is that I read too many mobo reviews and when I run accross a bad one, I tend to cross the mobo off the list. The problem is, nearly every mobo has a group of people who complain. Asus & Intel seem to be favorites.

I'm looking in the sub-$160 range. I'll probably use on-board video and audio until I decide to put more money into the system. And I'm generally confused about how to match the memory with the CPU & MB (the last system I built was a 386!!) No overclocking planned, but who knows...

Suggestions?

[LeftyAce]

Firstly, welcome to PCMech!

The recommended motherboard for a C2D on these forums is the Asus P5B. I've built with 1 and it fired up without a hitch, and I have heard nothing but good stories from others on this forum.

For onboard video, check out this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131043

If you don't plan on overclocking, get a dual channel kit of Corsair Valueselect DDR2 667 ram such as this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098

[glfredrick]

I'm also building my first system in a few years (totally missed the DDR revolution ) and I've fallen into the same trap as you with reviews.

I finally came to the conclusion that some dudes just don't like or can't make ANYTHING work...

I tend to skip over the couple of naysayers that HATE something and focus on those that have been running a product for a bit, and are satisfied with it within the parameters that it was purchased.

The Gigabyte 965P, the ASUS, and the Intel boards all get great reviews -- it then mainly comes down to how hard you want to push the system and how much money you have to spend.

Myself? I'm looking for a mild OC to get the next level chip performance out of cheaper parts for home-office and personal use -- probably similar to your scenario. I don't "game" except for a few things for fun, and the most I'm likely to run is AOE III. I'm here to learn from the guys that are pushing the envelope and I've found a good bunch that are both respectful and knowledgeable. I appreciate that!

Stick with a name-brand build. Use the common parts. Shop for price, and you'll likely be happy, and like me, save a bundle along the way over a ready-built machine that has a bunch of gee-gaws that no one ever uses.