building computer: not sure what mobo to get to fit my needs

[bhome83]

hey guys, so im going to build a pc. I want budget to be around $1500 (just for the tower). What do i need to know to buy the right mobo? What mobo would you suggest that will fit these specs? The Mobo always is a brain buster for me because I'm not sure what will work with my configuration and if i should spend more $$$ for a mobo that has more to offer.

CPU: Intel core i7 (not sure which model though)
RAM: 6GB (really want the highest quality RAM out there to take advantage of core i7)
cpu cooler/fans: haven't decided, but want computer whisper quiet.... will spend good money for this if need be)
HDD: 300gb velociraptor
optical: blu ray player/burner
sound card: not sure, but a good one
video card: not a gamer, but its gonna be a media center pc so something that works well with HD/blu ray
tv tuner: haven't decided yet
case: undecided

a Mobo that has options to expand would be nice. bluetooth, USB, etc etc. is a necessity in my opinion.

thanks for any help!

[THIERRY]

bhome83 hello there,
Can you be a little patient, let say three to five months, to let the Intel core i7 teething troubles and glitch to die away so you can put your hand on it ? Let the motherboard's manufacturers to put their final touch on BIOS to "fully harnest" its awesome power. I am currently in the same position as you bhome83, let keep our finger crossed.

Thierry

[jdeb]

I think at this time, the Renaissance or the RenaissanceII (if you can find it) would be your best choice. The Harp card will give you stunning audio, which is a bonus and you require it. I have not seen the II version available yet. Also, if you are reading customer reviews on this board, take them with a grain of salt. Some people have a hard time matching up the right components and do not read the manual. I built one and I was nervous about my reputation and yes, I actually read the manual carefully... glad I did because there were a couple of different things I wouldn't have done.

Here is the link and if you can wait a couple of weeks or maybe call Foxconn on the II version availability.

http://www.foxconnchannel.com/Produc...66&Chipset=X58

If one of these boards are appealing to you, I can spec out the rest.

[glc]

Moved to BYOPC. Any further questions on this build, please use this thread.

[Patch]

Originally Posted by THIERRY bhome83 hello there, Can you be a little patient, let say three to five months, to let the Intel core i7 teething troubles and glitch to die away so you can put your hand on it ? Let the motherboard's manufacturers to put their final touch on BIOS to "fully harnest" its awesome power. I am currently in the same position as you bhome83, let keep our finger crossed. Thierry

Nothing wrong with conservative advice, but what teething troubles and glitches? Specifically or generally.

i7's and X58's are pretty well tuned right now. I think most troubles actually stem from using 64 bit OS's. It's psychologically pretty hard to do an i7 build with tri-channel DDR3 and not take advantage of more than 3GB of RAM. But you don't have to.

I just completed an i7 build that was much more complicated, but went much much smoother, than the E8400/ASUS p5q Pro (established, "well vetted" platform at the time) build I did last July.

Jdeb's suggestion for the Renaissance is good. Or an ASUS P6T. Or a Gigabyte, MSI or DFI board. Frankly, people tend to recommend brands that they are familiar with and comfortable with. Most boards have drivers worked out now (as much as they ever are for any board) but you're gonna spend $200-250 for them. Or $300+ if you want to do some serious overclocking. I suggest picking a board, researching what it has that you like and check different sites for reviews. Then, before you buy, compare it to others in your price range. Try to ask yourself why you should pick one board over the other. If something is confusing, ask on a forum. You might find random features that you like or dislike that nobody else addresses. Avoid boards that have recurrent specific negative reviews to them, not general brand bashing. Sometimes "negative" reviews aren't even negative. For example, my current board is almost universally dinged for "only" having 3 RAM slots - which has absolutely NO negative impact for me, and is actually a benefit for my needs.

Always try the onboard sound first. Don't waste money on that up front, you can always add a sound card later if you're not happy.