New options...need new opinions.

[Triple_7]

Well...found out some new information this morning that might change the direction of my computer build.  Original plan was to order the motherboard and some cables this weekend.  But now my mind is in a debate as to if I should change course a little bit and possibly come out better in the long run.

Was going to have THIS motherboard with the E6600 processor.

But then I found out THESE little babies are going to be out soon for the same price as the E6600.  So now I'm considering THIS motherboard instead...its $90 more but I think it would be worth it in the long run since it will be compatible for many future upgrades.

But the main question is...would I need a bigger power supply to run that kind of processor.  Currently have a 430W that I figured would get me by for awhile...wont have a fancy graphics card for a few months yet...will be using my standard PCI 256mb till then...unless I can pick up a cheap PCI-E at some point.  I'm willing to spend the extra $90 on the motherboard but getting a new power supply could mean to much money.  Since my plan is for higher graphics cards and a few other upgrades eventually I was leaning towards a 1000W supply.  Talking about $300 for the one I want.  Either motherboard THIS will be the RAM.

So would the current power supply run me till I can afford the new one.  Or if I choose to take higher end road then would I need to invest in one before this thing fires up for the first time.  Not going to have all the fancy additions till after a new supply...but want to put off the new supply for awhile longer and get it running sooner.

[GunnerMan]

I am no intel expert but from what im reading and if that CPU is dropping to the price of the 6600 then go for it. They are droping the priced because AMD is releasing their Barcelona in a months time wich is lookin like it's gonna suck afterall so my guess is Intel is lowering the price to drive AMD further in the ground. Intel does not want AMD around to keep mowing the grass over in clovertown.

So yes id say go with the better chip and motherboard. You WILL regret buying cheap mobos later on when it comes time to upgrade. Depending on what PSU you have the 430 should be fine to tide you over untill you can get a new PSU. Btw unless you are running 2 quad core cpus, 2 8800s and a few hdd etc you do not need to spend the money on a 1000W psu. Antec has a great PSU calculator that will help you decide what you need for wattage.

[Triple_7]

Have decided to go with the higher end plan.  Will be ordering the motherboard in a week or so.  As for the processor...this new line is scheduled to be released on the 22nd.  Prices on most Intel's should be dropping on or around that date.  Should be able to get the E6850 for about $250 or so.  If all else fails then the E6600 will still be a wonderful addition to the new motherboard.  

Could go with DDR3 RAM but whats the point, DDR2 will be just fine...besides...this motherboard can fit 8 GB DDR2 in (only 4 GB DDR3).  No sense in spending the extra for not to much better performance.  Currently will just be 2 GB then eventually 4.  After that I probably wont add anymore RAM to the system since there really wont be a need for it...probably wont even bother with 4.

All together this motherboard ought to keep me going for quite some time.  Once the price of DX10 cards drop I plan to invest in a 768mb or higher...still planning for FS9...but after the new card I might try FSX and see just how well it works maxed out.  Probably end up with FS9 as my primary then FSX just for fun unless it runs smooth maxed with add-ons.

Truth is I wasn't planning for such a powerful system...but then I found out just how affordable parts really are and figured why not push it as high as possible.  Just cant wait till I can thunder down the runway in a 747 for the first time in a whole new world.

[MOUSY]

As Gunnerman can tell u as well, I'm building a system too... and even the Q6600 will be about $250 on the 22nd. As for which will be better, the Q6600 or the E6850, I don't know (but I heard the more cores the better for FSX)... but I can guarantee you that Newegg has the the same Intel P35 board from ASUS for $50 less. You'd be hard-pressed to find any real differences (benefits over the ASUS) between these boards, unless I'm mistaken.

[Triple_7]

Actually I'm glad you mentioned Newegg.  I hadn't thought to check there for the motherboard since they didn't really have what I was looking for last time.  But managed to find the exact same Gigabyte board I was planning to order from Tiger...difference...Newegg is only $129, $7 shipping...as apposed to Tiger at $199, $9 shipping  So here in the next 1/2 hour or so the motherboard will be on its way to me  

Thing I like about Tiger is generally their prices are a little lower and much better shipping rates.  Also received the last order (2 boxes) within 48 hours of ordering  Last time I ordered from Newegg shipping took almost 2 weeks.  Tiger does have better warranties though.  But a 1 year from Newegg will be just fine for now.

With that extra $70 I can put it towards the processor

[GunnerMan]

Really wow! All I hear, and I attest is Newegg may have a tad higher prices but to most thier customer service, rma policy, and processing/shipping speeds are un-matched. I buy 99% of all parts from Newegg, because I know they are very trustworthy, I could find much cheaper on Ebay, or some other unknown site and things will probably turn out just fine but I have heard many horror stories about buying from these unknown companies. Tiger is not a bad place though but "Once you know, you Newegg!"

The ASUS boards are great for reliability and have been excelent overclocking boards on the AMD front. Now if you don't plan to OC or tweak, then what board you choose should be more on reliability and price. When you look at overclocking you look at the boards BIOS options, is it flexible. ss the MB component arrangement going to be good for my case and my cooling needs. How well can the FSB clock. The list goes on and on but really look at the chipset, that will tell you much of the motherboard performance factor and features.

I have a P4 Prescott with a Gigabyte board and it is the "house" computer so I have not overclocked it but the board has been problem free from day one. This has been about 2.5 years or so now with it. My last amd board I ahd was an ASUS and it was a good user friendly board but still flexible. Now I have a DFI wich is really not known for its "plug-and-play" can have lots of problems but it is beloved by overclockers.  

It depends on your style and needs/wants. Just make sure what ever you buy is as future proof as you can get it or you will kick your self.

[MOUSY]

Nice! 70 bucks.... talk about price difference!... so far every component I'm ordering from Newegg has been cheaper than that of Tiger...