First build, need a mobo and correct parts

[Error 404]

Ok, this is my first build, and I'm building it for my friend and his family, so it needs to work.
My budget is AU$2500 (about $2250 for you americans) and these are the parts to far:

CPU: Core 2 Duo E8500 @ 3.16 GHz
RAM: Either 4 GB DDR3-1333 or 8 GB DDR2-800, depending on price limit and mobo
Mobo: Not sure yet, need help!
Graphics: Two nVidia GeForce 9800 GTX 512 MB, running in SLI
Hard drives: one 1TB Seagate Barracuda, and one 76GB Raptor 10k RPM
Power Supply: Corsair XT650W PSU
Optical drive: CD/DVD+/-RW super multi... erm... whatever works.
Fans: lots
Case: I'll be building it! It will be cool.

Well, those are the parts, and so far it all comes in under the budget, so what motherboard should i base this system on? I probably wont be using the DDR3, but i'd like DDR3 compatibility anyway. Also, is the power unit powerful enough for oveclocking the graphics cards and the CPU? CPU would probably be ramped up to 4 GHz, because it looks easy to do so with air cooling.
Basically: with the right motherboard, will it all work?

[Dia01]

OK. 2ea X 9800GTX's, i assume you want to SLI? Then your options do become a little more limited as you'll have to fork out for a Nvidia based chipset. I also assume it is being built as a gaming machine? 790i based boards are the only SLI enabled mobo's at present supporting DDR3. So here it is - expensive though. Also a stronger PSU maybe needed to SLI.

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?...oducts_id=6760

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?...oducts_id=5434

[Error 404]

Ok, scratch the DDR3 plan, it is too expensive .
DDR2, with SLI. thats all it'll need. that, and preferably below $300, if possible!

[Cold Storm]

If your going SLI I would go with a board like this that utilizes SLI.

[Dia01]

Originally Posted by Error 404

Ok, scratch the DDR3 plan, it is too expensive .
DDR2, with SLI. thats all it'll need. that, and preferably below $300, if possible!

I could sell ya 4 X 1GB OCZ 1066 SLI Ready DDR2 RAM cheaply as I'm in the process of upgrading to DDR3? PM if interested.

[Error 404]

Ok, I think i've found a good motherboard.
Asus P5N-E SLI; it does DDR2, and is cheap
http://www.asus.com.tw/products.aspx...74&modelmenu=1
I'll probably get either 4 gigs of DDR2-1066 or 8 gigs of DDR2-800.
Also, I'll be using two 8800 GTS w/ 512 MB RAM, instead of the 9800s.
As for the PSU, would an XT650W be suitable for this rig, or should i go for an XT750W?

[JrRacinFan]

If you can go a little bit extra, check out the MSI P7N Platinum. Although the P5N-E is nothing to scoff at!

[Error 404]

I'll go for the Asus, because I don't need an extra PCI-E x16 slot, and I know a local source where I can get one. Thanks for all the help!

[Dia01]

Originally Posted by Error 404

Ok, I think i've found a good motherboard.
Asus P5N-E SLI; it does DDR2, and is cheap
http://www.asus.com.tw/products.aspx...74&modelmenu=1
I'll probably get either 4 gigs of DDR2-1066 or 8 gigs of DDR2-800.
Also, I'll be using two 8800 GTS w/ 512 MB RAM, instead of the 9800s.
As for the PSU, would an XT650W be suitable for this rig, or should i go for an XT750W?

Not a bad choice. I always think a fairly high end gaming machine should have a good sized PSU, I'd go at least an 750W-850W to be sure, provides upgradability and shouldn't run as warm opposed to a 500-600W. Stick to good brands like Corsair and so on.

[Cold Storm]

+1 there. Your going to be drawing power from you psu for long period of time. So its better to go with a higher watt one. Plus, with gaming systems you never know what your going to add or change.

[tzitzibp]

+1 on the psu.... never neglect a good quality psu... gives juice to everything else. So spend more to gain more.

[Error 404]

Ok, so here's the final list of parts, with prices as well! (Cooler Master PSU is good, right?)

CPU Core 2 Duo E8400 $270 - $295
RAM 4 GB Super Talent kit x2 $172
Graphics Asus 8800 GTS 512 MB x2 $734
Mobo Asus P5N-E SLI $138
HDD 1 Western Digital SATA 1TB $256
HDD 2 76 GB 10k RPM Raptor $185
PSU Cooler Master Realpower Pro 750w $196
Fans 120 mm fan x3 80 mm fan x4 (Ritmo BB) $20 + $24
Connectors Sata, IDE, etc $30
Case Custom $150 max
Screen 19” 5ms DVI ASUS VW192T $223
Optical Drive ASUS Retail Lightscribe 18x IDE/20x SATA $35
Mouse + Keyboard $30
In total, it comes to between $2463 - $2488, which is fast, cheap and will be good for OCing (all those fans...).
The Intel E8500 cost too much, so i've gone down by 0.16 GHz to an E8400, which will still easily OC to over 4 GHz. Ram is DDR-800, 8 gigs (4 x 2 gig sticks). Most of the stuff will be bought from MSY Computers, which has very nice prices.
So, is this a good system?

[BarbaricSoul]

I think this might be a better board, plus it's a EVGA board so if you decide you don't like it, you can step up to a 780 or 790 board

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813188026

Mine arrives today with my e8400 cpu

[Error 404]

It looks quite good; if I can source one in Australia and convince my friend to pay out an extra $50 or so, i'll definately get it!

[JrRacinFan]

Ok and whats the difference between that board and the P7N?

[Error 404]

The EVGA board costs more, and I'm on a tight budget. Plus, I already know a shop where I can get the Asus board for AU$138. Also, anyone know any good <$50 CPU coolers that would make OC'ing the E8400 easier and safer? Something with heatpipes would be good.

[tzitzibp]

how about zalman 9700.... don´t really know what is the price tag on it in Australia, though. But from I can see in Europe its price is slowly droping to about 35-40 euro...

[Cold Storm]

I think you might like a Xigmatek 1283 like mine. Its a pretty nice and cool Heat sink. That if paired right with a quality fan you'll have good results!

[Error 404]

Ok, that looks like a very good cooler for its price; If I find one, it'll definately be going into this system!
One question though: How much strain does it put on the motherboard? I'm guessing it would weigh a fair amount, and PCBs are not meant for structural support.