Suggest a motherboard?

[shocka6969]

Can anyone suggest a suitable motherboard for a new build?

I plan to have an 8600 GTS video card, and 2 digital now PCI-E tuners, so will need enough slots.

I will also need on board audio with spdif/digital audio out.

I plan to use an Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 CPU, and 2 GB RAM.

It will be primarily an HTPC, not too worried about gaming.

Can anyone please suggest a suitable motherboard(s)???

Thanks in advance

[davidgol]

I just got the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4 with a similar setup to what you are suggesting. I have had no problems with it whatsoever.. I'm lovin' it.

See here for my experiences: My new media centre .. parts and experience.

[wat]

I'm about to splash out on a complete revamp of my htpc. Currently using Asus M2nPV-vM, AMD, NVidia, Nova-T-500 etc.. A combination that hasn't worked too well.
To avoid a repeat I'm thinking of getting the opposite of everything. ie. Intel instead of AMD, Intel chipset with onboard video instead of NVidia, so I'm considering the Intel DG33TL mobo. No gaming needed, just SD tv/video/dvd etc.

You seemed to have had some success with your intel setup davidgol. I read your other post too.

I've always liked AMD and Asus, but this is unchartered territory for me because I haven't used an Intel cpu for years. Can anyone tell how they compare for heat/noise? My AMD setup is scorching, reaching 50degC on most hot days, even using AMD CoolnQuiet.

Also, does the intel cpu/chipset alleviate standby and resume issues? That's another area that I haven't been able to overcome.

thanks,
Adrian.

[harvester]

I have an Intel Core 2 and that runs really cool. I use in in my main PC (not HTPC) and give it a fair old flogging but remains super cool (like 35 degrees) using a Thermaltake Big Typhoon fan. Cant comment on standby/ resume for that one but my P4 has worked 100% using hibernate with MCE.

[wat]

I'll know for sure soon enough. I've got everything on order, should have it tomorrow and built by the weekend.

I went with c2d 6550, Intel DG33TL mobo, Samsung 400Gb, 2Gb Corsair PC6400 4-4-4-12. Will be using the same hauppauge tuner, but any sign of trouble and it will be shortlisted.

Still deciding between MCE and Vista. Might dual boot initially.
I'll be posting my opinion after a reasonable testing period (3 or 4 weeks?).

Adrian.

[slimf]

Originally Posted by davidgol

I just got the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4 with a similar setup to what you are suggesting. I have had no problems with it whatsoever.. I'm lovin' it.

See here for my experiences: My new media centre .. parts and experience.

I have the E6850 on a Gigabyte GS-P35-DQ6 (4gig PC8500 RAM) - absolute screemer.

[vlad]

I think that Asus P5B is suted VMC perfectly.
Enought slots, and cheap.
http://au.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=...78&modelmenu=1

[GlenR]

Not bad Vlad. Pity it doesn't support the new 1333MHz FSB chips - they're at a good price-point.

[vlad]

Originally Posted by GlenR

Not bad Vlad. Pity it doesn't support the new 1333MHz FSB chips - they're at a good price-point.

For HTPC? 1333MHz? You surprise me

[GlenR]

I was thinking of upgarding another PC - not my MC. Want just a bit more bang...

[vlad]

Originally Posted by GlenR

I was thinking of upgarding another PC - not my MC. Want just a bit more bang...

Ahhh, I have just got this one :
http://au.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=...94&modelmenu=2

[shocka6969]

Its hard to see a great deal of difference between some of the motherboards sugested:

Gigabyte GA P35 DS4
Gigabyte GS P35 DQ6

Are there any significant advantages to either? Would you bother with a sound card with these? Would you need a soundcard if playing games also?

As for Asus, their P5K Deluxe/WiFi-AP looks good, comes with Wifi, any thoughts?

Thanks

[vlad]

Originally Posted by shocka6969

As for Asus, their P5K Deluxe/WiFi-AP looks good, comes with Wifi, any thoughts?

Thanks

I use WiFi only for laptops and Gigabit switch for everything else.