Xtemulation Forums: New Motherboard - Xtemulation Forums

I know I've probably asked this in the past elsewhere but I need some new suggestions. I'm looking for a decent motherboard to replace my current crappy motherboard that is no good for overclocking, it shouldn't be expensive where I have to break the bank in order to purchase.

It needs to be compatible with my current Core2Duo E8500 CPU.
It needs to be compatible with my current 400Mhz DDR2-800 Ram.
It must be great for overclocking, a good overclocking motherboard.
It must contain two PCI-e x16 slots, SLI support preferred.
It must have 3 PCI slots, 1 PCI-e x1 and/or x8 slot.
I need a motherboard with great reviews all around.
Newegg is the only e-tailor I'll shop at online besides Amazon.

It must have onboard audio, no onboard video. I'd actually prefer no onboard audio and video, but I don't have money to buy a sound card right now.

I also need a decent heatsink/fan combination that is great at keeping the processor as cool as possible, the best combination and cooling solution I can get as cheaply as possible. I also need the best thermal compound for the job, with detailed instructions on how to properly remove and re-apply thermal compound.

I also am seeking a new case that is large enough and has decent ventilation, again the best I can get as cheaply as possible.

Thanks to anyone who can offer some suggestions.

Whats your price range?

An Asus Rampage should fit the bill.

If you are going SLi on socket 775, your stuck with an Nforce chipset, and while they clock well they run alot hotter.

As for a case, an Antec 900 Should fit the bill. Should be around $80-110

This post has been edited by Phil: 10 February 2010 - 12:38 AM

I'm looking to stay around a $100 to maybe $150 - $200 at most excluding the heatsink/fan combo and case.

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813131377

Good suggestion Phil.

As for the case get a CoolerMaster 690

No so clued up on coolers at the moment.

This post has been edited by SCHUMI_4EVER: 10 February 2010 - 02:48 PM

Nice, any suggestions for a decent SLI board with an nforce chipset for around the same price, or is it wiser to steer away from SLI and nforce if I plan on overclocking?

don't waste your time on SLI. more trouble than its worth.

100% of driver issues are those from SLI users,.

I suppose Phil's suggestion is quite nice, I'll look into it.

What would you guys recommend for a decent heatsink/fan combination, that is quite good at cooling? I'm looking to keep the CPU relatively cool under load. Also what is the best thermal paste for the job, how would I go about cleaning off the old thermal paste and applying the new paste?

isopropyl alcohol is the best way to clean it off... followed by dish detergent.

SpinQ VT is a pretty good cooler for Core 2's.

Artic Silver is a pretty nice thermal paste. Apply carefully though, since it's metal based.

When it comes to the cooler you could always join the H50 craze.

Squall Leonhart, on 11 February 2010 - 05:46 AM, said:

Do I use cotton swabs to clean it off with those chemicals?