The last time I updated my computer, PCI-e had just come out. I'm currently running an Athlon 3400 and an ATI X800 Pro (AGP) to give you an idea of how long it's been since I updated my system.

From what I've been reading, PCI-e seems like the standard now. I am also seeing motherboards coming out with slots for these new-fangled "physics" cards. Do these take PCI-e? Also, what's the difference between PCI-e x1 and PCI-e x16?

Also, what's the standard chipset now for intel/amd motherboards? I'm so out of the loop.

9/13/2007 10:45:08 AM

yes, PCIe is the standard now for graphics cards, it's just higher bandwidth PCI and mostly just used for graphics cards, all the physics cards you'll see will still be PCI

PCIex16 just states how wide the bandwidth is and can support more than a PCIex1, PCIex16 is for graphics cards, PCIex1 is typically used for gigabit network cards or tv tuners and the like that need a bit more bandwidth than regular PCI

standard chipset for intel/amd still depends... there are plenty of options. in either i prefer nforce 600 series boards, over the intel chipsets.

[Edited on September 13, 2007 at 11:29 AM. Reason : .]

9/13/2007 11:28:23 AM

i remember when i got my computer a few years ago, it had AGP card in it and i thought it was the shit.

9/13/2007 11:36:48 AM

are all new motherboards going to come with SATA now also? My current hard drives are IDE

9/13/2007 12:27:35 PM

Newegg has a deal right now:

# Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 Conroe 2.66GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6700 - Retail
# BFG Tech BFGRINF650iU LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i Ultra ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Combo package for $424.98

Sound like a good deal? Any problems with that motherboard?

EDIT: Screw that, the board has bad reviews.

I'm definitely going for that processor. I just need a good board to run it on.

How about this one:

GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128012

[Edited on September 13, 2007 at 12:39 PM. Reason : ]

9/13/2007 12:35:31 PM

Eh, if you're going to pay 109 for a board you might as well pay 20 or so more for one with dual pcie x16 slots. I like these boards, personally:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128044

This board is pretty sweet but it uses an 8pin connection on the motherboard, so if you got this one make sure your power supply will work.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131142

The only thing about this board is the IDE location, but it can be overlooked for the other benefits.

9/13/2007 7:18:48 PM