I have a Core 2 duo E6700 that is burning a hole in my drawer. I've spent TONS of time on newegg deciding which mobo/RAM combo to get to best complement the processor. I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. I ordered
GIGABYTE GA-965P-S3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
and
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ

but since I just moved the credit card address is making everything on the order fuck up, so now I have time to reconsider.

All of the bad reviews and compatibility problems that I've read are worrying me. (especially because there are bad reviews/complaints of DOA for EVERY single mobo and RAM, although I am suspicious that there are a lot of semi-helpless people that can't figure things out, possibly including me =(...)

So if someone could help me determine a mobo/ram combo that would really be appreciated. Specifically, I've read that the intel 965 chipset requires the ram to have 5-5-5 timings on 1.8v to boot, but after you boot, you can change the bios settings and get the full 2.0v if you get expensive RAM. I don't have 1.8v ddr2 ram just sitting around to boot this sucker...I suppose if thats what you GOTTA do, and the 2.0v expensive ram is DEFINITELY worth the hastle compared to 1.8v, then I'll scrounge for some. ARGGGGGGGG thanks sorry it's so long

oh so I'll spend up to 250 on the 2gb ram (pref 800 if it's worth it) and if I REALLY need to splurge and get a 200 mobo, I will, but I only plan on messing with the BIOS to get it working, I don't plan on overclocking.

1/8/2007 6:34:26 PM

I don't touch Intel based chip sets since I usually go with nvidia and get the SLI compatible mobo's for future upgrades. I've built three computers in the past 6 months with two having Asus SLI mobo's and all three are picky ass hell with the ram choices. Check with the manufacturer to see what ram modules they recommend. The 1st new system I built was for an 840 pentium D and I used some XMS2 675 ram and refused to boot up. I had to buy some cheap ddr2 ram just to boot it up, and after I updated the bios the system ran flawlessly on the xms2.

G.Skill of what I've heard are on the iffy side of things but when they work, they are fantastic Ram. I haven't checked out the prices on that mobo, but Asus makes a nice $150 p5n mobo. I'm actually building a new system this week for a customer using an 8800 gts, asua p5n, e6600, 2gb xms2 800, antec 550. Should make for a killer budget gaming system. Btw, Zipzoomfly.com has the xms2 for 218 after rebates:

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=85025-5

Asus motherboard:
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=247123

1/8/2007 8:43:40 PM

thanks! I'm basically building that system, except with a 7600gt to make it an ACTUAL "budget" gaming system. We shall see.

1/9/2007 7:07:31 PM