[Deezer]

Some-what new to building computers exspecially Dual core, real dual core's.I've decided to go with a intel E6750 cpu but don't know which board to choose.For now my main usage is photo/video editing, surfing the web,ect.With that processor I need to know which board would let me run it to its full potential.I do want a board that will allow me to get into gamming alittle later on with features that would be outdated any time soon.Is it true ddr2 dual channel is a faster setup when looking for system speed.
Need to know what features to look for.Not loyal to any brand, just the best bang for my buck.Looking to spend $100-130.00 for a board.

Thank you for your time to read this

[Carbon]

A board allowing 1333 FSB will let you upgrade to 45nm Wolfdale processors somewhere down the line.
DDR2, support for up to 800MHZ modules.
PCI-E 2.0 or x16 lane.
Nice amount of USB ports
Good reviews on NewEgg (I assume that's where you're buying from)

I like this a lot.

[Deezer]

Yes unless I find a good deal somewere else

[alex]

Asus P5K, any revision, be it the stock no bells or whistles 'SE' or the deluxe wifi will suit.

P35 chipset, basically the son of the P965 chipset which offers low latency's and good overclocking potential should that be your thing.

Support for 8 usb's for all those extra add-on's. Also giving support for 1333mhz fsb cpu's.

DDR2 passes data on the falling and rising edges of the clock cycle, DDR just on the rising edge, hence the '2' in the name. As an example 800mhz DDR2 ram doesn't offer a true speed of 800mhz, it's actually 400mhz, but because it passes data at basically double the amount per cycle it's effective speed is doubled, hence the 800mhz label.

[link590o]

i'll second the p35 chipset. i'm using one right now. and i'm rather impressed. i've got the neo combo p35 chipset. it only has one pci-e 16x slot, but i don't need much more than that really. i'm happy with one card.

[Deezer]

I acually have been looking at the asus p5k's, not sure on the purpose of wi/fi what is the benifit of it.So when they say "dual channel" it means ddr2.Would stepping up to entry-level quad be faster than the 6750?

Thanks once again to these questions.

[alex]

If you want gaming, go dual, as in the E6750 (if buying now). Games don't have code that can run in parallel so can't make use of quad's as yet.

Or, if you can wait a few weeks go for the new Wolfdale core E8400 at 3ghz, 1333fsb.

Its around the same price as the E6750. New 45nm architecture which will mean less heat, less wattage to run and higher overclocking headroom and offers a 6mb cache as opposed to the 4mb on the E6750.

Don't go for the E8500 as it's around 50% more than the E8400 and only offers a stock increase of 160mhz.

If you're after an allround build, a quad will suffice, especially if you oc it.

The Q6600 would be my choice if you want now as the 'GO' revision, simply by changing the stepping, is an awesome overclocker. And not bad at stock, espeically for multithreaded apps.

If you wait though,and you want a quad it would have to be the new Yorkfield core Q9450, but it is costly at around £215. But it offers a 12mb cache, 2.66ghz, 1333fsb and the same 45nm archtitecture, the advantages of which I've mentioned above.

[Deezer]

Thanks Alex,on the p5k boards,some of them are ready for ddr2&ddr3 should I grab the one thats ready for ddr3.Are they acully better than ddr2.

[Carbon]

Might as well.

[alex]

Originally Posted by Deezer

Thanks Alex,on the p5k boards,some of them are ready for ddr2&ddr3 should I grab the one thats ready for ddr3.Are they acully better than ddr2.

On a bang for buck basis i'd have to say no. But latency's are coming down all the time in DDR3, as is the price.

So if you've got the money, then I'd suggest picking some up as the bandwidth potential is much higher than DDR2.

I'm salivating at the prospect of a Q9450 with some DDR3 1800mhz ram to be honest.

And, obviously, you'll put off a much needed upgrade that much longer should you go for a DDR3 board.