Motherboard help/questions

[Smartpart]

I'm building a new computer for the first time, and it just seems like there are too many options when it comes to Motherboards. I think I will go with either a ASUS or EVGA. Not sure whether I'm going with pc6400 or pc8500 ram. I'm listing some that are kinda different in price range so it is a little hard to compare. I'm trying to get as good of gaming system as I can but not spend a fortune. Still, I don't want to list a budget because I don't want it to influence my decisions as much.

I also don't really know the differences when it comes to SLI vs x38/x48 etc.

ASUS

ASUS w/ SLI

If they don't say "Certified for Windows Vista" Will they work with Vista or not.

Are there big differences to these boards? Or just minor.


EVGA

EVGA boards I am looking at.



Thanks for all the help. I really know very little when it comes to all this. I decided to build a computer so I could get a nice gaming computer for cheaper, and learn something at the same time.

 

[worshipme]

I think I will go with either a ASUS or EVGA.

Although these are two good manufacturers, you shouldn't limit your options to two brands. Gigabyte, Abit, and MSI all make some great boards.

Not sure whether I'm going with pc6400 or pc8500 ram.

My advice would be to go with 800MHz RAM with CAS 4 timings. A good kit will cost much less than 1066 RAM and will overclock just as far anyway. There is no point paying too much for DDR2 at this time when DDR3 is fast becoming the standard for many new chipsets.
These are two kits I would recommend:
4GB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227267
2GB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146673

I also don't really know the differences when it comes to SLI vs x38/x48 etc.

It depends if you want SLI support or not. Intel chipsets like the P35/X38 are generally better overclockers than Nvidia boards, but you get Crossfire and not SLI support. Since there is no point in having a Multi-GPU setup unless you want to spend $2000 (which it seems you won't be) , I would recommend an X38 or P35:
P35: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130098
X38: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131219
The P35 chipset does not support PCI-E 2.0 which IMO is no great loss as no graphics cards use anywhere near the full bandwidth of PCI-E 1.0a.

If they don't say "Certified for Windows Vista" Will they work with Vista or not.

Yes.

 

[Smartpart]

Worshipme: I worship you THANK YOU

So your telling me there is not point in getting a SLI mobo if i dont plan on running dual graphics cards?

 

[worshipme]

Yes, there is no point paying for SLI support when you can have a better chipset for less with a P35.

 

[Smartpart]

Probably going to go with x38 because all the GPU I had in mind were PCI-E 2.0. Thanks for helping out.

 

[worshipme]

They will still run fine on a PCI-E 1.0a slot as they are backwards compatible.