December Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 3

Motherboards

When selecting a motherboard for our Value Gaming System, it is important we find the best overall value, while ensuring the most future-proof and high-performance hardware possible. Naturally, these goals are often at odds with each other, and the sticker price is usually the main stumbling block. To find that right combination, the motherboard needs to be affordable, but also have a good mix of performance, overclocking, and onboard features. Whether you're buying a low-cost gaming system or an ultra high-end powerhouse, the motherboard is still one of the most important components, as it provides the backbone for your entire computer and determines your future upgrade path.

Athlon 64 X2 AM2 Motherboard: Biostar TForce 550 (nForce 550)

Current Cost: $78
Consecutive Guides: 2
Price Change: -$2

In our last guide, we moved to the Socket AM2 platform, and had the challenge of finding a motherboard that not only had the performance and features we needed, but also sported a low price tag. The nForce 500 series was the logical path, and while the nForce 570 and 590 SLI boards were a bit out of our price range, there were some nForce 550 models that fit our requirements. One of these is the impressive Biostar TForce 550, a value motherboard that has features and performance to spare. We have used Biostar motherboards in various entry-level configurations, and have always been very pleased with their price-performance rating, and the $78 TForce 550 is no different.

The Biostar TForce 550 is powered by the nForce 550 chipset, which drops a few high-end features (such as SLI) from the feature list, but maintains others like SATA 3.0 Gb/s, Gigabit LAN, NVIDIA RAID, and High Definition Audio. It has support for all Athlon 64, 64 X2, and FX-based processors using the Socket AM2 package, along with handling up to DDR2-800 memory speeds. This chipset presents a very nice mix of power, features and price, especially for those who want the benefits of the nForce 500 series, but don't want to shell out the big bucks. Add Biostar and their more enthusiast-oriented T-Series into the mix, and you just know you're going to get a lot of board for your money.

The Biostar TForce 550 may feature a sub-$80 price tag, but it has an ample feature list. The board includes support for AM2-based processors, along with 4 DDR2 sockets capable of handling up to 4GB of DDR2-800 memory. Onboard expansion slots includes 1 x PCIe x16 graphics, 2 x PCIe x1, and 4 x PCI, while storage option feature 2 x PATA devices, 4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s with NVRAID, and 1 x Floppy. The motherboard also has 10 x USB 2.0, 7.1-channel high definition audio, and integrated Gigabit LAN. This selection of hardware is more than on par with our system requirements, and the Biostar TForce 550 motherboard is one of the best values for Socket AM2 systems.

Core 2 Duo Motherboard: MSI 945P Neo3-F (i945P)

Current Cost: $76
Consecutive Guides: New
Price Change: N/A

Finding a name brand Core 2 Duo-compatible motherboard that fits our budget was possibly the most difficult task in the entire guide. We want to stick with Intel or NVIDIA chipsets, and that limited our choices even more. There was no way we can afford an i975X or G/P965, and even the nForce 570/550 Intel motherboards are still too expensive. The i945P chipset is really our only option, and this month, our choice is the MSI 945P Neo3-F. This motherboard gets top marks in three areas: price, a rock solid Intel chipset, and Core 2 Duo support.

The i945P chipset provides solid support for Intel processors, and the MSI 945P Neo3-F offers Core 2 Duo support, along with handling other LGA775 Intel processors. Memory support consists of four DDR2 slot capable of handling up to 4GB of DDR2-400/533/667. MSI is well known for providing a lot of features for the money, and this board features the i945P Northbridge and the ICH7R Southbridge for under $80. The MSI 945P Neo3-F includes 1 x PCI-Ex16, 1 x PCI-Ex1, and 4 x PCI slots, and offers 4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s and 1 x PATA for storage use. Some of the other onboard features include 8 x USB 2.0, 8-channel high definition audio, and Gigabit LAN.