Building a New Rig

[Vaskadar]

Since my old mobo is basically kaput, I've decided to build a new rig, utilizing my current GPU, HDD, and PSU. Not going to bother listing the accessories, since those don't factor in.

I've got a 650W Corsair, an Nvidia GTX 460, and a 1TB HDD with mounted fan.

What I plan on getting is an NZXT Phantom full-tower, an Intel i5 Quad Core 3.3 GHz, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and a decent Intel-chipset MoBo with a proper BIOS.

What I had before: 4GB DDR2 800 mhz RAM, a 2.4GHz Quad (intel), and a DG43GT Intel Mobo (which was a rather decent starter board until I tried forcing RAM)

So what I'm looking for is ATX 1155 motherboard suggestions, within the ~$175 range, keeping it under $200 at least.
A couple I'm looking at
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...3131704&cm_re=1155_atx-_-13-131-704-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...3131703&cm_re=1155_atx-_-13-131-703-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...3131706&cm_re=1155_atx-_-13-131-706-_-Product

I also have very little knowledge on which RAM manufacturers are reliable. I've used A-Data RAM, which have good heat spreaders etc., but since I'm sorta noobish, I could say that I have little experience outside of A-Data. I'll be saving up for one of these motherboards.

 

[daloonie]

The P67 is about the be "exchanged" for the Z68 chipset.

Example: http://www.anandtech.com/show/4330/asus-p8z68v-review

If you're set for the P67 make sure you choose the right version. Here's the real differences:

I actually have a P8P67 PRO lying on my desk waiting for an i7 2600K and 4x4GB Kingston HyperX DDR3-1600

About RAM I'd go with some quality stuff from the big vendors. Usually you don't hit that special combo when nothing works(Crucial BallistiX and Soltek motherboard as an example back in the olden days).
I'd recommend Kingston, Corsair, OCZ or even Mushkin.

 

[NRG]

Meh, I'd go with at least the Pro because I actually use more than four SATA ports and I'd want them pointing to the side--unlike the LE--for better cable management. The only reason to get the Evo is if you want slightly better theoretical overclocking and some features like the power/reset buttons on the motherboard. That stuff is nice if you ever use any of it. Obviously the Deluxe is where it's at for overclocking, so I wouldn't really allow overclocking to weigh you any direction on the other three because I'm willing to bet even the LE would break 4.0GHz easily.

The Z68 isn't worth waiting for the Virtu and Smart Response Technology, in my opinion. (unless it drops P67 prices) SRT is a configuration I'd never use a SSD in. Virtu is buggy and doesn't even help that much. If it improves a lot down the road, then it could be cool. But till then...

'course there's always something you can wait for. Ivy Bridge is slated for Q1 2012 (or Q4 2011 to compete with AMD) and will use Intel's new "reinvention" of the transistor in it's 22nm shrink. If that stuff is as cool as Intel is making it out to be, these Sandy Bridge processors are going to be obsolete ridiculously fast.

 

[Vaskadar]

Well, there's no need to build a new rig now. I'll wait till halfway through next year.