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[LtMama]

So with the PC still crashing after coming back from being "repaired", it's clear I'm gonna need a new motherboard. However with my searches, I realised I know jack shit about mobos so I have gathered the Brain Trust here to help me choose.

Current PC Specs:
Intel Q9450 2.66Ghz Quad core CPU
4GB Crucial Ballistix Tracer DDR2 800
Asus P5Q Deluxe Motherboard - The current piece of gay causing all the issues
2 Powercolor ATI HD4870 512mb graphics cards
Creative Labs X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Championship edition
2 Western Digital Caviar Black 750GB hard drives in RAID0
1 Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB hard drive
DVD Writer
Antec 1000w PSU
Antec 1200 Case

The chap at the local PC place recommended I get a Gigabyte UD3/UD5/UD7 but there are loads of different types so I dont know where to begin! only other thing I know is the intel CPU uses a 775 socket.
PC is mainly used for gaming and generally web browsing etc

GO MINIONS! SCOUR THE INTERNET!

Though won't be able to buy for a while since I'm pretty broke. Speaking which, perhaps a certain person may be willing to make a contribution? seeing as I was sold a faulty PC :3 (unless you know if the mobo is still under warrenty or something)

[Cheez]

As I know nothing either, just like to say: Nice fucking pc!

[Hzza]

2 Western Digital Caviar Black 750GB hard drives in RAID0

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! KILL IT WITH FIRE!

I has one of these, tis nice.

[Millicent Bystander]

I concur with Cheez.

You need a Socket 775 Motherboard with RAID and 2 x PCI Express slots as cheap as possible. http://www.ebuyer.com/product/170167 This is the cheapest that I could find with RAID.  If you don't want RAID you could save £20.

You may find something better on ebay (look for a G45/P45 Intel chipset).  I wouldn't buy second hand, reconditioned or a brand you've never heard of.  Gigabyte or Asus.

[Tommy the Cat]

You can get pretty good new stuff from people selling bits from their shop on eBay, my computer for example. Mobo all in 1 and GFX card cost £200 and despite being a bit slow hasn't let me down yet.

[Junta]

I wouldnt count on your current operating system install working after a new mobo - will need a re-install for different drivers.

My honest advice?

1) Sell one of the spare cards and just keep the one for gaming
2) Get a cheaper P41/P43 mobo - Gigabyte ones I find are very good
3) RAID is overrated, don't bother for home use.

[Zarf]

How much did the repair place take you for?

I've been using a Gigabyte UD3 mobo for the past two or three years, no problems here. UD stands for ultra durable, uses solid state caps etc which are meant to be more reliable.

[Tommy the Cat]

Also when do we give chaos his, ummm, Wii mote flailing

[LtMama]

The PC was given to me with the hard drives in RAID0 so don't mind  undoing it for a new mobo, nor does reinstalling the OS.
Keep the suggestions coming!

Also:
@cheez - Im glad it pleases you
@Tommy - thunderlolz

[Magathery]

I think Junta has come up with a sound sugestion. Sell off one of the graphics cards and use the money from that to buy a replacment mother board.

Gigabyte do a great range of boards, although the shear number of different models does seem a bit overwelming. Having a quick look on eBuyer, you can spend anything from £34.98 to £68.59 on a Gigabyte borad for Socket LGA 775 Intel. Although the first few on the list do have on board graphics. So they can be passed over.

The £68.59 goes a bit like this...
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/179081

Gigabyte GA-EP43T-UD3L P43 Socket 775 8 Channel Audio ATX Motherboard


Then again there are two other boards that are a little bit cheaper. The only difference between the two seems to be how many PCI or PCI-e x1 slots they have.

So for £59.75 there is this...
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/191065

Gigabyte GA-P43T-ES3G P43 Soclet 775 8 Channel Audio ATX Motherboard

Expansion Slots   
1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16
1 x PCI Express x1 slot
5 x PCI slots



And for £61.65 you could have...
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/174244

Gigabyte GA-EP43-UD3L iP43 Socket 775 8 Channel Audio Out ATX Motherboard

Expansion Slots   
1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (The PCI Express x16 slot conforms to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
4 x PCI Express x1 slots
2 x PCI slots



If however you are still looking to run 2 graphics cards then may be something obsean like this little number for £533.41 from Scan...

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/EVGA-Classified-SR-2-Intel-Xeon-5520-S1366-DDR3-Triple-Ch-4-Way-SLi-SATA3-USB3-HPTX

270-WS-W555-ER - EVGA Classified SR-2, Intel Xeon 5520, S1366, DDR3 Triple Ch, 4 Way SLi, SATA3/USB3, HPTX


But don't worry, they do a cheaper version for £174.10

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/EVGA-X58-SLi-Micro-MicroATX-LGA1366-SLi-and-Crossfire-DDR3

121-BL-E756-TR - EVGA X58 SLi Micro, MicroATX, LGA1366, SLi & Crossfire, DDR3



Happy shopping fella

[DeadlyAvenger]

The last 2 on your list are no good rippy as they're Socket 1366, not 775 - so no good for Mama's kit.

[LtMama]

D'awwww but I like my two graphics cards

[Hzza]

Graphics cards will come and go, but a good mobo will last you yonks.

[DeadlyAvenger]

Graphics cards will come and go, but a good mobo will last you yonks.

Not a 775 as it's now been superceded by 1156 and 1366. :/

[Hzza]

Shh...I'm pretending to know what I'm talking about .