Gateway Parts

what motherboard and hard drive to get for gaming?

from my recent question I asked about what kind of computer to buy from the two and I got answers to build one. since its cheaper? im familiar with computer parts since I've been changing ram and graphics card. but its going to be my first building one. I want to know if I want to get a duo core motherboard do I jus get any brand ? like ecs or intel? ( im not gonna get intel.) I saw some discounted motherboards on frys. I want to build a gaming computer I don't play high end games. only cs 1.6 and source so something that'll run 100 fps. constant since I already have a 8500 gt it should run fine. so please help me on what motherboard or hardrive to buy thanks.

Public Comments

1. You're going to want an Intel P35- based motherboard. Here's a great one, that's very good at overclocking if you choose to do so: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059 In terms of a hard drive, if you want windows to boot EXTREMELY fast, get a 10,000rpm Raptor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136012 If that's too expensive, the Barracuda is fantastic: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262
2. The best mobo mfg in my opinion is asus... they provide a varity of mobos to satisfy all the price points you may be wanting to stay within. the best motherboard for the buck right now is the ASUS P5E: http://usa.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=11&l3=572&l4=0&model=1873&modelmenu=1 you can pick one up for around $250USD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131219 You can purchase a new 250gb 32mb chache hard drive for a little over $80USD (they preform well agains the raptoprs and cost a lot less). here is a list of 32mb cache hard drives: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010150014%201035424340&bop=And&Order=PRICE
3. you won't want to get an ecs board they are possibly the worst boards ever marketed. if your trying save money though go for a gigabyte board one of the "solid state" capacitor ones on newegg are fine and if your not looking to play the most cutting edge game save yourself some coin and go with a P35 or 965 chipset boards they'll be around or slightly under 100 and will give you what you need. Any core 2 duo processor will be fine but if your looking to save you'll and get one of those chipsets i mentioned make sure you get a 65nm proc. as they like won't support the new 45nm. anyway go to new egg look for mobo that won the customer choice awards they're always good mobos.