CPU/Mobo Need suggestions for a bare-bones motherboard?

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lazygarfield

Contributor
Need suggestions for a bare-bones motherboard? System Specs inside.

Hello.

I am going to buy a new Motherboard. I currently have an ASUS M2N MX-SE and that is nearly obsolete. Which is why I wanna update.

I already have a graphics card (Palit nVidia 9800GT+ 512MB DDR3) and sound card (Creative Audigy SoundBlaster) so I don't want a MoBo with onboard graphics or sound.

I just want it to be reliable, and have great ports and slots. My current Mobo's slots are placed in such a way that the fan of my GFX card hardly has any impact.

So... any help?
 
I think you will need to go for a completely new Processor + motherboard setup, as your current socket is very very ancient( I mean it has become End of Life ), you will have to invest atleast 8K to get a decent new AMD solution mostly a Athlon II based tri-core or Quad-core + MSI 785GM E65
 
Wait, right now I have an AMD Athlon X2 4800+. Will I have to replace that too? And umm, why exactly? I am a sorry but I am kind of a n00b in such matters :blushed:

And also, I have no specific loyalty to AMD. Can you just suggest me a decent solution, regardless of brand? I have a nVidia 9800GT+ 512MB DDR3 Graphics Card, Creative Audigy SoundBlaster Sound Card, 2GB DDR2 RAM (in 2 separate slots) and 2 HDDs (one ATA, one SATA) which I will use along with the new motherboard. Suitable config for that please?

PS - Someone suggested that my PSU may be at fault and that I definitely shouldn't plug that into my new MoBo without testing it first, using an oscilloscope. Can someone please elaborate on this and explain? Where can I get an oscilloscope?
 
I have no idea of an oscilloscope part of how to use it, but the fact is why don't you leave your entire spec sheet here for the pros to see they might be able to give a better diagnosis, also why I chose AMD is because, they provide better Value for money alternative to all their Intel counterparts, the i3's are not worth it being overpriced for what they bring on die, i5's are good but the new AMD Hexa-cores have put them on a defensive, i7 very high end and very expensive, that is why I gave you AMD + almost all Intel chips are going EoL from March next year with the introduction of Sandy Bridge ( LGA 2011 and LGA 1155 packages ).

Hope this helps :)

The Sandy Bridge Preview - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News
 
Ok, here are the specs of my system...

CPU AMD Athlon X2 4800+ (4 yrs old)

Mobo ASUS M2N MX-SE (4yrs old)

RAM 2x1GB DDR2 RAM (don't remember age, more than 2 yrs tho)

Graphics Card Palit nVidia 9800GT+ 512MB DDR3 (1 yr old)

Sound Card Creative Audigy SoundBlaster (1 yr old)

HDDs

1. Seagate 160GB ATA (definitely more than 4 yrs old)

2. Seagate 500GB SATA (2.5-3 yrs old)

SMPS Zebronics Bijli 350W (1 yr old)

PS - My CPU cores' temps are constantly in the ranges of 60-65 C, my HDDs around 55 C and my Graphics Card 53 C. Maybe this could be a reason I'm facing THIS problem, which is what has made me consider buying a new MoBo.
 
I am definite the SMPS is a trouble giver, must change it asap to at least a Corsair VX 450 or FSP Blue Storm II 500W, the current SMPS doesn't have enough juice to dish out power to all your components. Wait for the pros to come in too, don't take my advice for its face value and YESH thank you for the rep :)
 
You're welcome :-)

Oh, when I bought the SMPS, I was assured that I shouldn't go by the wattage and that it would be sufficient for my usage. Shame :-(

I'll tell my brother (he's in charge of all tech purchases in the household :P) about the SMPS. Also, how about the FSP Blue Storm II 400W? Will that be sufficient for my usage? I tried on the sites of The IT Wares and Lynx-India but couldn't find FSP Blue Storm II 500W on either :-(

And, should I first get a new SMPS and try with that before going for a new MoBo, seeing as how the problem is most probably with that....?
 
Ok, I put my cabinet in for testing. The technician people said that there is no fault with the RAM or SMPS (I specially told them to check the SMPS) but they pointed that my Motherboard was the culprit. Told me I have to get a replacement. So, now... gotta surely get a new one.

BTW, ALPHA17, why did you say that I have to get a new processor as well as motherboard? I didn't get that part. Wouldn't getting just a new motherboard solve the problem?
 
@laya

You CPU has AM2 socket and finding an AM2 socket mobo may be almost impossible. SO if you can, go for an Athlon II + 790GX/785GX (ATX) combo. :)
 
Hi sabby! Long time :D

Thanks for your suggestion! How much will this cost me (approx.)? I have no qualms buying online and actually plan to do just that, since my locality doesn't have good range/price of hardware.

PS - I really don't need ANY onboard graphics/sound. Just a MoBo that'll do the job. CPU I need a moderately decent one since I watch HD movies and am a casual gamer too (Star Wars - Force Unleashed, Wolverine, Avatar levels... not Crysis levels :P)

--- Updated Post - Automerged ---

Ok, from the sellers I'm asking... I have gotten this combo so far (given my price range and needs)

Processor: Intel E5500 3300/-

Motherboard: MSI G31TM-P21 2200/-

Is this a good deal? In this price range, I spotted the AMD Athlon II X2 245 Regor Processor too. How does that compare to the E5500? Any suggestions people?
 
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