This may be helpful for those looking for a new motherboard and do not know where to start. For me, this is the first component I search for before starting a new build.

1) What Mobo did you select? Explain why Intel vs. AMD
2) Was it because of budget? (Y/N)
3) What features were you looking for?
4) Was the Mobo for gaming or general build (e.g mix of gaming, video, web dev, browsing the Google, etc.)
5) Overall, what was the quality or reason for your decision (e.g. SLI vs. Crossfire, other, etc.)?

Your answer's will help many on Tom's.

I have built a number of computers for myself and friends over the past few years. The first thing I ask myself, and my friends is: “What will this computer be used for most of the time? Is it going to be mainly surfing, emailing, the occasional video, and some word processing, or do you want a high end gaming rig with all the bells and whistles? Do you want this computer to be able to be upgraded to state of the art every year or so, or are you just going to use it until it breaks, with no concern over upgrading? Finally, how much do you want to spend?”

I would research Toms Hardware site for manufacturers that consistently get good reviews for stability and quality. I usually only look at ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI because they have decent reputations, and are available in my area. Some of the other manufacturers I have no experience with, and therefore stick with what I know.

If I were building a basic computer for surfing, email, word processing and occasional videos, I would pick an AMD dual core processor, because they are practically giving them away, and there are fairly inexpensive motherboards available for them, that have loads of features. I would probably go for a Gigabyte mobo with the 790GX chipset, because integrated graphics are just fine for this type of computer, and I like the fact that if you wanted to do some gaming later, you could upgrade with a graphics card. However, a cheap $50 mobo from ASUS, Gigabyte or MSI would probably be adequate for many people. If you want to watch a lot of video on this computer, look for a mobo that supports HDTV, or even Blue Ray if that’s what you are into.

If I were going for a state of the art gaming rig, I would probably choose an Intel Core 2 Duo or Quad Processor. What motherboard to choose? Damn, that’s a good question. How much do you want to spend? This is a little harder choice, because there are so many possibilities that the mind boggles. Read Tom Hardware and become an armchair expert. Then spend like a drunken sailor……. I would probably choose a Gigabyte energy efficient, stable mobo with all the bells and whistles. They have a reputation for being very durable, and lasting a long time.

I built my computer with an AMD64x2 4600 CPU on an ASUS M2N32SLI Deluxe mobo and then upgraded to an AMD64x2 6000 CPU a couple of years later. The AMD6000 cost me 1/3 what the AMD 4600 cost when I assembled the computer. When I was building my rig, Core 2 Duo processors were not yet available, and when they did come out, the mobos were very expensive compared to the AMD compatible mobos. At the time, AMD64x2 CPUs were a much better choice than any of the Pentiums, unless you spent like a drunken sailor, and even then the AMDs had a better reputation. So, another thing to consider when building a gaming rig, is the possibility of upgrading. Unfortunately, my rig is no longer state of the art, but I still can squeeze some more out of it by upgrading my graphics card and CPU. I can go up to a Phenom Quad core processor on my current mobo. Guessing at your future upgrade path is not an exact science, but reading Toms Hardware helps.

Well,,as a FPS playing type,,when I am going to upgrade/replace my system ,I usually start with the video and go from there,the next consideration is,,what CPU and ,at the lowest $$ do I absolutely need to keep my video card happy,and with what power supply,now it is time to think of the mobo,and as I have a very large case there are certain considerations that must be made,different strokes for different folks...

1) What Mobo did you select? Explain why Intel vs. AMD
I picked the DFI LanPart DK X38 T2RB. I picked it because of intels reliabilty and the fact that i was getting an intel cpu
2) Was it because of budget? (Y/N)
no.
3) What features were you looking for?
I was looking for x16/x16 crossfire, good ram compatability, and many sata connectors. Wanted more then just 2 pci slots, and more then just 1 when i xfire. I liked the fact that it had a good cooling solution on the northbridge, but not one that got in the way of other components. UV reactive parts was a added bonus too lol.
4) Was the Mobo for gaming or general build (e.g mix of gaming, video, web dev, browsing the Google, etc.)
It was inteded for generaly gaming, but web surfing/music encoding/ect.
5) Overall, what was the quality or reason for your decision (e.g. SLI sli vs. Crossfire, other, etc.)?
No complaints at all for this board. Had no issues, came with latest bios. Very sturdy board compared to my old emachines computer. TONS of connections. Video card doesnt cover up any sata ports, although the location of the front audio connector is RIGHT under the front of the video card.

RE: Marshmellow1991 Oh Yeah, i forgot about the DFI motherboards I researched. Actually wanted to get one because of all the reviews I read, but unfortunatley there was no supplier with any in stock when I needed one. So, I adjusted my plans. I must remember them when the next upgrade comes along.