Motherboard choice

[paulza]

I am looking to build or buy a computer in which I can use my new Radeon ATI All-In-Wonder 9600XT 8X/4X AGP. I am leaning towards the AMD Athlon 64 3200+ cpu but a P4 is not out of the question. Any thoughts on what would be a good CPU/motherboard combination. If it helps, I'm not a big time gamer, rarely listen to/record music on my PC but do need good graphics.
Also, I'll need a good power supply and case to wrap around the expensive bits???????????
Thanks for any advice you might have>

[missiveusa]

My $.02:

PSU: Enermax makes some of the best units on the market. They're new Coolergiant line performs very well at a fair price. See ZipZoomFly. (http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Home.jsp)

For your needs, I would suggest an nForce2 Ultra board, either Abit's NF7-S (not the S2), or Asus' A7N8X-E, both with Soundstorm audio onboard. If 64-bit addressable is what you want, go with AMD's Socket 939. The MSI K8N Neo2 is a great board, and prices have come down on the lower rated 939 cpu's. I'm running the MSI board with a Winchester core 3500+, both perform very well. Check mfg's web site for compatable PC 3200 for any board you buy.

Can't comment from experience on Intel system, but I know others will offer opinions. Good luck.

[sell2ucheap]

cant go wrong with asus motherboards...period

[Commandos]

Have been on Intel systems since many years. My 2 recent motherboards : MSI 865 PE Neo2 S and Currently ASUS P4P800SE. Both are rock solid boards, stable and well O'ced.
ASUS and MSI are very good and you wont regret that at all.
Thats my opinion regarding boards with an Intel CPU.
Im sure many other members will have other opinions and advices.
Good luck

[Rugor]

I like the AMD64 platform, but both the boards MissiveUSA listed are Socket A models.

[sell2ucheap]

well i am running the amd 64 3000+ with a asus k8v deluxe mb and to say the least...these mb's(asus) offer many features for a very low cost..so as i said before...you just can't beat them for.performance,features,and cost..best board out there

[sell2ucheap]

also graphics are up to you as to the cost you are willing to pay..i am a gamer and i had a pny gforce 5900...128 mb ram...it was great but i upgraded to a pny gforce 6800 gt...the cost was high but i can tell the differnece right away...also..a note...i like pny boards because of the support...when you call if you need to you are always directed(if possible) to the same person so there is more of an personal connection there...and i have found they know the cards and boards out there...ok ill stop now...good luck in whatever you deciede:t