DescentBB

I am looking for a good low cost dual core motherboard/cpu combo. My firm requirements are simply :

* PCI Express 16 video slot for 7900 GT

* Dual core AMD or Intel (Please no brand wars here)

* Needs to be expandable when I get more money. For example, I would prefer a lower end dual core CPU and an extremely fast FSB so that later on I could trade up in CPU and have the MB keep up.

* Must be available from NewEgg.com (I have a preferred account w/them)

* Prefer onboard LAN and NET

* SATA compatible

* USB2 compatible

[edit/add]
* SLI Capable
[/edit]

Anyone wanna give me some good advice here?

Thanks!
D

Avoid the Pentium D if at all possible, get either a Athlon X2 AM2 for AMD, or a Core 2 Duo for Intel. Nvidia chipsets are the best for an AMD CPU, Intel chipsets are best for an Intel CPU. Other then that, let the features and price pick for you on newegg.

I do not believe there is a modern motherboard that does not have onboard LAN, so networking is a non issue.

Here is what I have so far, need to get total down to around $2400 tho ...

why on earth are you paying 16 bucks for compound?

is it silver based?

ASUS P5B (check out variants) and any C2D. You could shave some money on the Raptor -- a Hitachi 7k80 is about $50 and works well.. Get a Keytronics keyboard. AFAIK there's nothing substancially better then AS5 -- $16 for A6 seems too high. W/ a C2D you can get a cheaper CPU cooler or even just use the stock one. Check 7950GX2 prices -- more power than 2x 7900GT and you'll have the option to do Q-SLI if desired. Antec fans are not very good -- get Panaflo or Scythe S-FLEX (120mm). The PSU seems too expensive -- check OCZ Powerstream SLI.

Edit: oh, forgot -- ppl call newegg \"screwegg\" for a reason

Yes, the PSU seems way too expensive, it should be possible to power that whole system with a Fortron or OCZ for under $100. Also the case is too expensive, but if that is the case you really want there isn't much that can be done about it.