How to choose a chipset?

What are some considerations when choosing a chipset? Or is this not as big of a factor as simply choosing a mobo with the features you want?

In my case, I'll do occasional gaming, but otherwise normal stuff and nothing too intense. So I figure I don't really need a "gaming" board necessarily.

P.S. If a mobo supports DDR3 RAM, does it also support DDR2, or do you have to buy DDR3?

The chipset is important for a number of reasons. Some chipsets, such as the nForce 590/650/680i, allow you to pair two nVidia graphics cards in a SLi configuration. Although I run SLi, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. For your purposes, a card ≥ to the 8800 GT would suffice. The ATi Radeon 3870 HD is another great option with regard to graphics cards. You cannot run an ATi card on an nVidia chipset; although you can run an nVidia card on an Intel chipset. <- I know, it can be kinda confusing.



Some processors are not compatible with certain chipsets. The new 45nm processors are guaranteed to work w/ the following Intel chipsets: P35, P31, G31, G33, G35, and X38. However, the nForce 680i chipset (currently) will only support dual core 45nm - no support for quad core (yet).



In that case, you should probably stay away from the nForce chipsets and look at some of the Gigabyte P35 chipsets.



No, you cannot use DDR2 on a DDR3 board. The RAM modules are keyed differently. Besides, being a casual gamer, you probably do not need a board that offers DDR3 memory .

Yeah, for sure I will be getting the 8800GT, so in some ways that will dictate which board I get. I lean more toward Intel than nVidia, so I guess I'll just ignore the non-existent SLI support on Intel chipsets.



Good to know. I was just on Intel's website checking which ones support 45nm, but it's nice to see a complete list here. I figure I'll go with X38 or P35.



Good to know as well. Definitely I'm avoiding DDR3, for the price if nothing else, although I hear it's not so much better than DDR2 yet anyway. And besides, I simply don't need it. I don't even need anything faster than DDR2 800.

That sounds like a good plan.



Yeah, you're probably right. DDR3 offers faster speeds at the expense of higher latencies. The price, as you said, makes it undesirable as well.

I have a ATI chipset with a Nvidia card...

John,

I just want to say kudos to you for taking your time and doing some very thorough research on a Self-Build

A lot of first-time folks rush in and ask a million questions after the fact, but you're taking it the way it should be done - gather all the info beforehand and understand *why* different things work differently, rather than freaking out when they aren't compatible.

Great job!

Yes! I agree. You're asking excellent, very appropriate questions, and it's obvious you've done your research. So...when are you gonna build this rig?

Wow, thanks guys. That means a lot to hear. I was afraid I was asking *too* many questions!

I think I might get a chance to build the PC for my parents a little later this month when I go home for Christmas. Assuming I can either find the parts I want at a place like Fry's, or that Newegg delivers them fast enough (I'll be home for two weeks).

As for my own computer (which is really what started me asking all these questions), I know for sure I'll wait until the new Wolfdale CPUs are released next month, and hopefully sometime shortly after that I can build my own.

But until then, I find it unreasonably fun to just read about this stuff, do research, and browse Newegg.

P.S. I should also throw in a thank you for all the help you've given. You two in particular have responded to several of my questions, along with many other people. When I first started asking these questions, I was almost convinced I couldn't build a PC myself. But after spending time with you guys, I'm confident I can do it.

No such thing as too many questions for a first-timer. As mentioned, better off asking now than frantically freaking out later



I'm a Newegg anomaly as far as shipping goes, but a lot of folks say 2-days tops and they have it, so chances are you'll be able to get the stuff. Reading about the stuff and configuring the order is half the fun So many people think that building a system is completely out of their realm, but it's pretty much 'buy and snap-on' with today's technology. I'm all for the pre-built systems for the completely average user, but for those that want to DIY for bragging rights, the gratification, or just to learn, it's really easy.



So, look at more items, read more reviews, and ask more questions!



BTW - we're almost neighbors! I'm in EHT (36 off the GSP*)



*(it's a Jersey-thing )

Cool! I just moved here from Boston over the summer. Don't own a car so the GSP is foreign territory to me.