Computer_Freak

Hey there CF

Ive got a few questions

1st - Is a motherboard a plug and play solution (like a grafics card (minus the drivers)?)

Cause i wanna get a new Mobo, but i need to know if i just have to swap eveything out, or do I have to do some complicated install?

2nd - Im looking for a motherboard that is, well, future proof. I want it to have the following:

FSB up to 1600 (to support my next processor)
DDR2
2 x PCI-Express 2.0

This is basically an X38/X48 Chipset. Which X38/X48 chipset motherboard is the best, and cheapest? (im leaning to wards Gigabyte, But i wont mind Asus, i just dont like that their northbridge heatsink goes right around the CPU (difficulty with an aftermaket cooler))

3rd - Can my current CPU work on the newer mobo?

4th - can this HSF fit on my current motherboard ( I know it supports it, but can it fit, with all the things surrounding the CPU?

Mobo
http://http://www.biostar.com.tw/upl...0070507_22.jpg

HSF
http://www.thermaltake.com/product/C...9/gallery.html


Thanks for the help guys

__________________
● Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 2.13Ghz (@ 2.536Ghz, CPU temp: 28° Idle, 45° Load)
● Biostar Tforce 965PT
● 2x1Gb DDR2 800 RAM CL6 @ 942mhz
● GeCube ATI X1650 Pro 256MB (soon an ATI 4870)
● Huntkey DH power 500w (Can my PSU handle a ATI 4870?)
● Standard Case, 2 fans

For All those who want a good Hardware monitor

daisymtc

1. Yes
2. Forget about "Future Proof" Intel going to change socket next year! Suggest you wait until 2009 to get new CPU and Mobo (LGA 1366)
3. Yes
4. Link for Biostar not working. And you HS should work

To improve your current PC performance, I suggest upgrading graphic card only

Computer_Freak

1. Yes to what, you need to install or its plug and play?

thats what im gonna do, get the 4870.

But a reason why i wanna change bobo is cause the GFX card will scrape the bottom of the RAM retention clips... It does that with my current card (only on 1st RAM slot)

Check my sig for mobo

They say nehalem will arrive Q4 2008.

The problem is, im not gonna pay an arm and a leg just for new stuff. Then what, im gonna have to wait 6 months for the price to drop? Also will it use DDR3? That stuff costs more than my current computer!!!! ( a bit of an exxaggeration but its true)

__________________
● Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 2.13Ghz (@ 2.536Ghz, CPU temp: 28° Idle, 45° Load)
● Biostar Tforce 965PT
● 2x1Gb DDR2 800 RAM CL6 @ 942mhz
● GeCube ATI X1650 Pro 256MB (soon an ATI 4870)
● Huntkey DH power 500w (Can my PSU handle a ATI 4870?)
● Standard Case, 2 fans

For All those who want a good Hardware monitor