Grant wrote: > My motherboard is getting flaky and it's time for a new one. I have > an AMD 6000+ CPU, 4GB DDR2/800 RAM, 2TB SATA2 HD, Blu-Ray burner, PCI > wireless card, 400W power supply, and ATX case. I could replace any > of these components if it's worthwhile for some new feature, but I may > as well keep them if it's not.
You'll probably keep the HDD, Blu-Ray drive and the wireless card for the new system. It's better to replace your PSU. For example : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371033 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371046 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182202 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207012 They'll all do the job, different brands, models and prices. If you're not going to sell the old CPU and memory modules you can buy a mobo and keep it as a backup PC : http://cgi.ebay.com/Asus-M2N68-AM-PLUS-Socket-AM2-GeForce7025-DDR2-A-V- Lan-/310329745884?pt=Motherboards&hash=item48411821dc You'll need a new chassis if you decide to keep these old parts. > The most important thing is reliability and Linux compatibility but I > also need HDMI and I figure USB 3.0 is a good idea. The system is for > playing music and movies, no gaming whatsoever. If you're familiar > with the current hardware scene, where would you go from here as far > as a motherboard and other components? Any features a Gentoo'er > should look for? Plenty to choose. HDMI is nearly in every motherboard with onboard video. There are many ways to go, I picked the AM3+ way and with some excessive spending for the motherboard : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128514 Not economical but I like the look and the quality of this one. For the CPU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103903 A cheap option, but should be enough and instead of paying big bucks for 6-cores etc, wait for the bulldozer. For memory : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231308 8 GB should be good for a long time. With this board you'll need a discrete video card. This one should do the job : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161374 Fanless, so some ventilation is needed. I went full AMD. Good luck.
