Mobo suggestions

[Topher]

I'm going to be buying a new motherboard in the next few days or so and I'd like to get some suggestions. First off, I'm getting the Core 2 Duo E6850 CPU and have plans on moving to an SLI configuration at a later date. I figured I'd just order a mobo/cpu combo and found the following:

http://www.partspc.com/Recommend.asp?Qt ... Field3.y=6

I'm not familiar with ECS so I'm a bit hesitant to buy this one. I was hoping to go with ASUS this time (my current mobo is an MSI).

Any opinions on ECS as well as suggestions for other brands (and specifically model numbers too)?

Thanks!

[ibleet]

I would get an Asus E5n...(680i) board, or if you want all the bells and whistles and can afford it, go for the Striker Extreme.

LINK

You can save some cash by ordering the E6750 and OC it to 3.0Ghz.

[Topher]

Hmmm.... $300 is a bit pricey for the Striker Extreme....
I think I'll end up getting the P5N32-E. It's $100 cheaper and basically the same motherboard, only without the "extreme" hype.
Thanks for your suggestion.

Anyone have any advice in regards to the NewEgg OpenBox items? They have some good deals, but with no return policy other than 15 day money back.
My luck, something would crap out after a month and I'd be stuck with a component which doesn't work that I can't return for replacement.

Are the OpenBox items worth the risk?

[Pez D Spencer]

I considered the open box stuff once or twice but never went through with it. The old phrase "spend a dollar to save a dime" kept playing in my head and I always went with new.

I've heard of people having good luck with the open box items but I wouldn't risk it.