Motherboard recommendation?

[imported_Septimus]

Hi there,

I'm looking for a quick recommendation on a new motherboard. I'm trading up from my ASUS P5N-E SLI, which has given me trouble since I've had it (it never liked that I had 4 gigs of RAM, or else it didn't like the SB Audigy Pro, or else it just enjoyed the occasional blue-screen). I'm getting a new CPU as well. Here are the requirements/specs:

- Q9450 quad core (once I can find one in stock...grr)
- 2x PATA devices (DVD burners) so only one IDE controller necessary
- 8800 GTS; no SLI necessary or even desirable
- 4G DDR2-800 RAM
- Lots of USB devices, so more USB ports = better
- Very minor OC'ing, if any at all; I won't be upset if I can't. I have an Arctic Cooler 7 but no other fancy cooling gear so it's basically just air.
- Future upgrades nice but not really necessary; since the next Intel stuff down the road will be all new architecture I'd just as soon have an awesome, reliable motherboard than drop $300 for an X48.
- Wouldn't mind a new PSU - my current one is OK but I have no spares in case it dies.

My current board is an Nforce 650i and I'm not really married to having an NVIDIA motherboard again, particularly since I'm not interested in SLI.

Budget isn't an issue, though obviously I'd rather spend $100-$150 than $300, but if it's justifiable given my needs I have no problem with it.

Thanks!

 

[DarkRogue]

Try looking at some of the Gigabyte P35 offerings is my suggestion.

The DS3L and DS3R are fairly popular around here. The DS3P has 12 USB ports. 8 in the back, headers for 4 more. If that isn't enough, I don't know what is. Certainly enough for me lol, and I like having more. also has 2 Firewire in the back with headers for one more. Has 1 IDE channel and 8 SATA connectors. I believe virtually any decent board now supports DDR2 800.

Edit:
Yay typos.

 

[Heidfirst]

you haven't said that you require RAID, firewire or anything like that so even a fairly basic mobo should do.
A P35 based mobo would be a fairly safe choice & if basic is OK it's hard to beat the $60 after rebate Newgg special on the abit IP35-E (4 USB ports on I/O & a further 8 by headers).

 

[imported_Septimus]

I went with the DS3P. I do actually need RAID (forgot to mention it). Found a Q9450 in stock at tankguys.com and got everything else from Newegg. Thanks for the recommendation - looks like a fine board!