Need motherboard advice on new build

[Merovingian]

I'm building a new PC for a buddy who is cost conscious. I need a basic motherboard with solid overclock features and figured the Asus P5B featured in the motherboard section of anandtech would be a good match. Here is what I'm thinking so far...

Asus P5B retail $141
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131030

or

Asus P5B OEM $95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131030R

with

- Intel Core Duo E6300 $183
- Seagate 400GB SATA $100
- OCZ Gold 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) 5-5-5-12 $200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227124
- SeaSonic S12 Energy Plus SS-550HT ATX12V/ EPS12V 550W Power Supply $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817151027
- SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 18X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache IDE DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write, LightScribe Technology - OEM $32
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827151136

He's going to use my old 6600GT until he gets one of the upcoming DX10 cards such as the 8800GTX. I'm also providing him with a case and I think this pretty much covers it.

Basically, I'm not sure about what motherboard is the best for the money right now so any and all advice would be appreciated. Also, does anybody know the difference between OEM and retail motherboards? Thank you in advance.

 

[de8212]

I believe the OEM doesn't come with any cables. Maybe even no manual or warranty (or possibly a very short warranty. ie 30 days). Since you seem to have other spare parts I'm sure you have some ide cables/serial ata cables/etc. And I'm sure you could download the manual.
So if price is a big factor and he/you do not mind the short warranty then OEM would be fine.

Personally I always get retail.

EDIT: Just looked at the link. It isn't just OEM, it's open box. I'd be leary of open box stuff. I'm sure some people have bought open box items and had no problems. I'd rather pay a few extra $$ for retail.

 

[Merovingian]

Sweet, so I'll go with the retail version. So, anybody have any other suggestions for a solid overclocker board?

 

[Merovingian]

Someone has recommend the Asus P5B-E instead of the P5B, does anybody know if this overclocks like the P5B with the "unlocking" features? Any other differences?

 

[Icepick]

The P5B-E is the same as the P5B with a few caveats. The P5B-E comes with firewire and an external SATA port. The P5B-E is actually the one featured in the Anandtech mid-range motherboard round-up on the front page. The editor of that article showed that the P5B-E is a good overclocker since they were able to reach FSB speeds of >500MHz. The drawback is that it only supports memory voltages from 1.8-2.1V. Some memory requires 2.2-2.4V for a stable overclock. Your mileage may vary.

The motherboard that Anandtech reported had the BIOS that could unlock multipliers upwards is the P5B Deluxe. I have not heard of the P5B-E or P5B having this capability.