Halp!

[PhillihP]

I did a stupid. My current computer is a Dell, but I just bought a new case for it. It seems to me that the standard for motherboards and cases is for the motherboard to be mounted on the right side of the case when you're looking at the front. Well, with my dell, the motherboard is mounted on the left side. I checked everything else but somehow it didn't occur to me to make sure my motherboard would be mounted on the correct side >.<

So I've been meaning to buy a new motherboard and processor anyway, but I've been putting it off because of the expense, so I haven't researched them yet. Well now my hand has been forced, and I would prefer to have a new motherboard soon, so I need a crash course in motherboards. My price range... well that depends. I can go as high as $550 for the motherboard and processor together, but I'd prefer not to spend that much if I don't have to. Can I afford a Core 2 quad with a good SLI capable motherboard?

I'm looking at Newegg right now, but I don't hove the experience to recognize what I'm looking for and what's a good deal.

=O Just read about the 9800- I won't be upgrading my graphics card for a while, so should I make sure to get a motherboard that can support a 9 series if I ever get one?

[Xetsuei]

Motherboard:
EVGA nForce 680i SLI $209.99($189.99 with Mail-In Rebate) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188013)

Processor:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 $329.99 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017)

[PhillihP]

K, last night I learned the difference between ATX and BTX, and turns out there is a BTX upgrade kit for my case so I could get the mobo to fit after all, but I've decided to wait a little while. I can stand to have a decent computer and an empty case for a while longer.