mobo dilemma-ABIT or MSI?

[aReda]

I have been doing my research like a good little newb and have some questions that can't be found (or that I can't find). I recently decided to upgrade my computer and I am choosing between 2 mobo's right now: The ABIT KV8-MAX3 or the MSI K8T Neo-FIS2R. I'm getting an Athlon 64 3200 (this will be my first athlon ever) so I'm having to spend a lot of time researching all this...

First of all, I read toms hardware review of them (along with a few others) and had first decided upon the MSI, but then I say ABIT...How much memory total can the mobo's handle? I've beard both 2 and 3 gigs so I'm a little confused/questionable about that. Also, will the system run faster with one DDR400 1gig stick, or two DDR400 512 sticks? I hear having one stick installed is faster than having 2. From which brand? CORSAIR? When I look at prices for the MSI, all I see is the K8T Neo-FSR and the K8T Neo-FIS2R, are these the same?

I do plan on overclocking it a little, not much though, and this is why I am now considering the ABIT, since they are more used for OCing than MSI is (or at least I think this is the case).

I also need advice on a case. I don't need it fancy; a dull case w/ a 400w power supply will suffice as long as it has room for or comes with fans. I want this machine to run cool. No fancy stuff really. Honestly a metal box or something… I am also looking for one with a program (or one that will work with a program) that allows me to change FSB settings in windows so I can monitor everything better. I'd like one that has many monitor features. I'm really torn between the ABIT and the MSI right now so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Red

EDIT: When I look at prices for these bords, I see two versions: RETAIL and OEM, BAREBONE...what's teh difference?? and if I were to go with one and not the other, why??
EDIT AGAIN: Do you have to install DDR400's in pair's?

[stroyal]

Looks like the FIS 2R adds Serial Raid 1+0 to the RAID set up and Firewire

http://www.msicomputer.com/product/d...el=K8T_Neo-FSR

http://www.msicomputer.com/product/d...=K8T_Neo-FIS2R

[stroyal]

I only use Abit, Asus ,or Intel, so you know what my answer is, but to confuse you more I have herd MSI makes a good board.
I don't think you would notice the dif in 1 stick or two except benchmarks and price.

[Atomic Rooster]

I'm a big Abit fan so I'd lean that way.
The KV8-MAX3 supports DDR 266/333/400 at 3 DIMMs up to 2GB. Having either one stick or two of memory will not make any noticeable difference in performance.

I recommend Corsair as its fast and stable. It also overclocks well.

You can pick up some decent cases at Amamax.com for around $40 with free shipping.

The Abit KV8-MAX3 has included software called uGURU that allows you to change FSB and voltage settings in a windows based enviroment.

[aReda]

Hey thanks for the help everyone, looks like I'm going with ABIT .

BTW, I'd just like to apologize for posting this in Processors and Overclocking, I thought I was in mobo's .

Thanks again,
Red

[stroyal]

I'd second Amamax. I have one of their cases.

[Starfury_2260]

What about the Athlon 64 3400+? considered getting that?

[aReda]

I have considered the 3400 yes, but it's a little too ruch for my blood too costly

besides, I can just overclock the 3200 up to or even past the 3400, prolly even with stock cooling.

Athlon 64 3400 = $420 here
Athlon 64 3200 = $270 here
why do you ask? J/W