Asus Motherboard

[0000AK]

I am starting to build a new machine, and in the process of ordering all of my components. I was going to go with the Asus P4C800 Deluxe for my motherboard. I now noticed that there is a P4C800-E Deluxe model as well. Can anybody tell me what the major differences are between the 2 models, in addition to any pro's or con's that would be helpful?

thanks
-waiting for suggestions-

ps just a FYI, I plan on using a P4 3Ghz 800Mhz FSB Processor

[Mr. Goodbytes]

The E model has RAID for IDE and Serial-ATA. Also the gigabit ethernet is Intel as opposed to 3Com on the non-E model (both are comparable to each other in that regard). Unless you plan on using 2 identical harddrives for either data redundancy or performance gain, or both, I would just get the non-E model and save some cash.

BTW--Welcome to TechIMO.

[0000AK]

Mr Goodbytes, Thank you for the speedy reply & the Welcome. I had considered mirroring my primary drive. I basically want a versatile kick butt MB with room to grow. We'll pretend that $ is not a deciding factor {I would rather spend extra now instead of regretting it later}. With that in mind, would you, or anybody else suggest going w/ the "E-model"? Also, a friend suggested using Corsair's XMS 3500 DDR memory. Not sure if I'm gonna go w/ a gig or 1/2 gig of memory. Should I use 2 chips to equal my total memory? ie:
CMX512-3500C2PT x 2 = 1Gig or CMX256A-3500C2PT x 2 = 512

Any additional thoughts/input will be much appreciated.

-Thanks

[Mr. Goodbytes]

The motherboard offers Dual-channel memory technology, so you will need 2 identical sticks of RAM to take advantage of that performance booster. Pretty sure on that, but if I'm wrong, I bet someone out there will correct me. As far as the particular brand of memory, I wouldn't be the best source for a recommendation just yet. Not at your speed level.

[jmebonner]

Mr. Goodbytes is right about using the two identical chips. I personally wouldn't blow the $$ for 1 gig yet. I have a gig in my pc right now and the difference between it and 512 is hard to notice. It also depends on what you're using it for. HArd core video editing could use 1gig easily I'd think. If you're gaming surfing and word processing, just go for the 512. Dual channel 512 is going to be way better than standard anyway. You can always add another stick of 512 to the third slot later.

Just my $0.02!

[thegladiatorgy]

I bought the Asus with the 865PE chipset. I've got installed Kingston PC3200 (2x512).