Soon enough im going to build a custom computer

what i wanted to know is....what is a fast,reliable, and smooth motherboard???

i need something thats going to be quick and cool

any suggestions?

also..

do all motherboards fit standard towers? or should i invest in an empty tower as well? just curious (i dont know too much about this specific area)

Hey terdogtanner. Your talking to the right guy. I can help you out with the entire build with recommendations. First of all, what is your budget, and what do you plan to do with the computer. second, do you have a processor brand preference? Currently Intel is far better than AMD, but also more expensive.

well im looking to spend a couple hundred dollars on parts so it just depends

as far as the purpose, i wanted to have a fast computer for music and gaming.
no preference for processor brand..but i've always been with Intel....by the way, lately ive been hearing that AMD is way better than intel?? not sure..

thanks a lot, i appreciate the help
ill probably go to you for all the support then
so whats a GOOD motherboard and processor combination?

Well, for a more budget oriented gaming rig, i would recommend these parts. (notice i said MORE lol)

PHILIPS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner 2-Tone SATA Model SPD2513BD - Retail

Thermaltake Tsunami VA3000BWA Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500AAKS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA-300 Hard Drive - OEM

POWERCOLOR AX3850 512MD3-PH Radeon HD 3850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

Creative Sound Blaster SB0570 Audigy SE 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail

ENERMAX Liberty ELT500AWT ATX12V 500W Power Supply - Retail

Crucial Ballistix Tracer 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model BL2KIT12864AL804 - Retail

Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 Allendale 2.2GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80557E4500 - Retail

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX All Solid Capacitor Intel Motherboard - Retail

Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B 1 Pack - OEM

TOTAL W/O Shipping> $955

okay awesome

soo if i built this computer with the parts listed above..how would speed, cooling, noise, response, etc..be?

Also, Lets say im not a hard core gamer (which im not, just an everynow and then type of gamer)
annnd i want a computer that runs fast regardless.(i want programs to run smooth)..what set up would you recommend then?
i want to know the best processor on the market right now, if thats possible to get?