Motherboard Importance - n00b question

[Dolby]

I bought a PC a few months ago (Quad 2.5ghz, 4GB RAM etc) - but specified a higher end motherboard than what I'd usually go for.

In the past, I've taken the cheapest stuff I can find - always under R800. This time I got a P5C Asus thing that was R2500.00 or something.

What exactly did I benefit from - apart from the ability to use DDR3 RAM if I want? What makes one motherboard worth almost R2000 more than another?

 

[Keeper]

overclockability? support for more/better components (like SLI, or more ram)

 

[cerebus]

It depends - do you like to keep your chassis panel closed, never tweak, never add exotic components, never overclock? In that case you wasted your money.

 

[LabAnimal]

Not sure how to say it, but having been in the position where my mobo popped and had to settle for a cheap and nasty for the time being... Gaming was slower, computer was more temperamental. You will definately notice your computing experience feels cheaper... not as smooth....

I'm sure if you don't know the difference between expensive boards, then it won't really effect you... however, i'm a firm believer that the expense is worth it!

 

[general_koffi]

The DDR3 RAM is the bugger. DDR2 RAM is where the cost-effectiveness is.

If you want to use this week's latest and greatest RAM technology, you have to pay through the nose.

 

[Dolby]

Ah damn. I don't tweak, overclock or use anything exotic :/

 

[Chris_H]

At least you will have the ability to add DDR3 for your next upgrade and then you can save another 1k by not buying a new mobo. DDR3 will become cheaper eventually, just cross fingers your mobo stays alive long enough lol