Motherboard for Music Recording

[bstring]

Hi everyone, I'm new here!

I probably will be buying a new computer soon, so the first thing I'm checking out are motherboards. I record music through a firewire connection, and Texas Instruments firewire controller is recommended from my Echo Audio and Software Sequencer website.
So far the only motherboards I found in Canada to have this are Gigabyte GA-x38 models, so that could possibly narrow the list down (unless people know of other good boards that have TI controllers).
-I need at least 1 PCI (2 would be nice) slot and 2-3 PCI express slots.
-a Nic connection
-1 spdf connection
Can't think of anything else at the moment.
I will probably go with the Quad Core 6600 processor.

Thanks for any suggestions,

B

[sswilson]

Welcome to Hardware Canucks!!!

I'm curious... rather than limiting your motherboard choice based on the on-board firewire controller... have you checked to see what add-on cards are available that use that controller?

I would think that for a specialized application like you're looking for, you'd probably find a better solution going that route.

I could be wrong, but it's certainly something to look into before you tie yourself to an on-board hardware solution. If you get it through a card, you then have the option to upgrade just the card when something better comes along rather than needing to replace the motherboard.

[victor]

Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4 has 2 PCI slots and T.I. TSB43AB23 firewire controller. Price was $185 on boxing week.
And if there is no rush for you I would wait for Q9300.

WBR, Victor.

[bstring]

Wow that was quick, Thanks for replying!
If you mean a firewire card with that chipset, yes I have looked for them and can't find any in Canada (I think some SIIG cards have them). I may be wrong about this, but even if I have a TI firewire card, the motherboard may have a controller that is weak (cheap) and therefore defeat the purpose.

I will definitely take a look at that Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4 motherboard.

Thanks again.

[bstring]

Originally Posted by bstring

Wow that was quick, Thanks for replying!
If you mean a firewire card with that chipset, yes I have looked for them and can't find any in Canada (I think some SIIG cards have them). I may be wrong about this, but even if I have a TI firewire card, the motherboard may have a controller that is weak (cheap) and therefore defeat the purpose.

Just wondering if I went the firewire card route, can the firewire controller on the motherboard be disabled? If yes, where do you do this...device manager, BIOS, both?

thanks for any replies

B

[sswilson]

Originally Posted by bstring

Just wondering if I went the firewire card route, can the firewire controller on the motherboard be disabled? If yes, where do you do this...device manager, BIOS, both?

thanks for any replies

B

It can be disabled in Bios.

[bstring]

Thanks SSWilson!
Definitely gives me more options.