i'm after a new motherboard, i bought myself a new intel core 2 quad Q8400 CPU with the expectation that it would fit my current socket T (LGA775) motherboard, i figured it was a reasonable expectation as they were compatible socket wise, but alas they are not as the chipset doesnt match up.

I'm also a hardcore gamer so i need it to have a PCIe 2.0 x16 graphics slot and not an x16 slot running at x4 or something annoying, and i kinda want it to be reliable...

i'm mainly also looking for either an ASUS or GIGABYTE board as i have had nothing but trouble with most other brands, i'd prefer if it also didnt have an nVidia chipset because they seem to have a lot of problems.

i have no need for SLI as i'm more likely to buy a newer more powerful graphics card than stuff around with that, i would also like the board to have some decent OC capabilities but this is not necessary for the same reasons as above, anyway just a recap.

CPU Socket: LGA775
FSB Speed: (min)1333Mhz
Memory Type: DDR2
Storage: SATA 3, IDE
Expansion slots: PCIe 2.0 x16 at x16, multiple PCI
Audio: onboard 8 channel
Network: onboard gigabit
Preffered brands: ASUS, GIGABYTE

What form factor do you need for your case? Or are you going to buy a new case too?

With these very specific requirements for the board, I would say that there aren't that many boards to choose from. I just looked on newegg and only found about two or three that fit these specs. Also, what price range are you looking in?

Maybe try an intel board, not that I prefer it or anything. I originally wanted to buy an Abit board, but as they are not available where I'm at. I had someone recommend me an intel board. I've never cared to much for intel boards in the past, and was skeptical, but I got it and it's been working perfectly ever since.

My brother got a Gigabyte board, but I've had plenty of problems with it, and some look like they cannot be resolved, it's just bad hardware.

Either way check the HCL and pick a highly rated board:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/index.php/cat/8

The most important things to look for are the chipset, SATA/IDE controller, and onboard ethernet make sure they are good and NOT something like Marvell, JMicron, Silicon Image, VIA, and others. I've had problems with these in the past. These components are more important than the brand name, I've found a number of bad boards of each brand.

Also check:
http://hardware4linux.info/

Asuderma: either an ATX or mATX form factor would be good

H_TeXMeX_H: thanks for the suggestions, i'll take them into account

everyone: i've done some research myself and found the GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R board that looks like exactly what i'm after, however i cant seem to find a supplier in Tasmania (Australia). i guess i'll just get my local pc shop to get one in.