Good Motherboard Suggestions?

I'm in the market for a new motherboard...I currently have a Gigabyte EP45-UD3P, but it seems to be defective and I'm returning it...

My price range is from $85 - $145. It should work with my Intel Core 2 Quad processor, support 667 Mhz DDR2 memory, have PCI-Express, etc. (I don't know all the standard needed features of good mobos, but I'm willing to get educated).

I like the Gigabyte & Asus boards. I'll be doing a lot of iClone (Machinama) creating & digital video editing, some gaming (War in the Pacific, Madden NFL '07, etc.).

Currently have an Nvidia GeForce GT 220 video card, and Win XP Pro OS.

Thanks for any feedback!

 

Based on my recent experiences in IT and retail electronics, Gigabyte and Asus seem to be the most reliable brands for Socket 775 boards.

Intel boards are decent quality; however most are lacking in features such as overclocking utilities and being able to set an alarm in the BIOS if the CPU goes above a safe temperature.

MSI and ECS are motherboard versions of Russian Roulette. In my experience, both seem to have more glitches and shorter lives.

If you're using a PCI-e video card and have a full size ATX case, Gigabyte's EP43-UD3L is a great board. I've used it for three builds without problems. The store I worked at sold dozens each month with a very low defect/return rate. You should be able to find it for between $80-$100. Good luck with your new system build.