Do I need Z68? (MB suggestions needed!)

[EvilYoda]

So I have a 2500K and 510 SSD on the way. Planning on picking up some memory this week and I'll be running the GTX460 that's in my current computer. I haven't researched computer parts in detail for a while so I'm in need of some help.

Do I need to go with the newest Z68 MBs? I'll have the SSD along with a 500GB (maybe 1TB, I have so many laying around) hard drive, with most data being kept on the server that my current box will be turned into. I have the GTX460 and will probably pick up another down the road. I'm just a casual gamer but I would like to be able to play whatever's available. Will I save any money on buying an older P-series MB? Would it even be worth it? Heeeeelp.

Lastly, I know there's a forum for this but one last quick question: I'd like to do a moderate OC, maybe 4.2 or something (I hear that's easily manageable) - what HSF would be ideal in order to achieve that OC but still be relatively quiet?

Thanks all.

 

[videopho]

A strong YES.
Z68 is the front runner right now as far as Intel mobo's.
SSD caching is another nice feature that you can take advantage of that only z68 can offer.
I personally am very happy that I did go this Z68 route a month ago when facing this decision making to myself.
While at it may I recommend a GigaByte brand too.

 

[lehtv]

Z68 gives you SSD caching which may or may not be useful to you. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_Response_Technology

You also get the ability to utilize the on-die GPU of a Sandy Bridge processor. P67 doesn't allow for that. It can be useful as a backup GPU in case something happens to your discrete GPU, or you can use it independently of the discrete GPU to drive a second monitor.

Since the price difference between P67 and Z68 is almost nonexistent you should go for Z68.

what HSF would be ideal in order to achieve that OC but still be relatively quiet?

Any cooler that's quiet to begin with will be quiet at 4.2 since that doesn't really increase temperatures a lot. It's when you start going over 4.5 that you need something with more oomph. Go with a Coolermaster 212+, it'll do the job.

 

[abekl]

Speaking of heatsinks, CoolerMaster has now come out with the
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO

which is an improvement to the 212+. Same specs, they just eliminated the spaces from between the direct contact heatpipes for better cpu contact.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103099

 

[EvilYoda]

Alright, if there aren't any significant price differences then I guess I'll get a Z68. I know I've seen a Gigabyte board mentioned everywhere (I'd also like to try a Hackintosh install again so it'll be easier with a MB everyone's used).

As for the HSF, that's not very expensive, thanks for the suggestions guys.

 

[EvilYoda]

Alright, as I'm looking up prices on Gigabyte Z68 boards, I'm finding a ton of similarly named MBs...can someone explain to me why there are so many and which one I might want? I see:

GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3
GA-Z68XP-UD3P
GA-Z68XP-UD3

They're all so close in price too.

 

[lehtv]

All can do SLI and front panel USB3, along with all the standard stuff. Z68X-UD3H-B3 has D-sub, DVI and DisplayPort in addition to HDMI, which is nice. UD3P is advertised as having redesigned VRM's but not sure if that applies to the other two. The UD3H-B3 looks like the best choice out of those. Cheaper Gigabyte alternatives lack front panel USB3 and black PCB, IMO you'd be fine with http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128502 $115 but it's so ugly I wouldn't put it in my PC

 

[EvilYoda]

Perfect! I figured someone would know. Thanks lehtv.

I don't care how the thing looks, but I definitely want front panel USB3 going forward.

 

[lehtv]

I figured someone would know.

Well, all I did was check the newegg descriptions for you, you're welcome ;P

 

[EvilYoda]

Well, I figured that was a possibility too...and either way, end goal achieved. Thanks!