So many motherboards to choose from. Help!

[DeadFred]

I am going to build a new gaming rig using a Core i5 2500k. What are my best options for a stable overclocking motherboard?

I want to have the option of upgrading to Ivy Bridge later on so I assume Z68 is the way to go, correct?

I have been eyeballing this ASRock Z68 PROFESSIONAL GEN3 at Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157263

and this RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2800CL9D-8GBXL

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[videopho]

Z68 is the fore front runner right now.
That said Z68 is the only way to go.
I personally like GigaByte mobo simply my last 2 builds have been trouble-free with it.

 

[agfkfhahddhdn]

Will the P67 boards for sure not support Ivy Bridge?

 

[Diogenes2]

I think Asrock, Gigabyte and Asus will offer similar features and value.
I would go for the best price with the features you are looking for.


If you are near a Microcenter they have bundle that includes $80 off a Z68 board when you buy a 2600K for $279..

 

[IntelEnthusiast]

Will the P67 boards for sure not support Ivy Bridge?

At this time there are still a lot of questions to be answered on what is needed to support the next group of our processors. We are going to have to wait to see what support the processors closer to the release of those processors.

Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team

 

[DeadFred]

At this time there are still a lot of questions to be answered on what is needed to support the next group of our processors. We are going to have to wait to see what support the processors closer to the release of those processors.

Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team

Does that mean Z68 is in question about Ivy Bridge support also? Or were you referring to P67?

 

[Shawndhi]

and this RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2800CL9D-8GBXL

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

My only thought on the RAM is watch out for how high those "fins/heatsinks" are.

I have purchased an entire computer (components only) from newegg, but I have an i7 processor. I bought an after market HeatSink because someone suggested it, but the heatsink was so large that the RAM I had chosen (corsair vengeance 4x4gb sticks, with the big heatsink fins) would not properly install underneath the large heatsink.

So the first RAM stick would have had to be inserted "at an angle" to fit beside the large heatsink I purchased, which I didn't think would be a good idea.

I had to RMA(return for refund) the corsair vengeance with the big heatsinks (see the link)http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820233143
and take a 20$ loss (restocking fee).

I plan on buying the low profile Corsair Vengeance so that they will fit under my large heat sink.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820233197

So just watch out for your RAM being to tall and not fitting under your heatsink if you choose to buy a different one than what heatsink comes with the i5 you plan on purchasing!

I am looking at that exact same motherboard after RMA-ing 2 ASUS p8p67 PRO boards because of bent pins/other issues.

It (The ASRock board) has really good reviews and after searching around online, doesn't seem to have too many issues (that people have found so far).

Just do your research! hehe

---Edit---
As far as the ASRock board being compatable with the sandybridge...I thought it definetly was? In one newegg review the person lists their specs...
Other Thoughts: Intel 2600k
8 gb Corsair Vengeance 1600
Corsair 1000 watt power supply
2 Evga 580's
Corsair h80 water cooler
2 Kingston 240 gb hyper x ssd's in Raid0
Coolermaster Atc 840 case

Which it says Intel 2600k, which is the intel i7 sandybridge right? (I could be wrong, would like to know myself though because I have an i7 2600k (pretty sure thats what it is) and want to purchase this board for myself.)

 

[DeadFred]

Im going with the Corsair H60 so I should be ok with the RAM heatsinks. The positive reviews and PCI Express 3.0 support were what caught my attention for this board, even though its probably overkill on features I may never use.

And yes the Intel 2600k is the Core i7 2600k Sandybridge.

 

[videopho]

the z68 is IB ready as far as my GB mobo is concerned.
the latest F4 bios confirms this as it reads "Support Intel 22nm CPU"

 

[Mem]

My top two Z68 choices would be MSI Z68 G65 G3 version or Asrock Extreme4 Gen3,like always down to price and features you need in a board.