Making custom built pc but which motherboard to choose?

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  1. Posts : 2,973
    Windows 7 Professional 64bit SP1
       #21

    Yes, the Intel Core i5-3570K is probably one of the best gaming processors out there. Quite a few of us on here have one and we all love them as far as I know. Would you be doing anything more stressful than gaming? For example, video encoding? If not, stick with the 3570K. If you pair that with a good CPU cooler, you are more than ready to overclock the fire out of it if you want.

    There are quite a few options for motherboards, which is good for the consumer, but makes picking one fairly difficult. Generally, Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI are regarded as some of the best boards out there. It really comes down to what you want to spend on one, because all decent boards have roughly the same features, which is also all a regular system needs. I ended up with the Asus Z77 Sabertooth because of how reliable they are and the warranty.......also the unique look of the board fit what I was wanting as well. The Asus RoG series of boards are really nice, feature-rich, and many forum members have one. A good, all around board is the Asus P8Z77-V Pro...plenty of features, and a really rock-solid motherboard. Look to pay around $175+ for a premium motherboard. I don't know much about Gigabyte or MSI boards as I have zero experience with them, but I know they both make a few very high end boards, such as the Gigabyte G1 Sniper and the MSI Z77 MPower.

    The graphics card recommendation is also mainly about how much money you are comfortable spending. There is a clear winner at just about every price point. For a gaming rig, I would start with cards around $250 and up. It's not about what games are out now, it's what games will you want to play a year from now? A $150 card won't do much for you a year from now honestly. As of right now, I believe AMD has the best performing cards FOR THE MONEY, but Nvidia cards, I believe, have better support and better drivers. "Who has the best graphics card" is a title that changes fairly often as AMD and Nvidia leapfrog over each other all the time. For AMD, I would start at the Radeon 7870's, and for Nvidiia, I would start with the GTX 660's. If you are comfortable with that price point, and you really want a solid gaming rig, I would step up to the AMD Radeon 7950 or the Nvidia GTX 660Ti. A card from either of those lines should play games for quite a while, no problem.

    That addresses your most recent questions, but do you have a handle on your other PC components?

    Kelly
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #22

    When someone has lots of money to spend building a gaming computer is a lot simpler. You have a budget which we do understand. I do think you can come with a good gaming computer close to your budget. I'm not a gamer but we have many here that will help with the gaming choices.
    Be sure to understand that a quality power supply and proper cooling of the CPU, GPU and a proper case that has great air flow is even more important with a gaming computer. Playing games creates a lot of extra heat. Good gaming video cards require quality steady power volts and amps or they just won't work as they should. I haven't looked into video cards for a couple years and like kbrady1979 said they are changing all the time. He will be able to help you with your card choice.
    Be patient it takes time to pick the proper parts and stay close to a budget.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 208
    windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #23

    Okay this is what I have chosen so far

    Intel Core i5 3570K 3.4GHz Socket 1155 6MB Cache.. | Ebuyer.com

    Asus SABERTOOTH Z77 Socket 1155 HDMI DisplayPort 8.. | Ebuyer.com

    Corsair 8GB DDR3 1600MHz Vengeance Memory Module CL10 | Ebuyer.com

    I'm looking or a case ATM then the psu graphics card and hdd will come later

    Regards Paul
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 120
    7 home premium 64bit
       #24

    Thats looking better mate . A good Graphics card for the money performance ratio is the HD 7850 , I've got one myself until I have saved some pennies , It handles anything you throw at it . And for around £150 ish you can't go wrong . I've got the sapphire hd 7850 2gb model it is nice and quiet and overclocks great .
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 208
    windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #25

    Update 2 these are some of the final parts which I'm choosing they may change but more than likely will not unless advised otherwise

    I have got a LCD monitor which I will be using for the time being and a 160gb Sata hard drive

    Intel Core i5 3570K 3.4GHz Socket 1155 6MB Cache.. | Ebuyer.com

    Asus SABERTOOTH Z77 Socket 1155 HDMI DisplayPort 8.. | Ebuyer.com

    Corsair 8GB DDR3 1600MHz Vengeance Memory Module CL10 | Ebuyer.com
    Does having 1 8gb ram stick change any performance compared to having 2 4gb sticks
    Any performance wise at all? I'm presuming not

    Asus GTX 660 DirectCU II OC 2GB GDDR5 Dual DVI HDMI.. | Ebuyer.com

    Case either one
    Sharkoon T9 Case - Red Edition | Ebuyer.com

    Casecom 6788 All Black Case | Ebuyer.com

    This is the list so far
    Look forward to hearing back from you guys and girls :)

    Regards Paul
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 2,606
    Windows 7 Pro X64 SP1
       #26

    paulpp said:
    Okay this is what I have chosen so far

    Intel Core i5 3570K 3.4GHz Socket 1155 6MB Cache.. | Ebuyer.com

    Asus SABERTOOTH Z77 Socket 1155 HDMI DisplayPort 8.. | Ebuyer.com

    Corsair 8GB DDR3 1600MHz Vengeance Memory Module CL10 | Ebuyer.com

    I'm looking or a case ATM then the psu graphics card and hdd will come later

    Regards Paul
    If you're on a budget, the Sabertooth is expensive. Unless you have a compelling need for any of the extras it offers, I'd recommend a more mainstream board, like:

    ASUS - - ASUS P8Z77-V LK

    It's about £70 less expensive.

    How serious are you about your budget? At an enthusiast site like this one, well-intentioned people will push you towards higher-end components. It's easy to build a good system if you have no constraints, harder if you are trying to do the best possible within a price goal.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 208
    windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #27

    Us I was thinking it was a little expensive for what I want to spend for the motherboard

    Will this be adequate for a gaming pc ?

    I have one question will I have apply any thermal paste when putting together the processor and motherboard?

    Regards paul
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 208
    windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #28

    Update 3

    How about this for the motherboard

    Asus P8Z77-V Socket 1155 VGA DVI DisplayPort HDMI 8.. | Ebuyer.com
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 2,973
    Windows 7 Professional 64bit SP1
       #29

    paulpp said:
    Update 3

    How about this for the motherboard

    Asus P8Z77-V Socket 1155 VGA DVI DisplayPort HDMI 8.. | Ebuyer.com
    Yes, that motherboard is perfect for a build like this. I was going to say that you should ditch the Sabertooth and put the extra money into something else.

    As for RAM, you need at least 2 sticks. Try this: Corsair Vengeance 8GB Kit You can also get that kit in black for $2 less.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 208
    windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #30

    Excellent I'm presuming the higher the number in graphics card the better a nvidia gtx 660 is better than the gtx 650?

    Regards Paul
      My Computer


 
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