Best motherboard for gamer who doesn't overclock?

AndarielHalo · 08 Jul 2012

So I basically want a new motherboard and CPU. I've settled pretty much on this CPU:

Amazon.com: Intel Core i7 2600K Processor 3.4 Ghz 4 Core LGA 1155 - BX80623I72600K: Electronics

But that expense starts to limit me with regards to motherboard. I essentially want the best possible stuff I can get but I would never dare overclock my stuff.

I've looked at the ASUS Maximus IV Gene-Z as supposedly being the best motherboard out there... for overclockers.

It being so highly rated all around draws me to it, but also hear very great things about various other ASUS types, like ASUS p8Z68 which are basically just as good as the Maximus IV Gene-Z, but without overclocking or some additional features I won't use.

So being that I basically want a computer twice as fast as my ass, what would be a good personalized recommendation for me with regards to motherboards?

For added information: I have a Corsair 620W PSU,
an AMD Radeon HD 6850 video card,
and currently have
Pegatron Corporation Violet 3.02 motherboard
AMD Athlon II x4 620 processor 2.60 GHz

And as an added question with regards to any motherboard suggested, do they (or the ones I posted here) come with a Windows 7 operating system OEM?

kegobeer · 08 Jul 2012

If you aren't overclocking, then just look for a stable motherboard that has great reviews and that is compatible with your CPU. I would buy RAM based on the tested/approved list provided by the motherboard manufacturer to ensure compatibility.

Motherboards do not come with operating systems. Sometimes you can find a bundle on sites like newegg, tigerdirect, etc.

AndarielHalo · 08 Jul 2012

I plan on getting this RAM for any I get, even though I hear around that it's colossal overkill

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengea...d=3RYLMY88V8PT

Question related to your suggestion: How much does a motherboard really matter with regards to computer speed?

And not just pure speed, but basically like, handling a bunch of crap, like being able to be left on 10 hours a day, running a video game and 3 IE windows and an MP3 and a youtube video all running at once on one monitor at all times for 4 years solidly?

kegobeer · 08 Jul 2012

Again, I highly recommend buying RAM based on the motherboard's tested RAM list. Just because it's cool looking/tested fast/etc, doesn't mean that the manufacturer hasn't identified compatibility issues with it. I've seen numerous stability issues when using RAM that hasn't been tested and approved. Just my 2 cents.

Overall speed has little to do with the motherboard, unless you are overclocking - and only because the motherboard provides tools to enable overclocking. Personally, I look for a well constructed motherboard that uses solid capacitors and that has been tested by multiple reviewers, with plenty of feedback given by the reviewers and actual owners. Barring manufacturing defects, any motherboard will last many years in a powered 24/7 capacity.

AndarielHalo · 08 Jul 2012

Could you recommend to me a specific brand or type I should look into, preferably under 150$?

Layback Bear · 08 Jul 2012

For a rock solid I'm not going to overclock and your cpu choice I would recommend investigating Intel motherboards and use the ram Intel has tested and recommended.

gazz9496 · 08 Jul 2012

intel dp67bg, have one myself with my i7.

Amazon.com: Boxed Intel Desktop Board Extreme Series ATX Form Factor for Second Generation Intel Core Family Processors BOXDP67BGB3: Electronics

i'm just curious but is there a reason your not buying the new i7 ivybridge? aside from an i7 being utter overkill i might add, basicly mine snifs at me for just about everything and barely twitches when i play games.

i run the corsair vengence ram with no issues.

kegobeer · 08 Jul 2012

I prefer Intel boards for stability. When I venture away from Intel I always research before I buy, so I don't have any particular brands I can recommend (other than Intel).

AndarielHalo · 08 Jul 2012

The reason I'm not buying the new i7 ivybridge is because I don't know what the hell that is.

I did some basic research on the lettering system for boards, and came to the conclusion that "Z" is better than "H" and "P", but unsure if this only benefits overclockers and such.

Kipper · 08 Jul 2012

The P8Z68 mainstream boards will OC just as well as the Maximus IV Gene.

The thing you need to consider is the PCIe 3.0 capabilities. If you are buying a GPU which is 3.0 then you might as well get a MB that supports it. That's not really a big deal either since you will not OC the processor or the card and you will not notice any difference between the old school PCIe 2.0 anyways.

Now, the Maximus IV or the new V Gene boards will both support the 2600K so if you like the red and black theme go with one of them. The Digi+, capacitors, on the ROG (republic of gamer) boards are very high-end and will deliver a much cleaner supply of power to your components which will prolong their lifespan.

Back to the P8Z68 boards, the best of the bunch is the Deluxe which will run you about 50 bucks more than the ROG Gene boards but you will find the entire line of Z68 boards from ASUS to be quite capable.

Also, more than 8GB of memory is an overkill for gaming. Pick up a 1600MHz 8Gig kit from G-Skill and save the difference towards a nice gaming GPU.