Motherboards and I7

[WelshManDan]

Okay, I am ordering my computer tomorrow, but first I would like to make sure that the Motherboard is of a good quality.

Here is the rest of the computer which I am ordering

Case
PCS MAELSTROM T900 BLACK GAMING CASE


Processor (CPU)
Intel? Core?i7-2600 Quad Core (3.40GHz, 8MB Cache) + HD Graphics


Memory (RAM)
4GB SAMSUNG DDR3 DUAL-DDR3 1333MHz (2 X 2GB)


Graphics Card
1GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 560 Ti - 2 DVI,HDMI,VGA - 3D Vision Ready


Memory - 1st Hard Disk
750GB WD CAVIAR BLACK WD7502AAEX, SATA 6 Gb/s, 64MB CACHE (7200rpm)


Power Supply
CORSAIR 650W ENTHUSIAST SERIES? TX650 V2-80 PLUS? BRONZE (?72)


Processor Cooling
TITAN FENRIR EVO EXTREME HEATPIPE CPU COOLER (?39)


Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)


Operating System
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit - inc DVD & Licence (?79)

So my motherboard choices are:

ASUS? P8P67 LE: USB 3.0, SATA 6.0GB/s, CrossFireX?

ASUS? P8P67 (NEW REV 3.0): USB 3.0, SATA 6.0GB/s, CrossFireX?

ASUS? SABERTOOTH P67 (NEW REV 3.0): USB 3.0, SATA 6.0GB/s, THERMAL ARMOR!

ASUS? P8Z68-V: USB 3.0, SATA 6GBs, NVIDIA?SLI?, ATI?CrossFireX

ASUS? P8Z68-V PRO: USB 3.0, SATA 6GB/s, NVIDIA?SLI?, ATI?CrossFireX?

My main question would be about the ASUS? P8P67 LE.

Would it be a good motherboard to last 2-3 years?
Would it be perfectly suitable to run alongside the I7-2600 and GTX 560ti?

I really want to build a future-proof system, although my budget is already over and I am having to take out more money than I wanted. The Asus P8P67 LE is the cheapest, but if its good then I would rather buy it than one of the others. But if its likely to be useless in a year, then I would rather invest in one of the others.

[Pedz]

It MUST be Step B3, if it is not you might have problems with HDDS slowing down or failing due to a fault in early models of the motherboards north bridge.

Also If you are tight on cash, go for the i5-2500k, easily future proofed for at least 4 years and is a heck of a lot cheaper.

As for the motherboard, if the motherboard has enough SATA ports for your HDDS and Disk drives( Blu ray or DVD or CD, if they're SATA not IDE), then it will do. Do not listen to the mumbo jumbo about super overclocking power, they all can overclock pretty much.... It may be worth going for the one up from the bottom to ensure you have nice quality components.

Also the "Thermal armour" was found to heat the motherboard up more in some cases..

Either way, If the motherboard has enough ports for you, go for it, the cheaper the better. but it MUST be Stepping B3

[WelshManDan]

Sorry, what exactly is Step B3?

I have decided against the Sabertooth, so its between the other 4. I may well go for the one up from the bottom as it does look the best (price to quality) of the lot (well, to me at least )

I wont be overclocking, ever. I have no intention of doing so either. I will look into the possibility of getting the I5-2500, but I heard that the I7-2600 is better with 3D and Video editing? Stuff ill be doing a lot of in University.

Edit: Ive just done some checking up, and I dont really know what these things mean, so ill quote them. I saw that for the first 2, they have (B3) in brackets, would this be the Step B3?

ASUS? P8P67 LE

This motherboard supports the Intel second generation Core i7 / Core i5 / Core i3 processors in LGA1155 package with memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to support 2-channel (4 DIMMs) DDR3 memory and 16 PCI Express 2.0 lanes.
It also provides two SATA 6.0 Gb/s and four SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports for faster data retrieval at double the bandwidth of current bus systems.
The motherboards powerful Intel P67 platform optimizes PCIe allocation in multiple-GPU configurations of CrossFireX. This allows you to enjoy a never before-experienced brand new gaming style.

Chipset
Intel? P67(B3)

RAM Slots
4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600(O.C.)/1333 MHz

Expansion Slots
1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (blue)
1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x4 mode, black)
2 x PCIe 2.0 x1
3 x PCI

SATA Ports
4 x SATA 3Gb/s port(s), blue
2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), gray
1 x eSATA 6Gb/s port(s), red
1 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), navy blue

USB Ports
2 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue)
14 x USB 2.0 port(s) (6 at back panel, , 8 at mid-board)

Networking
1 x Gigabit LAN Controller

Audio
Realtek? ALC 892 8-Channel High Definition Audio

ASUS? P8P67
On January 31, 2011 Intel? announced the detection of a design error in the new Intel? 6 Series support chipset, also known as Cougar Point. ASUS has updated all motherboards with revised Intel? 6 series B3 chipsets, with every SATA port now certified safe to use and the Cougar Point support chip issue resolved. ASUS offers multiple ways to easily identify revised products. Primarily, check for labels showing New B3 Revision. These are clearly displayed on products and packaging.

Chipset
Intel? P67(B3)

RAM Slots
4 x DIMM, Max. 32 GB, DDR3 2200(O.C.)*/2133(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory

Expansion Slots
1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (single at x16)
1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 * (max. at x4 mode [Black])
2 x PCIe 2.0 x1
3 x PCI

Supports ATI? Quad-GPU CrossFireX?

SATA Ports 2 xSATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray)
4 xSATA 3.0 Gb/s ports (blue)
2 xSATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (navy blue) - Marvell? 9120 controller

USB Ports -
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (2 ports at mid-board for front panel support, 2 ports at back panel (blue))
- 12 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel)

Networking
Realtek? 8111E Gigabit LAN controller

Audio
Realtek? ALC892 8-Channel High Definition Audio

ASUS? P8Z68-V
P8Z68-V
Your dream Z68 motherboard, with full support for 3X faster video conversion and universal switchable graphics.
Dual Intelligent Processors 2 with DIGI+ VRM Digital Power Design
UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode) - Flexible & Easy BIOS Interface
LucidLogix Virtu (Universal Switchable Graphics) - Auto Switching between Integrated Graphics and NVIDIA/AMD Cards
Intel Smart Response Technology - SSD Speed with HDD Capacity
BT GO! (Bluetooth) - Diverse BT Enjoyment, New Technology Lifestyle
GPU Boost - Push the Limits with iGPU Level Up!
Quad USB 3.0 Support - Double Access, Double Convenience
Quad-GPU SLI and Quad-GPU CrossFireX Support!

Chipset
Intel? Z68

RAM Slots
4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600/1333MHz

Expansion Slots
2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x
1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x4 mode, black)
2 x PCIe x1, 2 x PCI

SATA Ports
2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), gray
4 x SATA 3Gb/s port(s), blue
Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10

USB Ports
4 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board)
12 x USB 2.0 port(s) (6 at back panel, black+red, 6 at mid-board)

Networking
1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s)

Audio
Realtek? ALC 892 8-Channel High Definition Audio

ASUS? P8Z68-V PRO
Your dream Z68 motherboard, with full support for faster video transcoding and universal switchable graphics.
Dual Intelligent Processors 2 with DIGI+ VRM
GPU Boost - Push the Limits with iGPU Level Up!
BT GO! (Bluetooth) - Diverse BT Enjoyment, New Technology Lifestyle
UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode) - Flexible & Easy BIOS Interface
Quad USB 3.0/SATA 6Gb/s Support - Double Access, Double Convenience
Quad-GPU SLI and Quad-GPU CrossFireX Support!

Chipset
Intel? Z68

RAM Slots
4x DIMM, Max. 32GB

Expansion Slots
2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x
1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x4 mode, black)
2 x PCIe x1
2 x PCI

SATA Ports
2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), gray
4 x SATA 3Gb/s port(s), blue

USB Ports
4 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board)
12 x USB 2.0 port(s) (6 at back panel, black+red, 6 at mid-board)

Networking
Intel? 82579, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller

Audio
Realtek? ALC 892 8-Channel High Definition Audio

ASUS? SABERTOOTH P67
Unlike ordinary motherboards, ASUS TUF series motherboards are tested under extreme environmental conductions, above the already industry leading reliability test of ASUS. This is beyond the reach of standard motherboards, ensuring real toughness is achieved throughout the whole board rather than only components, setting a new standard for the motherboard industry. All TUF series motherboards must pass the ultra-critical operation environment tests inside chassis under both the low chamber room temperature of -10 degrees, and the high temperature with high humidity environment of 55 degrees at 90% humidity. This ensures stable operation can be achieved in any part of the world under the worst possible conditions.

Chipset
Intel? P67

RAM Slots
4 x DIMM, Max. 32 GB, DDR3 1866/1800/1600/1333/1066 Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory

Expansion Slots
2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode)
3 x PCIe 2.0 x1
1 x PCI

SATA Ports
2 xSATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (brown)
4 xSATA 3Gb/s ports (black)

USB Ports
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (2 ports at mid-board for front panel support; 2 ports at back panel [blue])
14 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 8 ports at back panel)

Networking
Intel? 82579 Gigabit LAN

Audio
Realtek? ALC892 8-Channel High Definition Audio

Can anyone....translate this? I look at it and my mind just goes "stop, I dont know".

I dont know whether I would do a dual GPU in the future, and just out of general wonder, how much is a Motherboard to upgrade (if I did want to go to Dual GPU in the future)?

Other than that, I would prefer to stick with the normal P8P67 LE as it leaves me a lot of room for nice keyboards/Mice.

[Cossack]

Mate, if you can, go for i5-2500K and P8Z68-V or V-PRO. These two things are the best in the list - H67+P67=Z68 chip-set. You can use integrated GPU on CPU and you Graphic card for video decoding and other stuff with help of Lucid Virtu - 2-3 times faster(I guess)

here is the review of V-PRO -ASUS P8Z68 V PRO Intel Z68 review

P8Z68-V and P8Z68-V PRO is pretty much the same, but the LE version is cutted and worse version of the list.

Anyway little understanding about chipsets - H67 use integrated CPU graphics and have display connectors on the mobo, but it comes in price - no overclocking available even you have K series on it.

P67 have overclocking ability but it not use CPU graphics, they are not accessible.

Z68 is P67+H67 - can use iGPU and have connectors on mobo and you can go for overclocking. And the Z68 chipset mobos are coming with two unique features - Intel Smart Response Technology and LucidLogix Virtu

So yeah mate, I guess ASUS P8Z68-V and PRO is the best options for you.

P.S. B3 stepping was made for Intel Sandy Bridges mobos, because older revision had problems with SATA 3.0 GB/s connectors - they after some time of use just die and may could cause the data loss.

All mobos on market feature the B3 so no worries about it.

[WelshManDan]

Excellent, thank you both.

I have decided to go for the ASUS P8Z68-V

Alongside that, ive changed it up for a GTX 570 too, as my budget got a nice little increase overnight!

Also, I changed my Case to a COOLERMASTER CM STORM ENFORCER

Again, thank you lots, I truly have 0 idea about computers, so I could of ended up getting a heap of shit without this forum lol

Cheers!

[Cossack]

Yeah, sure mate I have gone trough a big research for my upcoming build, and ASUS P8Z68-V was end result in mobo sector as well.

By the way - DDR 3 RAM cost right now is so low, that you might go for 8 GB. Experts are saying that fall of these year, the cost should be back in normal, but right now, if you can, use the chance.

[WelshManDan]

That would be brilliant, but im already ?300 over budget

I decided to go over budget on just things like GFX/CPU/PSU/Mobo. Hence the reason its turned out so damn expensive (?1,160!).

And thanks once again, much appreciated!

Edit: If you were interested, here is my final build which I will be ordering in the morning!

Case
COOLERMASTER CM STORM ENFORCER - GAMING ENTHUSIAST CASE


Processor (CPU)
Intel? Core™i7-2600 Quad Core (3.40GHz, 8MB Cache) + HD Graphics


Motherboard
ASUS? P8Z68-V: USB 3.0, SATA 6GBs, NVIDIA?SLI™, ATI?CrossFireX


Memory (RAM)
4GB SAMSUNG DDR3 DUAL-DDR3 1333MHz (2 X 2GB)


Graphics Card
1.25GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 570 - 2 DVI, HDMI, DP - 3D Vision Ready


Memory - 1st Hard Disk
750GB WD CAVIAR BLACK WD7502AAEX, SATA 6 Gb/s, 64MB CACHE (7200rpm)


1st DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
24x DUAL LAYER DVD WRITER ?R/?RW/RAM


Memory Card Reader
INTERNAL 52 IN 1 CARD READER (XD, MS, CF, SD, etc) + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT


Power Supply
CORSAIR 650W ENTHUSIAST SERIES™ TX650 V2-80 PLUS? BRONZE (?72)


Processor Cooling
SUPER QUIET 22dBA TRIPLE COPPER HEATPIPE CPU COOLER (?19)


Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)


Network Facilities
2 x 200Mbps HomePlug AV - Create a Wired Network Using Electric Sockets! (?49)


USB Options
6 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL (MIN 2 FRONT PORTS) AS STANDARD


Operating System
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit - inc DVD & Licence (?79)


Office Software
NO OFFICE SOFTWARE


Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE


Speakers
LOGITECH S120 2.0 BLACK SPEAKER SYSTEM (?9)


Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour) (?5)

PRICE
?1,146 inc VAT

I am beyond happy for how good it seems for such a low-ish price. Im hoping its gonna max everything out (at least from what I gathered, it should!), for at least a year or two!

[ydderFx]

Looks like you're ordering from PC Specialist, which is where i got my first custom PC from (build myself now! ) And to be honest its not a bad build but alot can be improved. You should have grabbed the i5-2500k it is on par with most benchmarks with the i7-2600k just the 2500k lacks hyper threading and all that. The i7-2600 also does not feature overclocking, you might not want to overclock now but if you ever wanted to just test it, you would not be able to. Instead of the gtx 570, i personally would have grabbed the 6950 and bios flashed it to unlock the shaders and clocks to that of a 6970 and lastly you should have got some good ram, because you can really tell the difference between good ram and just plain bad ram. Also that cpu cooler i've heard from people who bought it at pc specialist say its no better than stock cooler :l just my opinions really.

[WelshManDan]

Yeah PC Specialist is where I got it from.

I prefered the i7 as I read some reviews and found that it is a much better platform for Design programs, such as 3ds Max, Photoshop etc. This PC is primarily for gaming, but University is now around the corner and so its a massive need.

I will never, ever Overclock, I have 0 intention of ever intending to do it, and believe me, if I had the slightest want to ever try it, I would have got the K version, but I am not computer savvy enough to overclock, and wouldnt risk my components anyway.

Again, chose the 570 as its a great card and needs no unlocking etc to make it work better, it just does, and so far hasnt tembled at any game ive thrown at it.

The RAM is fine for now, I got the 8GB Samsung RAM, and is the fastest computer ive ever worked on/played, so all is cool in that department

The Cooler is fine as I will only game for 2 hours at a time, 3 would push it to the maximum, and then either browse the internet for a few hours and play again or just turn it off, or do work. Besides, I originally intended to get the Titan but was recommended the Triple Copper one instead, because of my situation.

Thanks for the comment, but I am in love with this computer now!