Need gaming rig advice

[MattyW]

I had a look at the i5 2500k CPU which got some raving reviews and has got me quite interested.

I think the only place where I really get lost is motherboards. There are so many different makes and what not I really don't know where to go. What's the difference between the one you linked, R700 odd and a R2000 mobo?
What do I need to go with to best suit my gaming rig?

This link should provide some insight into the different intel chip motherboards, I don't know anthing about AMD chip motherboards except apperently they have far far superior onboard graphics but since you will be using a dedicated card I don't think it matters anyway.

Link: http://www.pugetsystems.com/blog/2011/06/09/h67-p67-and-z68-which-one-is-right-for-you/

 

[Rossvanwyk]

Thanks a lot for that reply, it really helped.

I am all but sold on the i5 2500k, it really performed superbly under testing and has rave reviews.
Talking motherboards, I know next to nothing about overclocking and would like to avoid that if possible. The Z68 mobo does look like a beast but would I be screwing myself getting a cheaper mobo, like an H or P series so I don't need extra cooling and the works?

Such as the one you linked http://rebeltech.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25_31_259&products_id=5769

If i ran that with an i5 2500k, how would that rig fare as opposed to forking out double for a Z68?

Again, thanks for all of your input thus far.

 

[MattyW]

Thanks a lot for that reply, it really helped.

I am all but sold on the i5 2500k, it really performed superbly under testing and has rave reviews.
Talking motherboards, I know next to nothing about overclocking and would like to avoid that if possible. The Z68 mobo does look like a beast but would I be screwing myself getting a cheaper mobo, like an H or P series so I don't need extra cooling and the works?

Such as the one you linked http://rebeltech.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25_31_259&products_id=5769

If i ran that with an i5 2500k, how would that rig fare as opposed to forking out double for a Z68?

Again, thanks for all of your input thus far.

Well I use a H67 board at home, but as said I have zero intrest in overclocking also another consideration is wether at some point you will want SLI/Crossfire for that you need a P67 board, if not then stick with H67 just don't buy the cheapest one available but like a reasonable one for around R750~R900.

The place where you are losing money on the above scenario is with the 2500k since the k version of the chip is marginally more expensive because it's unlocked {thus allowing overclocking} if you have zero intrest in overclocking {like me} then get a H67 board and the i5 2400 or 2500 not the k edition, since the k edition is purely for overclocking.

To be honest my knowledge when it comes to motherboards is very very limited so you may want to start another thread since it seems no one is replying to this one {probably since it's almost a year old}, asking some of the other forumites for advice on motherboards anyway all the best hope you come right with your PC.

 

[Archer]

You dont need Z68 to overclock, P67 will also allow overclocking, and is a bit cheaper. You can easily get a P67 mobo for R1500. Take note, the stock cooler will struggle to keep a 4.3GHz overclock, so if you planning on going higher, get a proper cooler