Gaming Rig

[Morlock]

Hi guys,

I'm planning a gaming rig buy a few months out. Probably October or November. I know my choices will probably end up changing by then but I want to get myself up to speed a bit on the current tech and it's fun to speculate, anyway. I want something to run ARMA 3, the upcoming CryEngine games, etc. A shooter-heavy diet, but stuff like WoW or Skyrim are on the table, too. Secondary use will be as 3D rig (DAZ tools, Max, game editors, etc.), and Web browsing. I'm going to convert my current rig over to full-time HTPC and part-time video editing.

I've never really built a rig for gaming, I've always just looked for value and maybe bought a gaming card as an afterthought. E.g., my current PC:

Gigabyte EP45-DS3L mobo
E5200 Dual-Core 2.5GHz processor
8GB DDR2
Radeon HD 4800
NEC E201W (19" 1280x720)
Hanns-G HW191A (19" 1440x900)
6.5 TB internal storage (2, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5)
3 TB external storage (2, 1)
W7 Ultimate 64-bit

Not a dinosaur or anything, but it definitely wasn't beefy even when I bought it. It smokes through HL2 though.

So I looked up the latest $1k gaming rig on Tom's to see what's current. Thing is, I don't know enough about systems anymore to know if that equipment will expand like I want it to. Basically, I want to get a $3-400 card now, then SLI or CFX that puppy with a another card (I assume I have to use 2 of the same card?) one day. The card is going to dictate my choice of mobo and PSU, and the mobo is going to dictate my choice of CPU.

I like what I'm reading about the GTX 670. But I was wondering about this:

GeForce GTX 670 2 and 3-way SLI review

- A Crossfire compatible motherboard is pretty much ANY motherboard with multiple PCIe x16 slots that is not an nForce motherboard.

- An SLI certified motherboard is an nForce motherboard with more than two PCIe x16 slots or a certified P55, P67, Z68 , X58 or a Z77 motherboard. If your motherboard does not have the SLI certification mentioned on the box, it's likely not SLI compatible. Keep that in mind. A small note, if you are on an AMD processor then on AMD's side the 900 series chipset supports SLI as well.

Does that mean I might be better off going with AMD graphics? Save some money on the mobo? Or will I just be spending what I save on a higher-priced AMD card?

In any event, I need to know more about mobo and power supply. I need to know how to tell if a board I'm looking at will fit 2 GTX 670s (or whatever card I end up going with), and run them at top speed. I see x16 and x8 and other PCI-E numbers and they're all just gobbedlygook to me; do I want 2 x16 PCI-E 3.0 slots? And are PCI-E slots always far enough apart to accomodate the size card I want, or am I going to have to break out the tape measure?

Other than that, I don't have any real mobo preferences (though I do like Gigabyte boards), except one thing - I just want to choose one that will allow me to have maximum CPU and RAM upgradeability for the future, so I can stretch the life of this system out for a good while without needing a new mobo. I do want to keep price down though. Actually, that's the first priority. I've never spent more than $150 on a mobo and I can't help feeling like a sucker even considering buying the hard-core mobos that go up over $200 or $300.

I also need to know what size PSU I need to supply everything (guru3d review of two SLIed GTX 670s says together they peak out at 433w - how much more will I need to run the rest of the hardware? Does a 800w PSU sound about right? Or would a 700w probably do?); I assume it should be SLI-ready.

And I haven't decided on a CPU worthy of this this rig, or how much I want to spend. The article at Tom's used a Intel Core i5-2400 (3.1 GHz (3.4 GHz Max Turbo Boost), Quad-Core, 6 MB Shared L3 Cache) priced at $190.

So, anyone want to help me choose a mobo, CPU, and PSU? Or talk me into a different graphics card?

PS, I will want to buy a 27" 1920x1080 monitor eventually. I may want to do a 3 monitor setup at that point; I assume current AMD and NVidia hardware handle 3 monitor setups well? A hotkey to switch from 3 monitors to 1 would be nice, since I know I'd want to use 3 monitors for applications, but might not like it for games and a quick way to switch would be a bonus.

 

[Suprfire]

You are planning this build too soon for your projected build date (especially when you're on a budget), most likely more than a few things will change between now and Oct-Nov.

The SLI vs CF this is nowhere near an issue, most reccomended boards are both CF and SLI ready

The performance of current processors for gaming will outlast the socket (maybe not outlast, but will be great performers untill the next consumer "performance" socket), so you wont really have to worry about making sure you have the most CPU upgradeability.
RAM is pretty much DDR3 for now, and for the forseeable future (DDR4 is not even close to becoming a new standard, subjective to time). Bottom line, you dont have to worry about RAM upgradability

Depending on what the rest of your system looks like, you can get away with a good 650w for sli 670's. You did mention your old rig has 4 internal hdd's. just thinking you might be migrating them. and whatever other power suckers you have. might have to go higher.

for the CPU, do you want to overclock? then you want a "K" version CPU

 

[Morlock]

Just 1 7200RPM 2TB HDD going into this one. Maybe a 2nd one for 3d eventually, but no more than that (but I wouldn't rule out an SSD drive for OS and favorite games down the road).

Still wondering about the PCI slots thing though...

for the CPU, do you want to overclock? then you want a "K" version CPU

What's a "K" version?

 

[runs2far]

What's a "K" version?

Intel has decided overclocking has value and the K versions allow you to overclock the processor as they feature an unlocked multiplier.

 

[slh28]

Regarding PCI-E slots, 2 x8 PCI-E 3.0 will be enough, a GTX 670 won't need the bandwidth of x16 PCI-E 3.0. When choosing a mobo make sure you choose one where the PCI-E slots are 3 slots apart so you'll have some space between the cards when going SLI.

 

[Quartz-1]

If I were you, I'd get that 1080p monitor and Geforce 670 now, and decide whether you actually need the rest. I'm running quite happily on a 1080p display with an Intel E7300.

I have three mismatched monitors and it's fine. Only the 1080p monitor gets used in games.

 

[Morlock]

Regarding PCI-E slots, 2 x8 PCI-E 3.0 will be enough, a GTX 670 won't need the bandwidth of x16 PCI-E 3.0. When choosing a mobo make sure you choose one where the PCI-E slots are 3 slots apart so you'll have some space between the cards when going SLI.

Dang, so I really am going to have to look at pictures of the mobo to make sure two cards will fit?

 

[Suprfire]

Dang, so I really am going to have to look at pictures of the mobo to make sure two cards will fit?

nah, they will fit no matter what (granted there are actually at least 2 PCI-E slots present on the entire board)

he's just saying , if you could cherry pick a board where they ARE actually spaced out further from each other (through regular spacing , or triple slot), the cards would not be "sandwiched" together and have room to breathe



--------------------
--CARD---
EMPTY SPACES
--CARD---
--------------------

is better than
--------------------
--CARD--
--CARD--
-------------------

in terms of airflow and breathability

 

[Deleted member 88227]

Hi guys,

I'm planning a gaming rig buy a few months out. Probably October or November. I know my choices will probably end up changing by then but I want to get myself up to speed a bit on the current tech and it's fun to speculate, anyway. I want something to run ARMA 3, the upcoming CryEngine games, etc. A shooter-heavy diet, but stuff like WoW or Skyrim are on the table, too. Secondary use will be as 3D rig (DAZ tools, Max, game editors, etc.), and Web browsing. I'm going to convert my current rig over to full-time HTPC and part-time video editing.

You are planning this build way too early. By the time October/November rolls around, most of our recommendations will be outdated or over priced. Wait about a week to two weeks to plan a build so you know you're getting the current best bang for you buck.

So I looked up the latest $1k gaming rig on Tom's to see what's current. Thing is, I don't know enough about systems anymore to know if that equipment will expand like I want it to. Basically, I want to get a $3-400 card now, then SLI or CFX that puppy with a another card (I assume I have to use 2 of the same card?) one day. The card is going to dictate my choice of mobo and PSU, and the mobo is going to dictate my choice of CPU.

We don't generally recommend parts from Tom's builds, usually they cheap out on the PSUs and cases to get under the budget.

I like what I'm reading about the GTX 670. But I was wondering about this:

GeForce GTX 670 2 and 3-way SLI review



Does that mean I might be better off going with AMD graphics? Save some money on the mobo? Or will I just be spending what I save on a higher-priced AMD card?

Do note that if you are gaming on a single display, no need for multiple GPUs. It's too much power for a single monitor (gaming) setup. Just stick with a single 670 and you'll be golden.

In any event, I need to know more about mobo and power supply. I need to know how to tell if a board I'm looking at will fit 2 GTX 670s (or whatever card I end up going with), and run them at top speed. I see x16 and x8 and other PCI-E numbers and they're all just gobbedlygook to me; do I want 2 x16 PCI-E 3.0 slots? And are PCI-E slots always far enough apart to accomodate the size card I want, or am I going to have to break out the tape measure?

Depends on the video card. Some video cards, usually the ones with aftermarket coolers, are wider than reference designs. I wouldn't worry about multiple GPUs though, in any case it's almost better to upgrade to the latest video card when it's time for you to upgrade.

Other than that, I don't have any real mobo preferences (though I do like Gigabyte boards), except one thing - I just want to choose one that will allow me to have maximum CPU and RAM upgradeability for the future, so I can stretch the life of this system out for a good while without needing a new mobo. I do want to keep price down though. Actually, that's the first priority. I've never spent more than $150 on a mobo and I can't help feeling like a sucker even considering buying the hard-core mobos that go up over $200 or $300.

Just get a Z77 chipset with an Ivy Bridge processor and you'll be set. It will allow you 32GB of RAM, plus you'll be good to go on IB processors. Intel is probably going with a new socket/design for there next processors so it wont matter.

I also need to know what size PSU I need to supply everything (guru3d review of two SLIed GTX 670s says together they peak out at 433w - how much more will I need to run the rest of the hardware? Does a 800w PSU sound about right? Or would a 700w probably do?); I assume it should be SLI-ready.

650W is plenty for SLI'd 670s. Though if you want piece of mind, get a 750W but I don't think you'll need it.

And I haven't decided on a CPU worthy of this this rig, or how much I want to spend. The article at Tom's used a Intel Core i5-2400 (3.1 GHz (3.4 GHz Max Turbo Boost), Quad-Core, 6 MB Shared L3 Cache) priced at $190.

So, anyone want to help me choose a mobo, CPU, and PSU? Or talk me into a different graphics card?

Do you plan on overclocking?

PS, I will want to buy a 27" 1920x1080 monitor eventually. I may want to do a 3 monitor setup at that point; I assume current AMD and NVidia hardware handle 3 monitor setups well? A hotkey to switch from 3 monitors to 1 would be nice, since I know I'd want to use 3 monitors for applications, but might not like it for games and a quick way to switch would be a bonus.

Do note that if you're gonna spend the money on a 27" monitor, I'd go with a higher resolution than 1080P just because it would look better IMHO. Also you can run three monitors on almost any card just fine. It will automatically load games on the primary display only. If you want to run games across all three monitors, you'll need to setup Eyefinity (AMD) or Surround (Nvidia).

 

[Morlock]

nah, they will fit no matter what (granted there are actually at least 2 PCI-E slots present on the entire board)

he's just saying , if you could cherry pick a board where they ARE actually spaced out further from each other (through regular spacing , or triple slot), the cards would not be "sandwiched" together and have room to breathe

Ah, okay. Yeah, I was kinda wondering about room to breathe too, after looking at guru3d's article about SLI-ing 2 or 3 670s. They looked kinda cramped in there.

We don't generally recommend parts from Tom's builds, usually they cheap out on the PSUs and cases to get under the budget.

Where's a good place to stay current on PSUs? I never know how to pick: wattage, wattage + brand name, or should I research every model for reliability?

Do note that if you are gaming on a single display, no need for multiple GPUs. It's too much power for a single monitor (gaming) setup. Just stick with a single 670 and you'll be golden.

Not even down the road a couple years after I buy the rig?

Depends on the video card. Some video cards, usually the ones with aftermarket coolers, are wider than reference designs. I wouldn't worry about multiple GPUs though, in any case it's almost better to upgrade to the latest video card when it's time for you to upgrade.

Huh. Okay. So SLI and CFX are pretty much just for multiple monitor setups then? That's news to me.

Just get a Z77 chipset with an Ivy Bridge processor and you'll be set. It will allow you 32GB of RAM, plus you'll be good to go on IB processors. Intel is probably going with a new socket/design for there next processors so it wont matter.

IB? Is that jargon for the socket we're talking about (NM, Ivy Bridge, duh)?

Do you plan on overclocking?

I've never done any overclocking, but assuming I can get into it without frying my hardware, yeah, I probably will.

Do note that if you're gonna spend the money on a 27" monitor, I'd go with a higher resolution than 1080P just because it would look better IMHO. Also you can run three monitors on almost any card just fine. It will automatically load games on the primary display only. If you want to run games across all three monitors, you'll need to setup Eyefinity (AMD) or Surround (Nvidia).

K, thanks.

So, if I'm going to stick with a one-card strategy, it's probably best that I do get a board with PCI-E 3.0 x16, right? To position myself for a card upgrade down the road?

 

[slh28]

Huh. Okay. So SLI and CFX are pretty much just for multiple monitor setups then? That's news to me.

An SLI setup is overkill for a single 60Hz 1080p monitor. If you decide to get a 2560x1440/1600 or a 120Hz monitor instead then there's a case for multiple GPUs.

So, if I'm going to stick with a one-card strategy, it's probably best that I do get a board with PCI-E 3.0 x16, right? To position myself for a card upgrade down the road?

Even the budget Z77 boards will have one PCI-E 3.0 x16 slot. However I'd get a mobo that has at least 2 slots that are capable of running x8x8 just in case you want to add another GPU in the future. Just look at the specs on newegg, where you can also see the pics of the slot spacing.

 

[Deleted member 88227]

Where's a good place to stay current on PSUs? I never know how to pick: wattage, wattage + brand name, or should I research every model for reliability?

Jonnyguru is a good place to start.

Not even down the road a couple years after I buy the rig?

In most cases, no.

Huh. Okay. So SLI and CFX are pretty much just for multiple monitor setups then? That's news to me.

You can have too much GPU; in the case of SLI/CFX unless it's a multiple monitor setup and/or you just have to have the highest frames possible, there really is no need for it.

IB? Is that jargon for the socket we're talking about (NM, Ivy Bridge, duh)?

It's one of Intels LGA 1155 family of CPUs, the next generation of the Sandy Bridge.

I've never done any overclocking, but assuming I can get into it without frying my hardware, yeah, I probably will.

Right, with the "K" series processors, it's usually just a multiple increase away from higher clocks. Sometimes you gotta give them a little more volts, depending on how high you wanna go.

K, thanks.

So, if I'm going to stick with a one-card strategy, it's probably best that I do get a board with PCI-E 3.0 x16, right? To position myself for a card upgrade down the road?

Current generation cards aren't even close to breaking past the 2.0 bandwidth limitations and I don't foresee that being a problem for at least a couple years. Though some 4-way SLI and 4 way CFX setups do. Either way, Z77 has PCI-e 3.0 so it's not really that big of a problem to get a board with 3.0.

 

[Morlock]

Okay, thanks a lot for all the responses everyone.

One quick question, for my current socket 775 rig, I don't have a removable back panel on my case. But I'm thinking about picking up a new fan. If I don't want to remove my mobo from the case to install it, are those shitty plastic push pins my only option? I'll remove my mobo if I have to, I just hate doing it. I hate those GD push pins more, though.

 

[Dangman]

One quick question, for my current socket 775 rig, I don't have a removable back panel on my case. But I'm thinking about picking up a new fan. If I don't want to remove my mobo from the case to install it, are those shitty plastic push pins my only option?

Basically.

I'll remove my mobo if I have to, I just hate doing it. I hate those GD push pins more, though.

Well that solves your problem right there: Remove the mobo.

 

[Morlock]

I'm probably going to have to push this buy forward. My current rig started acting squirrely right around the time I started this thread, and I don't think it's software-related (I restored an old Acronis partition and the problem only abated - it's about 1/2 as squirrely now, but that's .5 more squirreliness than I'm used to). So I'm going to put some other stuff off, and try to buy a system in 2 weeks, if all goes well and I get the 2 checks I'm expecting. One will go to bills, and the next one will be for my new rig. I'm trying to keep it under 800, but I went a little over.

Here's what I've got so far:

Mobo 105 MSI Z77A-G43 LGA 1155 Intel Z77
CPU 190 Intel Core i5-2400 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core
RAM 52 [2x] CORSAIR Vengeance 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9
PSU 60 COOLMAX CXI-600B 600W
GPU 400 EVGA 02G-P4-2670-KR GeForce GTX 670 2GB
FAN ???

Any critiques would be welcome. I really don't have a clue about this PCIe 3.0, 2.0, x16, x4 stuff. I thought I could just go and find a board with 2 x16 slots (so I could add another GTX 670 down the road and have it work as well as the first) but it doesn't seem to work that way. They all say x16, x4. In my mind that says 100%, 25%, but it doesn't seem to work that way, either.

Also, wouldn't you know it, I can't figure out for the life of me what kind of fan to buy! When I look in the search options at Newegg for fans for socket 1155 boards, there are a ton of options that include 1155 among other options, but they all have only a handful of fans showing under each option. And I don't want to search like that. The mm options seem straightforward, but I have no idea what mm size will fit my board and CPU.

 

[E4g1e]

I'm probably going to have to push this buy forward. My current rig started acting squirrely right around the time I started this thread, and I don't think it's software-related (I restored an old Acronis partition and the problem only abated - it's about 1/2 as squirrely now, but that's .5 more squirreliness than I'm used to). So I'm going to put some other stuff off, and try to buy a system in 2 weeks, if all goes well and I get the 2 checks I'm expecting. One will go to bills, and the next one will be for my new rig. I'm trying to keep it under 800, but I went a little over.

Here's what I've got so far:

Mobo 105 MSI Z77A-G43 LGA 1155 Intel Z77
CPU 190 Intel Core i5-2400 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core
RAM 52 [2x] CORSAIR Vengeance 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9
PSU 60 COOLMAX CXI-600B 600W
GPU 400 EVGA 02G-P4-2670-KR GeForce GTX 670 2GB
FAN ???

Any critiques would be welcome. I really don't have a clue about this PCIe 3.0, 2.0, x16, x4 stuff. I thought I could just go and find a board with 2 x16 slots (so I could add another GTX 670 down the road and have it work as well as the first) but it doesn't seem to work that way. They all say x16, x4. In my mind that says 100%, 25%, but it doesn't seem to work that way, either.

Also, wouldn't you know it, I can't figure out for the life of me what kind of fan to buy! When I look in the search options at Newegg for fans for socket 1155 boards, there are a ton of options that include 1155 among other options, but they all have only a handful of fans showing under each option. And I don't want to search like that. The mm options seem straightforward, but I have no idea what mm size will fit my board and CPU.

Return that Coolmax PSU: IMHO it is based on a mediocre-at-best ATNG design that might not be able to handle its claimed 600W rating without its DC output quality going wacky.

 

[Dangman]

RAM 52 [2x] CORSAIR Vengeance 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9

Overpriced. I recommend this RAM instaed:
$40 - G.Skill Value Series F3-10666CL9D-8GBNT 2 x 4GB DDR3 1333 RAM

PSU 60 COOLMAX CXI-600B 600W

As E4g1e said, that PSU is pretty shitty. Go with this PSU instead:
$64 - Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W PSU

Also, wouldn't you know it, I can't figure out for the life of me what kind of fan to buy! When I look in the search options at Newegg for fans for socket 1155 boards, there are a ton of options that include 1155 among other options, but they all have only a handful of fans showing under each option. And I don't want to search like that. The mm options seem straightforward, but I have no idea what mm size will fit my board and CPU.

Well are you overclocking or not?

Though if you want to stay under budget, don't bother with overclocking and you'll be fine with the stock HSF. Also, what case will you be using?

 

[Morlock]

Hey guys, thanks for the responses.

Overpriced. I recommend this RAM instaed:
$40 - G.Skill Value Series F3-10666CL9D-8GBNT 2 x 4GB DDR3 1333 RAM

Yeah good point, I didn't shop that one around at all.

As E4g1e said, that PSU is pretty shitty. Go with this PSU instead:
$64 - Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W PSU

Will do.

Well are you overclocking or not?

Nah, since I'm moving this expense up to the head of the queue I'm trimming it back a tad. I figure I save a few bucks that way. Plus, from the newegg comments about this mobo, it sounds like there aren't many overclocking features.

Though if you want to stay under budget, don't bother with overclocking and you'll be fine with the stock HSF. Also, what case will you be using?

Yeah, that's what I was figuring. I'm using one of the cases I have now. One is a mid-tower, and the other is the size below that, I forget what they call it. Can't remember the models, either.

But I don't want to use a stock heat sink & fan if it's going to be one of those POS things with the POS plastic pushpins. The fan I just replaced had ALL FOUR of those things busted. I'm lucky my CPU didn't melt. I'm never using one of those things again. I could use a suggestion for a fan. It doesn't have to be good. It just has to be decent, fit my mobo/CPU, and attach with screws or something like that. Something other than POSPPs.

 

[Deleted member 88227]

Search for the Coolermaster 212+ it's like $30 and one of the best bang for your buck coolers out there.

 

[Morlock]

Thanks again Skillz.

Oh, another question before I finally crash. I was planning on buying a 27" 1920x1080 monitor a week or two after I bought the rig but I hadn't run the specific model I was looking at past you guys yet. But they just dropped the price 30 bucks, down to 250 (it was listed at 280 yesterday, not 310):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236091

And shipping is free. I came THIS close to pulling the trigger on this thing just now, but the sale ends tomorrow so I figured I should wait and see what you guys think of it.

 

[Deleted member 88227]

You'll be better off asking that question in the display forums. I have an Asus monitor myself (23") and have no issues with it. My best friend also has an ASUS monitor that's 24", again no issues. The 23" monitor he had before that had some weird shading going on in the upper right corner of the screen, but ASUS replaced it no problem. Then he gave that monitor to his Dad and bought the ASUS 24"...

 

[Morlock]

Okay thanks again.

 

[Morlock]

I don't know why the forum ****ed up my original post. Or posted it twice, for that matter. Never mind. I updated my build. Figured I should get a better mobo and CPU, and pulled some RAM off of ASRock's compatibility list so they can't give me any lip.

135 ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77
220 Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155
44 G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3
60 Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W
400 EVGA 02G-P4-2670-KR GeForce GTX 670 2GB
30 COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1

889 Total

 

[Morlock]

Whatever happened to deleting posts in Vbulletin?

 

[Deleted member 88227]

Not a good motherboard.

 

[Morlock]

What's wrong with it?

How about this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138354

 

[azeem40]

Just because one forums reviewed it doesn't make it bad. It's fine OP.

 

[tiraides]

The problem with ASRock boards in general are their shorter-than-average warranties (compared to other manufacturers) and less-than-stellar performance, especially while overclocking. HardOCP reviewed several ASRock boards recently and had some problems with most of them.

If you want to overclock, you're better off with a board from Asus, Gigabyte, or MSI.

 

[Dangman]

What's wrong with it?

Pretty much that we're not sure of its quality. HardOCP's AsRock mobo reviews have shown that they're not all that consistent when it comes to mobo quality. AsRock can make good mobos but without reviews from HardOCP, we can't be sure if the AsRock we're recommending is a good one.

How about this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138354

A bit overpriced IMO for a Biostar mobo considering that Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI have mobos in that price range.

Also, since you're not overclocking, why are you picking up the 2500K? Or did you change your mind about overclocking?

 

[azeem40]

On the face of it, Asrock offers good features for the price but not strikingly better than the competition, so I'd be inclined to say they are worth buying without reservations. Reviews, and user reports, are just as positive if not better than those of the competition, which suggests to me that the boards are not in any way handicapped to reach their level of on-paper bang-for-buck.

This is in stark contrast to the hordes of cheap PSU brands which, on the face of it, offer great bang-for-buck (e.g. 500W for just $20!), but are truly handicapped by low reliability when tested in realistic conditions, are built of cheap components, have bad efficiency and short warranty etc. Somehow, this phenomenon is more prevalent among PSUs than any other type of component, but as far as motherboards go, I'd almost go as far as to say that the phenomenon doesn't exist. There are no truly crap motherboard brands on the retail market right now.

I agree completely with the guy I just quoted.

 

[E4g1e]

I agree completely with the guy I just quoted.

Actually, on some of their models they did compromise on quality when they cram in so many features at such a low price. Witness one of the ASRock Z68 motherboards reviewed at the [H]ard|OCP: They found that board to be less than 100% stable at stock CPU speed. And if a motherboard does not run completely stably at even stock speed, I would definitely not trust it when overclocked. Plus, there is the matter of the inconsistent quality control.

 

[azeem40]

Then why is it everyone else on other forums (like Tom's Hardware) recommend it? Do you know something they don't?

 

[E4g1e]

Then why is it everyone else on other forums (like Tom's Hardware) recommend it? Do you know something they don't?

The other sites do not test them extensively enough. In fact, they do not check for stock-speed stability at all whatsoever.

And Tom's Hardware is seriously biased. What's more, they use tests that are far less strenuous than in the real world.

 

[Dangman]

I agree completely with the guy I just quoted.

In addition to what E4g1e said, the guy you quoted is wrong: There are truly crap motherboard brands on the retail market right now like Jetway and Zotac.

 

[Morlock]

Also, since you're not overclocking, why are you picking up the 2500K? Or did you change your mind about overclocking?

Yes. I had to put off the purchase until I get my debit card and pin # for my new account, so I had more time to think and more money to spend. I don't plan to overclock right away, but I figured I might want the option down the road.