What would your choice of MB be in this situation?

[harddud]

I am trying to assemble a "hybrid" HTPC/gaming rig for my TV. The setup will be used for watching movies/DVDs, surfing and some gaming (ex: World of Warships). I have decided to build as small as possible centered on an oldie but goodie, the i5-2500K. After doing a ton of research I have decided that the M-ITX MB form factor is probably the right choice because the case I need to use is unsupported by ATX and only a few at the M-ATX level. Here is an example of some of the cases I am considering:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811163231

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119286

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811139033


The problem I am having is that the LGA 1155 is not being produced much anymore and finding a used MITX MB is getting more difficult. Prefer USB 3.0 headers on the board as well as HDMI. I desire to have at least some OC abilities whether I actually use it or not.

Please recommend a board or boards for this build. If YOU were building a similar system what MB would you use?

Thank you ...

 

[RazorWind]

There unfortunately aren't that many options.

I'd probably use this one, which seems to have all the features you asked for.
ASUS P8H61-I R2.0 LGA 1155 Intel H61 HDMI USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS - Newegg.com

Edit: Crap, I just realized that's an h61 chipset. It would probably serve you well, but you can't overclock with it.

You might look on ebay for a used z77 chipset one, but having been in a similar position to you recently, I was surprised to find that everyone wants to basically scalp the 1155 boards.

Apparently, the 1155 CPUs never die and are still perfectly capable, but the motherboards are starting to fail, so there's good money to be made selling working ones.

 

[yee245]

Are you tied to that 1155 chip? I feel like it would cost a similar amount to sell your 2500K (assuming you already have one) and pick up a comparable 1150 socket chip with a H87/97 or Z87/Z97 mini ITX board than to buy a Z77 board. That said, I haven't really looked at pricing/availability of those older mini ITX boards or at used Haswell i5 pricing. I just know that I've bought clearance/open box H97 ITX boards for as low as $30 and Z97 ITX for around $50-70. I feel like Z77 boards go for enough of a premium these days that it would be worth considering newer platforms.