Should I downgrade motherboard for better GPU?

rajmccurry

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Jun 3, 2013
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For my PC build, I was planning to run an HD 7870 with an i5 4670k and MSI Z87 G45 motherboard. However, I am getting increasingly concerned that the 7870 might not have enough juice to play ARMA, Skyrim with mods, Crysis, Metro, and others on fairly high settings.

I was thinking of upgrading to a GTX 760, but being on a tight budget, the only way I would be able to do that would be to downgrade my motherboard by $50, to a max price of $130.

Is this worth it? If so, which motherboard should I get? I'm currently considering this Gigabyte GA-Z87X-HD3. Anything better to suggest?

Please keep in mind that I'm a Canuck (prices are too goddamn high here) and therefore recommendations need to be in Canadian $$ from Canadian retailers (ex. Newegg.ca).

The Z87 G45
The GTX 760
The 7870 will be around $200-$210 depending on what's in stock.

The full build

Thanks for any advice!
 
Solution
A Z series motherboard is a Z series motherboard, they all do the same thing. Unless one has more ports or something you need, theres no reason to get the more expensive one.

L24LAW

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Jun 19, 2013
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Are you planning to crossfire/SLI in the future? Both of those motherboards are VERY capable of handling anything. The MSI mobo seems to be just a waste of money compared to the Gigabyte one. They both have the same exact features.
 

rajmccurry

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Jun 3, 2013
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I'm not planning to SLI/Crossfire. Shall I pick the gigabyte then? Or do you guys have a better recommendation?

All I really need is a good motherboard which will let me overclock with stabiliy.
 
+1 for gigabyte .
Your CPU is the best on toms' recommended CPUs list (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106-4.html), while 7870 is middle range. Mine is the same model BTW :)
Definitely need more GPU power to balance the system. If you are not hard AMD fan tom's recommendations currently are for 760, 770 based cards.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-4.html

If you're gonna overclock plan for aftermarker tower cooler also.