Suitable board for Intel ???

rwhemme

Distinguished
Apr 6, 2008
45
0
18,530
I have read through several posts on here, as well as numerous other threads and have now just become entirely overwhelmed.

I have always built AMD systems (more cost friendly), and I am getting ready to refresh my old system (it's about 5 yrs old now), but after reading numerous posts, and looking at benchmarks, the i5-3570K is a better processor for playing WoW, as well as being a very good for just general everyday 'stuff', I have decided to make the switch to Intel.

In looking at parts, and reading various posts, I'm just stuck on what MB to pair with the CPU. For some reason, I'm finding it more of a challenge than if I were just to stick to with AMD. Any thoughts or recommendations?

The only game I play on my PC is WoW. I will upgrade my 9800 gtx+ to most likely a 650Ti, so I would hope this new set up will allow me to have at least most of the settings set to good or high without bogging down and killing my FPS (especially during raids). Thanks in advance.
 

genome852

Distinguished
Mar 3, 2011
96
0
18,660
Any reason you are going with Ivy Bridge at this point? Haswell may be a tiny improvement over Ivy, but it is still the latest tech at the same price.

If you are going to stick with 3570k, just get a Z77 board. What board you choose really depends on what you want to do, the more expensive boards have more features, but if you aren't going to use them it becomes kind of pointless. If you want to do some OC on the processor, make sure to look at the phase count and VRM quality which you can find in reviews.

Oh, and if you live in the US but not near a Microcenter, Staples is price matching Microcenter's insane in-store deals. You can get a 3570k or 4670k for $180 + free shipping.
 

rwhemme

Distinguished
Apr 6, 2008
45
0
18,530


Oh really? I did not know Staples was doing that, because I so miss not having a Microcenter close by anymore. Do I have to go into the store then, because I don't see them on sale on-line for them =(

But as far as the Ivy Bridge, I had read on a couple of different threads that the Ivy Bridge was better than Haswell, and I'm sorry, I just can't remember the reason that was given. Stability maybe? </shrug> And I see you listed a 4670k. Would that be better choice over the 3570k? Again, I have always been an AMD gal and a total newb when it comes to Intel. >.<

Thanks in advance =)
 

genome852

Distinguished
Mar 3, 2011
96
0
18,660


Staples does price matching, just go to the product page, click the button to talk to a live chat agent and ask for a price match with the microcenter URL ready to go. Some people have been denied, but I got it on my first try a few days ago, they have been allowing it for months.

Ivy has lower temps and can overclock slightly more than Haswell. Haswell has slightly better IPC (better performance for a given clockspeed), which cancels out. Performance for both is almost exactly the same in every application -- which is why it is a letdown for enthusiasts. There is little reason to upgrade from Ivy to Haswell, but if you are building a new system you might as well get the newest, not to mention better chipset features, unless Ivy is cheaper.
 

rwhemme

Distinguished
Apr 6, 2008
45
0
18,530


Will certainly give Staples a try with the price match (ty for that tip!), but with regard to the MB -- is there a preferred brand? What is your opinion about ASRock boards? Are they good? The reviews seem to be very favorable, and they seem to have a slightly better price point (although still more pricey compared to AMD boards *sigh*).

Right now, ASRock has their Z77 Pro3 on sale on Newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157297), so would be a good option, or do I need to loosen the purse strings a bit more and step up to like the Pro 6 or something?

And I'm looking up the MB options of the 4670k processor. What do the B,H & Z numbers indicate? Is one going to be preferred over the other? I know for the 3570k, I saw where the Z77 was the best option. Thoughts?
 

genome852

Distinguished
Mar 3, 2011
96
0
18,660
Asrock, like all brands, have had ups and downs, so going only by brand isn't a good idea (there's no universal consensus on 'best brand').

That board is fine unless you want to do serious OC, there is a review for it on tweaktown.

The Z, B, H etc. are different chipsets with different features. If you are going for 4670k, you need to look for socket 1150 instead of 1155.
 

rwhemme

Distinguished
Apr 6, 2008
45
0
18,530


Right, I understand about the different socket (1150 instead of the 1155), but does it matter what chipset designation? I doubt very seriously I will be doing any sort of OC -- just pretty much 'out of the box' set up. No muss, no fuss.

Aside from playing WoW (which I have never been able to play on high settings yet), I just piddle around in Photoshop and Paint Shop Pro, surf and typically have numerous tabs open at once.
 

rwhemme

Distinguished
Apr 6, 2008
45
0
18,530


I understand that. Any 1150 socket processor will fit a MB designed to hold an 1150 processor, just like I can select any AM3+ MB as long as I am using a compatible AM3+ AMD processor. I understand all that. I guess I just didn't word my last response as clearly as I thought it sounded in my head. And I know I've been really picking your brain, and your patience with me has been highly appreciated.

For an 1155 socket, it was suggested I use a Z77 board. So -- with an 1150 socket MB, should I stay with the 'Z' designation? Is one of the chipsets preferred over another? Or with this newer socket, does it really matter?
 

rwhemme

Distinguished
Apr 6, 2008
45
0
18,530


I can't thank you enough! You have been most helpful and extremely patient with all my questions. It is greatly appreciated more than you know. Thank you again and have a fabulous weekend!
 

rwhemme

Distinguished
Apr 6, 2008
45
0
18,530
Alright -- here is what I have...I will be running Win7 of this rig, and taking the current HDD and using it as the secondary drive and installing an SSD as my OS/Applications drive. Whadaya think? Suitable for playing WoW on a regular basis (with settings turned up on high/ultra) ?

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2XtET
 

genome852

Distinguished
Mar 3, 2011
96
0
18,660
Everything looks great, but I would personally get a better graphics card. The GTX 760 is nearly twice as powerful as the GTX 650 Ti, but costs 67% more ($250 vs $150). From a price / performance standpoint, it actually makes more sense to get the 760 instead unless it is out of your budget.

If you do get the 760, it will run WoW at max settings very well, and won't drop below 60 fps at 1920x1080 unless there's a lot of people on screen at once. But that's the thing about Blizzard games, they can run on potatoes but don't scale exceptionally well with better hardware.
 

rwhemme

Distinguished
Apr 6, 2008
45
0
18,530


LOL - running on potatoes! :lol: But yeah, was kind of a budget choice for the graphics. I'm still kinda iffy on the whole cost differential switching from AMD to Intel :ouch: but I don't know if I can justify to my bank account why I'm shelling out over $200 for a new graphics card. But I will certainly ponder the upgrade on that one, because yes, if it basically 2 times the umph for only 67% cost increase ... and being able to have my game settings on high so it actually view things like they were intended. That ... that would make me happy :D

Thanks again -- all of your input has been extremely helpful, and highly appreciated, during this entire process. Have a fantastic weekend! Now I'm off to see if I can score a good deal on a 760 before I make my final decision ;)

----------------------------

Thoughts on the gtx 750Ti? It has a comparable price point to the 650Ti.