GPU and Motherboard combination

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Jordan Skinner

Jordan Skinner

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I'm currently looking into building a new system soon (probably over summer) and was just wondering how important the GPU and motherboard combination is. I will probably be going for a GTX 780, perhaps Ti, but I don't know whether I should get a Gigabyte or a EVGA branded one. Since I will probably be going for a Gigabyte Z87X-OC motherboard, would going for a Gigabyte 780 as opposed to a EVGA 780 be better, or does it not matter?

Also, is that a decent mobo or would you recommend an ASUS one, which a lot of people seem to.

Oh and something else I can ask while I'm here is is an i7 worth it (for another £50 or so)? Or would a top i5 be ample enough for just casual gaming (Skyrim is the most demanding gam I'd play).
 
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coozie7
There's little issue between motherboard and graphics card, but Haswell CPUs do benefit from fast memory, so get the fastest you can for the new build.
If you're going for a 'K' series unlocked chip look for a MB with solid power regulation (which you know). ;)
Last year I'd have said stick with an i5 but things move on and games seem to be moving towards more multi threading so I think an i7 would be worth the extra.
Don't forget to add a decent CPU cooler into the mix.
Personally, I'd go for a GTX780 with good cooling over a 780Ti, run it stock, then overclock when it starts to struggle (same with the CPU), after all the rig you have in mind will run even 1440 rez easily enough.
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coozie7

coozie7

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Jun 2, 2007
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There's little issue between motherboard and graphics card, but Haswell CPUs do benefit from fast memory, so get the fastest you can for the new build.
If you're going for a 'K' series unlocked chip look for a MB with solid power regulation (which you know). ;)
Last year I'd have said stick with an i5 but things move on and games seem to be moving towards more multi threading so I think an i7 would be worth the extra.
Don't forget to add a decent CPU cooler into the mix.
Personally, I'd go for a GTX780 with good cooling over a 780Ti, run it stock, then overclock when it starts to struggle (same with the CPU), after all the rig you have in mind will run even 1440 rez easily enough.
 
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Jordan Skinner

Jordan Skinner

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It's worth noting that I will only be running at 1920x1080, and probably only with a single monitor so anything than can run a resolution that that is pointless for me, so yeah I agree, the 780 seems to be best for my needs rather than forking out the extra cash for a Ti with negligible performance increases for me. I will probably be going for an i7 now as well since I have saved myself around £200 on the GPU :)

As far as overclocking goes I probably won't be doing it simply because I won't be doing anything hugely demanding on it, even my GTX 560 that Im running on now can run a heavily modded skyrim at around 50 or so average fps, but also because this will be my first ever custom build. I've had custom PCs built for me but never done one myself so I don't know the first thing about overclocking and it just seem too much hassle for something that is overkill for me.

Thanks for the reply :)
 
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coozie7

coozie7

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There is plenty of video guides available on the 'net on how to build your own system, it's nerve wracking when you first do it (isn't that always the case with 'the first time' ?) ;) so a few, obvious, words.
Use good quality tools, one slip with a cheap Phillips screwdriver and that £200 motherboard is just a flat paperweight.
Know what you're about to do: Read the manuals thoroughly and if in any doubt, refer to it/them, more than 90% of first build problems are down to a simple assembly error.
Inserting the memory modules and motherboard wiring plugs can require some force, a little petroleum jelly on the wiring plugs can make insertion easier.
Placing the motherboard into the case is the most difficult and risky part of the operation, take your time, be careful, wear surgical gloves.
Pro builders ground themselves and you should too, anything fairly conductive will do: A masonry wall, a heating pipe or radiator, a ventilation/AC vent.
DON'T PANIC! If the system fails to boot first time it's probably just a misplaced/unconnected wire-We've all done-it so just power down, unplug the PSU from the wall socket and check all the leads are fully inserted and where they should be.

If you are not, ever, going to overclock, you can save a little more with a non 'K' CPU and either a 'H' or 'B' series motherboard just don't skimp on the memory (Haswell really likes fast memory) or powersupply, 650Watts from Antec, Corsair, Silverstone, Seasonic, XFX (pro series), Rosewill (Capstone series) with dual 8 pin (or dual 6+2 pin) PCI-E leads will be plenty for a non overclocked, single GPU system.
 
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Jordan Skinner

Jordan Skinner

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Apr 28, 2014
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I'm no stranger to tinkering with PCs but thats limited to simple things such as taking out parts to clean or some cable management here and there, I have just never built a full system from scratch so thanks for the tips, especially the gloves one I would have never thought about anything past simply grounding myself :)

As for your recommendations on various parts, I had a 650W Corsair PSU planned so thats fine, though while I think everything else is okay, a quick once over of a few parts by someone who actually knows what they're talking about would be great.

Motherboard: GA-Z87X-OC Force (specifically whether this is a H or B series like you'd recommend)
Memory: Corsair Vengence Low Profile 1600 Mhz (16GB, 2x8GB)
CPU: More than likely an i7 4770

Thanks again for all this help :)
 
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coozie7

coozie7

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This thread is now 'solved' I suggest you start another in the Components or Homebuilt Forums for further replies...After this one that is.
Haswell likes fast memory: http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/memory/display/haswell-ddr3_8.html#sect0 so I'll suggest you follow their recommendations and aim for 2400 MHz DDR3 memory-go on, it's not that much more expensive. ;)
Most will point out few games can use the full potential of an i7, and not that long ago I'd have fully agreed with them and suggested an i5 instead but with games becoming increasing multi threaded I think the extra spent on an i7 will be a genuine investment for the future rather than a unjustified expense, luxury or just for plain old bragging rights.
Not too certain on the motherboard but Gigabyte and Asus are very highly regarded for their features and quality while Asrock are equally well regarded by more cost conscious builders, largely because they tend to cut out some of the whistles and bells (how many really NEED 8 USB ports or 8 SATA 3 ports?) but keep quality generally high elsewhere. Avoid cheap MSI boards, they are known to use poor voltage regulation, the more upmarket boards seem to be fine, though.
Anyway, glad to have helped, signing off.
 
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