Upgrading for PlanetSide 2, need some motherboard advice

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tapedeckpower

Nov 2, 2018
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So I just bought an i3-8350k and Hyper 212 Evo, as I was recommended that CPU due to my budget, and especially after some research and videos testing it, and the cooler was suggested for that CPU as well.

Anyways, I'll get to the point. I've been searching through quite a few motherboards looking for something that will work reliably. I've never installed one before, and my current one is Micro-ATX.

Would anyone have some suggestions? I would LIKE it to be OCable, since I've heard that OCing for PS2 helps a lot. If that's wrong, do let me know.

Here are the current specs I have:
OS: Windows 10 Home 64bit
CPU: AMD A6-7400k Dual Core
GPU: Gigabyte GTX 1050 2GB Windforce OC
Motherboard: MSI A68HM-E33 V2 Micro-ATX
RAM: DDR3 1600MHz 16GB (2x8GB)

If I need additional specs, let me know.
I still have a lot to learn about PC building, so if you have some tips for anything, let me know!

Remember, I bought an i3-8350k and a Hyper 212 Evo, so try to base the mobo around that.

Currently I have a budget of $130, but that will be more by next week or so, so maybe $200.
I also need to get DDR4 RAM, so if you have suggestions to fit the Mobo and RAM into the budget, please do! I don't mind 8GB, so long as it works.

Thank you much, and have a great day! ^-^
 
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Greeko85

Greeko85

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Oct 3, 2015
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What is your current case? Will it only fit Micro-atx boards? Preferably you'd want to go for a z370 chipset to get the most out of your processor. An example of a half decent board would be:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813144114&Description=z370%20micro%20atx&cm_re=z370_micro_atx-_-13-144-114-_-Product

There are multiple models/manufacturers available so you can easily go through, see one you'd like in price and quickly read up on a review to make a slightly more educated decision. The same goes for RAM as well-you will need ddr4, I'd say aim for 2666mhz unless you can get a 3000mhz+ kit for a decent price. Go for dual channel as it will make a difference over a single channel kit.
 
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tapedeckpower

Nov 2, 2018
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I checked online, and my PC is a Cybertron Electrum QS-A6. The case is a Mid Tower, according to the specs.

Since this is a Mid-Tower, What would work with it? Again, novice builder with a lot to learn, and just looking to upgrade.

Also, when I do get a board and my CPU, is there anything I need to be careful of? I don’t want to have dropped so much of my savings on hardware just to nuke it all with one touch.

Thanks so much for your help!
 
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Greeko85

Greeko85

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Oct 3, 2015
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The safest bet would be to get a same size board, in your case being a micro-atx one. I can't find info on the case itself so it may work with an atx board it may not-I cant answer for sure.
You have your cpu, you have a cooler all you need is a compatible motherboard and ddr4 ram. If you are building the system your self there are plenty of guides by trusted sources (please please do NOT follow the guide from "the verge") to help guide you.
Unfortunately due to making such a significant system upgrade you will need to reinstall windows as well.
 
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tapedeckpower

Nov 2, 2018
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Alright! I don’t mind reinstalling windows, but will that involve buying a new copy? I do have a key that came on a sticker on the side of my case, but will it work?

As for the motherboard, are there any in my budget range (now about $150 or so since I bought RAM today) that are micro ATX, can OC the CPU at least (the mobo you posted in your first reply had some reviews that said it couldn’t OC), support my CPU, and support up to dual channel 2666MHz DDR4?

I don’t mind if the mobo’s not aesthetically pleasing; I’m waiting until I can start making better money before I go for aesthetics.

Thank you very, very much for your help!
 
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Greeko85

Greeko85

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Oct 3, 2015
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Any Z370 board can overclock-some boards are better than others but with a cpu like an i3 you won't face that many challenges. Here's two decent options:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157793
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813144114

As far as windows your key should work-worse comes to worst you can always contact Microsoft directly and explain to them the situation. They are surprisingly very helpful and will help you out, I know they helped me in the exact same situation.
 
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tapedeckpower

Nov 2, 2018
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Thanks for the quick response!

I checked both motherboards, and while both are in my price range, I’m still a little indecisive about it.

The first board you linked in last post had a lot of complaint reviews saying it went dead in about 4 months. The second one had a few reviews saying it couldn’t OC.

Which one would you recommend? Again, really novice builder (only ever changed RAM and installed a GPU before), so I need a little help deciding. Sorry if I’m putting a bit too much stock in your suggestions, but I just don’t want to waste money; saved this for a long time.

Again, huge thanks for your help!
 
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Greeko85

Greeko85

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Oct 3, 2015
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Once again any Z370 board can overclock-thats one of the features that differentiates the "Z" boards from the B or H models. If you are going to read reviews read ones from actual tech channels/sites such as Tom's, guru3d etc and not so much from users from Newegg/amazon etc. A lot of times user error or an unpleasant shopping experience can creep itself in the review. I've seen multiple reviews of people giving hardware 1 out of 5 simply because newegg stuffed up their order, nothing to do with the hardware quality itself. Out of curiosity would you mind linking the reviews that say it wasn't able to overclock?

Hard to choose between the two as I am not a fan of m-itx boards-the compact size means you give up features/extra fan headers etc. I haven't dealt with Asrock boards before so hopefully someone else can chime in but MSI boards aren't bad from experience-BIOS is ok but build quality is solid most of the time.
 
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Greeko85

Greeko85

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Oct 3, 2015
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You have misunderstood his statement-the board can overclock just not very well with an 8700k which is to be expected. Due to the limited size it doesn't use the same power delivery system/VRMs as higher end atx boards which can limit the overclock you achieve on a high end cpu such as the 8700k.
For your i3 its absolutely fine.
 
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tapedeckpower

Nov 2, 2018
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Alrighty then, sorry about that. Again, not very experienced with mobos and CPUs, but I'm learning.

So I have ordered this mobo, it's on its way now.

Just to make sure I don't accidentally turn the inside of my PC into a nuclear winter, is there anything you would suggest I do as a safety precaution? Just want to double and triple check everything before I commit to installing everything myself.

You've been a huge help here; I can't thank you enough for all the help you've given me. Pretty sure that without your help, I'd still be looking for a half decent mobo. Now I can finally upgrade, and it's your help that got me here.

Huge thanks in advance! ^-^

EDIT: Will I need to buy Thermal Paste as well? I'm not sure if I need any for this, but just to make sure...
 
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