Asus rampage II gene OR Gigabyte GA-EX58UD5

[surajx]

Hi All,

These are the things that I have in mind for my New System Build:

Processor: Core i7 920 D0 (FIXED)
RAM: OCZ 6GB 1333Mhz
Graphics: I already have a 9800GTX OCX from BFG.
Cabinet: NZXT Tempest
Monitor: DELL Wide S2209W
HDD: WD 1Tb caviar Black

Three things I have not been able to come to a conclusion are:

CPU cooler: Cooler Master V8 OR Cooler Master Hyper 212 plus ( these are the only ones available near my place, I'm in Chennai, India)
If I would get a better cooler in Chennai please Advice.

Motherboard: This is my main point of concern, Due to budget constraints and availability problems I have 2 motherboards in contention

1. Asus Rampage II GENE microATX - My preference just because asus is reliable
2. Gigabyte GA-EX58UD5

While reading many forums many people have said don't go for asus, but I have not got a definite answer why!

Could you help me decide between them

PSU: please suggest cosair or cooler-master.

My Needs: I am a Gamer, a hardware enthusiast and I want to OC as well

Thanks,
Suraj

 

[gkay09]

^ That Gigabyte has more features than that ASUS board...But the ASUS is overpriced if they both cost the same...
But its upto you to choose...Both are very good boards...

PSU - For your resolution, it is unlikely that you would want to add a second graphics card as a single powerful card can max out @ that resolution...
So I would suggest a Corsair 550VX max as it has enough power for even a GTX 285...Even a Antec EA 500 can do the job...But if the price difference between the Antec and Corsair is very less, then stick with Corsair...

As for the CPU cooler, well in Chennai like you said mostly CM products are only available...But you might want to try online if you want to get better CPU coolers...

Sunbeam CCTF 120 + 1366 retention kit
http://www.lynx-india.com/beta/index.php?productID=2990
http://www.lynx-india.com/beta/index.php?productID=5533

Scythe Mugen 2
http://www.lynx-india.com/beta/index.php?productID=6131

 

[surajx]

Motherboard: The gigabyte GA-EX58UD5 board costs 500 Rs (10$) more than Asus Rampage II GENE one. What I'm looking for is an OC friendly board which is reliable and is compatible with most of the CPU coolers out in the market. The board should also have expansion options.

PSU: Unless some revolutionary game comes like what crysis did to the graphics industry I wouldn't need to go for SLI, but if in the future I would like to go for SLI wouldn't a Corsair-650TX do the job?

CPU Coolers: I liked CM V8 for its looks and aesthetic design, but thats not what we are looking for it it? _
Anyhow the Scythe Mugen 2's motherboard compatibility list posted in their forums,

http://www.scythe-eu.com/forum/mainboard-compatibility/764-mugen-2-compatibility-list.html

does not feature the motherboards im looking for...

Given that, choosing a board, cooler and a cabinet which all fits perfectly and considering fan positions and air flow management is trick stuff...

 

[gkay09]

The Gigabyte extreme and the UD5P have similar placement of components around the socket...So as in the list the Extreme is compatible, so is the UD5P...

And as for the case, you should check out
CM 690
Antec 300
Antec 900
CM HAF
These are very good cases and have enough room for the above components and can fit the cooler too...