Compatibility issues and torn between the 2 mobos

[akromam90]

I was originally going to get the msi p67a-gd53 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130551

but after reading a few posts on here, I found the p8p67 deluxe http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131679&Tpk=p8p67%20deluxe

while the deluxe is $90 more, is it really worth that extra $$? All I'm going to be doing is playing WoW, Diablo 3 when it's out, Starcraft 2, and that's about it.

Any suggestions/input? Would the p67a suffice for my needs? I plan on crossfire in the future

Also are both mobo's compatible with an XFX HD-687A Radeon HD 6870? I looked on MSI's site and it didn't come up on the p67a compatible list and I havent checked the p8p67

Thanks in advance!

 

[Eagle Eye_54]

There is a review of boards on Tom's Hardware site showing the differences between many different makes. They are all pretty well the same speed wise. What makes the difference is features and for that reason, I like the ASUS line. The P8P67 deluxe comes with a few extras, like a USB v3.0 box for inserting in your case. It also has two network inputs vs one and a few other minor things. I didn't need this and saved $70 buying the Pro version.

The card should not be any problem. I run a GTX 260 and will soon upgrade to a GTX 570. The Pro can accommodate three cards but is designed for two in SLI mode...the connection strap is included with the board. The board is certified for Crossfire as well although would never recommend anything with AMD's name on it. [That statement is sure to wake up the sleeping regular posters!]

if you want PCIe v3.0 with 16x/16x/16x, you'll have to wait for the x68 chip set coming in the third quarter of 2011 along with the new 2011 socket. In reality though, the Sandy Bridge package is a lot of equipment for a low dollar and sure to please most gamers and general computer users...like me.

 

[geekapproved]

If you are crossfiring you need the 8x/8x, not 16x/4x.

Although you can find one MUCH cheaper than that Asus board.
They don't specify the slots on that MSI board for some reason, most do in the description.

 

[geofelt]

One of the reasons that the asus board is more expensive is that they have paid Nvidia the license fee to permit sli in addition to CF.
The msi board only permits CF.

If your needs are modest, like only one 1080P monitor, then you really don't need either cf or sli, and can save a bit on the motherboard.

How many expansion slots do you need?

Most motherboards today, do not need anything more than graphics card/s to be added.

I suggest you look at the Asus P8P67-M, either the basic unit for $130. or the Pro version for $150:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131691

I picked the pro version only to have the option for sli in the future, but I seriously doubt that I will ever use it.
I installed a single GTX580. If, or when I need more, I expect to replace the GTX580 with the next best thing in single card format.
The board has usb3.0 and 6gb sata. Asus also has a web like bios interface, and several easy OC capabilities, which I have yet to try.

The nice thing about a micro-ATX is that you can put it into some interesting small cases. I used a lian-li V351.

 

[akromam90]

I'm glad you guys pointed out the PRO series, that's perfect! Reviews look great, it's got the 6gb/s sata and CF capability if wanted in the future. And the price is better! Now that I think about it I prolly wouldn't have utilized the functionality of the deluxe. Thanks guys!

 

[akromam90]

Best answer selected by akromam90.