Motherboard for i5-2500k

[Parsnip]

I've started to piece together parts for my first ever computer build (geared towards gaming) and I need a mobo that will work well with my cpu and provide possible future expansion. Im most likely only going to run 1 gpu at the moment but I want to keep CF/SLI as a possibility.

 

[jaquith]

Q - Are there any other particular features that you need?
Q - Do you like or need SSD Caching or do you make MPEG-2/4 videos?
Q - What budget?
Q - What GPU(s)?

Otherwise popping a few MOBO + links isn't helping you.

 

[Parsnip]

Q - Are there any other particular features that you need?
Q - Do you like or need SSD Caching or do you make MPEG-2/4 videos?
Q - What budget?
Q - What GPU(s)?

Otherwise popping a few MOBO + links isn't helping you.

1. I really know very little about mobo features/what I may or may not need or want.
2. I'm not going to get a SSD (I see them as a waste of money).
3. Budget is around $800-1000 USD for all inclusive (don't need OS, Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers, or Monitor)
4. I'm shopping around between the AMD 6870 or possibly 6950 and the nvidia 560/560 ti. Basically depending on where the money lines up with the other items will sort of determine between a higher or lower tier gpu.

 

[jaquith]

Then the Z68 will offer you nothing, and most any P67 covers all of your bases.

A good article to review is Tom's $1,000 June Build -> http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/build-a-pc,2969.html

I have also recommended the MSI P67A-G43 (B3) and it has a good rebate $112 and GA-P67A-UD4-B3 at $172; the +$60 buys you a longer lasting OC MOBO.

My picks for your budget -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007627%20600093976&IsNodeId=1&srchInDesc=P67&page=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=280|13-128-478^13-128-478-TS%2C13-130-574^13-130-574-TS%2C13-130-583^13-130-583-TS%2C13-130-582^13-130-582-TS

GPU - it all depends upon what games, resolution, and detail you prefer. The GTX 560 series can do only 2-WAY SLI, and in most instances the HD6950 has the edge but for +$50 it should. If you choose nVidia get an EVGA and AMD/ATI XFX and either case models with a Lifetime Warranty.
GPU comparisons -> http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-6950-1gb-vs-geforce-gtx-560-ti-review/1

 

[Parsnip]

Then the Z68 will offer you nothing, and most any P67 covers all of your bases.

A good article to review is Tom's $1,000 June Build -> http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/build-a-pc,2969.html

I have also recommended the MSI P67A-G43 (B3) and it has a good rebate $112 and GA-P67A-UD4-B3 at $172; the +$60 buys you a longer lasting OC MOBO.

My picks for your budget -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007627%20600093976&IsNodeId=1&srchInDesc=P67&page=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=280|13-128-478^13-128-478-TS%2C13-130-574^13-130-574-TS%2C13-130-583^13-130-583-TS%2C13-130-582^13-130-582-TS

GPU - it all depends upon what games, resolution, and detail you prefer. The GTX 560 series can do only 2-WAY SLI, and in most instances the HD6950 has the edge but for +$50 it should. If you choose nVidia get an EVGA and AMD/ATI XFX and either case models with a Lifetime Warranty.
GPU comparisons -> http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-6950-1gb-vs-geforce-gtx-560-ti-review/1

Which of those mobo's do you truly recommend? I see the article recommends the g43 one.

 

[jaquith]

What target OC?

 

[Parsnip]

What target OC?

I've never done overclock before, as I know really nothing about it.

 

[jaquith]

OC the 'K' Sandy Bridge is as easy as increasing the CPU Multiplier and if need the CPU Voltage (vCore).

For a lower OC, long-term, e.g. 4GHz~4.2GHz the MSI, >4.5GHz the Gigabyte; as I listed above, >4.8GHz a different MOBO not listed.