Need mobo help - changing system from AMD (955) to Intel (i5 2500k).

[mt229431]

Hi everyone and thanks in advance for your help. I'm looking to upgrade my current system from a Phenom 955 to an i5 2500k.

Relevant parts from my current system:
MOBO: ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890GX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL8D-4GBRM
GPU: XFX HD-585X-ZAFC Radeon HD 5850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card w/ Eyefinity
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ955FBGMBOX
Case: COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Power Supply: OCZ ModXStream Pro 700W Modular High Performance Power Supply (OCZ700MXSP)


I'm looking for a mobo for the i5 2500k that will work with the RAM and GPU currently in my system. Also, when I have a bit more financial freedom, I'll be switching from the 5850 to a 570, and potential 2x 570's further down the line. I'd also like to add an SSD in the next year, mainly for OS booting. I've read the forums and have seen many suggestions from MSI, ASUS, to ASRock boards. If price is not an issue, what board is the best bang for my buck? I'm certainly not an enthusiast, but definitely AM a gamer (SWTOR, WoW, SC2, DIII). I also want it to be "future proof" for a few years, but don't want to overspend for features I'll never use. Thanks very much for your help!

 

[o1die]

You have a good system; I would wait for Ivy bridge; google it for an estimated release date.

 

[mt229431]

I agree it's a good system, but I'm having some FPS issues that I'd prefer to avoid. For example, in WoW, I'm running on high settings and when I start playing in 25 man raids, the fps can drop to around 10 during some hectic parts. Another example, I'm running SWTOR on low settings and am finding that even in groups of 3, there are some fps drops to a similar range. I'd like to be playing on at least high settings and experience no fps drops below 30.

 

[o1die]

Intel is tougher to be "future proof"; according to reports, most of the current 1155 boards will work fine with it. But if Intel comes out with an improved chipset for Ivy bridge, you may be kicking yourself in the pants for upgrading too soon. This board should work fine: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138317