What motherboard should I get?

[Shavako]

I'm currently considering the ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 but it doesn't have any USB 3.0 headers which would be nice to have in case I upgrade to any USB 3.0 peripherals. However I don't want to spend much more and would actually like to spend less on a board but I must admit that this is a great board for the money. There are a few things I am looking for in a mobo:

PCIe 3.0
USB 3.0 header
Ability to Xfire in case I decide to add a second GPU
UEFI bios
Easy overclocking

This is for a new build which will include a i5 2500k and either a HD 6950 or 6970. I'll probably overclock the CPU slightly (~4.0) and I'll probably buy a GPU that is factory overclocked. Is the Extreme3 Gen3 going to be the best board to meet my requirements for the price? If so I can forgive the no USB 3.0 headers. I don't really do a lot of file transfers between my HD and flash drives so it's not a huge deal, just something extra and nice to have.

 

[nikorr]

Well, the ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 has 2x USB3 ports.....

What's your budget?

 

[Shavako]

Well I don't want to go any higher than the $125 that the Extreme3 costs but I can go a little higher for a nice board.

 

[nikorr]

I think this one should do it for u. ASUS P8Z68-V LE $132.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131773

Dual Intelligent Processors - TPU & EPU
UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode) - Flexible & Easy BIOS Interface
GPU Boost - Go to the Limit with iGPU Level Up!
LucidLogix Virtu (Universal Switchable Graphics) - Auto Switching between Integrated Graphics and NVIDIA/AMD Cards
Intel Smart Response Technology - SSD Speed with HDD Capacity
Quad USB 3.0/SATA 6Gb/s Support - Double Access, Double Convenience

Internal I/O Connectors
Onboard USB
2 x USB 3.0 + 8 x USB 2.0
Other Connectors
1 x COM port(s) connector(s)
1 x CPU Fan connector(s) (4 -pin)
2 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (4 -pin)
1 x Power Fan connector(s) (3 -pin)
1 x S/PDIF out header(s)
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP)
1 x System panel(s)
1 x MemOK! button(s)
1 x TPU switch(es)

 

[Shavako]

Eh, doesn't have PCIe 3.0 which is more important to me than USB 3.0. I think I'm just going to stick with the Extreme3 and just use an ugly pass through cable =/

 

[nikorr]

Eh, doesn't have PCIe 3.0 which is more important to me than USB 3.0. I think I'm just going to stick with the Extreme3 and just use an ugly pass through cable =/

I better go to sleep.... : )

If u don't want to spend more, that is the deal ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3

 

[Shavako]

Best answer selected by Shavako.

 

[nikorr]

Thanx for the vote Shavako!

 

[Maziar]

This topic has been closed by Maziar