Need help choosing a motherboard for a 1st build

[embryo 3]

I'm a newbie and I've been planning my first build for months. I've done scores of hours of research and have decided on all of the components (at least for the moment), except the motherboard. The more I read reviews the more discouraged I become. (Yeah, I know that there are a disproportionate number of complaints to positive comments, because those with good experiences tend not to comment.) Does anyone have some suggestions for stable, medium–high end, Intel-type motherboards with relatively low frequencies of issues? (I know there are few guarantees in life.) The new build would be used for medium to advanced MS Office applications projects, inventory software, light to medium level gaming, photo and graphics projects, copying LPs to CDs or converting to other .wav formats, and Internet surfing. I would like the system in which the motherboard would be installed to have robustness, longevity, flexibility, and be somewhat future-proof.

Budget: ~$2000
Tentative list of components:
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K Processor (for now, with option to upgrade to Ivy Bridge later)
GPU: GIGABYTE ATI Radeon HD6850 1GB DDR5 2DVI/HDMI/DisplayPort PCI-Express Video Card GV-R685OC-1GD
Monitor: Old ViewSonic VGA (for now)
Memory: 2XCorsair Vengeance Low Profile 8 GB PC3-12800 1600mhz
PSU: Antec Power Supply HCG-900 80PLUS BRONZE 900W ATX12V version2.3 EPS12V
Boot HD: Plextor M3 Series PX-128M3 2.5" 128GB SATA III Internal SSD
Data storage HD: (2) Barracuda 7200.12 SATA 3Gb/s 1TB Hard Drives (from my current machine), (1) Barracuda 7200.10 SATA 3Gb/s 250 GB Hard Drives (from my current machine)
CD/DVD Player/Burner: ASUS 24X DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS - OEM
Cooling: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler, RR-B10-212P-G1 (plus additional fan)
Case: Cooler Master SGC-5000-KKN1 CM Storm Trooper Full Tower Case - ATX, Micro ATX, XL-ATX, 9x 5.25" Ext Bays, 2x 120mm Red LED Fans, 1x 140mm Fan, 1x 200mm Fan, 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 1x eSATA

Thanks a lot for any assistance you can provide.

 

[sosofm]

ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271
Your power supply is overkill if you don't Crossfire.
One of these PSU's are enough for your build :
Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016
SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151095

 

[embryo 3]

Thanks a lot for the suggestions. I'll carefully examine them. I guess another caveat is that I'd to have the option of upgrading to the Ivy Bridge CPU in the future.

 

[abekl]

I recommend against the Asrock motherboard. Asrock is a lower quality manufacturer than Asus or Gigabyte.

 

[embryo 3]

I recommend against the Asrock motherboard. Asrock is a lower quality manufacturer than Asus or Gigabyte.

Thanks. Any thoughts about the ASUS Sabertooth Z77? (I know it's not officially out yet, but have you heard anything?)