What to look for in a motherboard?

[chaoticcat]

My ancient HP is about to bite the dust and I am considering building instead of buying. I have pretty much decided on the 3rd gen I5 processor, 3570K, but I am getting confused on the motherboard.
I know the first thing to think about is what do I want out of the system:
Support for multiple monitors,
Performance for light gaming (grandsons),
When I click on a program, I want it to open now, not in 2-3 minutes
Media center,
Blue tooth,
Wireless networking,
HDMI
possible very light video editing

That's pretty much all I can think of right now. I just don't want to pay for what I don't need, but then again, it is better to pay an extra 30 bucks now than to have to buy a new motherboard later. I want it to be able to handle whatever I throw at it-within reason.

I have been looking at the Asus P8Z77 series, but the specs aren't making me see any real differences. Any recommendations?

 

[nikorr]

OK, so with that CPU, u want to overclock.

U want to get 16GB RAM helps when video edit.

When I click on a program, I want it to open now, not in 2-3 minutes

Than SSD is what u need. Its super fast.

 

[nikorr]

Great mobo for decent price.

Of course u can pay for better one, but for your needs it will do great!.

U can definitely use this one -> ASRock Z77 Extreme 4 -> ... Latest Z77...

I just build PC with this mobo and I like the BIOS, its looks like this.

Works as expected @ 4.4GHz

That is a great mobo choice for the CPU. It has good power design for OC.

Read the Toms review Seven Sub-$160 Z77 Express Motherboards, Reviewed
@ http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/z77-express-ivy-bridge-benchmark,3254.html

ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0387554

 

[nikorr]

I recommend CORSAIR Vengeance 99% of the time, quality RAM and low profile with XMP profile.
And if u will get an aftermarket CPU cooler, low profile is the worry free remedy with perfect fit with any large cooler.
CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233198
Vengeance Low Profile heat spreaders have a reduced height of 1.03" (26.25mm). They're designed for high-performance systems with extra-large CPU coolers, small form factor system builds, or any other space-constrained application where standard Vengeance memory might not fit.

 

[nikorr]

If u get an after market CPU cooler, u can OC to 4.5GHz with ease : )
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus120mm CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

[flash=640,360]http://www.youtube.com/v/c1DGRZSV_gI?version=3&feature=player_embedded[/flash]

 

[nikorr]

Mushkin Enhanced Chronos MKNSSDCR120GB 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
$99.99
FREE SHIPPING

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226236

 

[nikorr]

Check this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5ne4V8l8bU

 

[nikorr]

So get Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit OEM ~ $99.99 @ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=32-116-986&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Keywords=%28keywords%29&Page=1#scrollFullInfo

As a student, u can get even better deal, check http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/cat/categoryid.37826100/

 

[nikorr]

"Support for multiple monitors, "

This mobo has it all.

 

[chaoticcat]

"Support for multiple monitors, "

This mobo has it all.
http://img.linkecomputer.com/images/ASROCK/Z77_Extreme4/Z77_Extreme4_3.jpg

Thanks Nikorr, you gave me what I really needed - a shopping list.

This is going to be a slow build, but still as fast as my finances will allow. I have alot of interest and have read alot, but until I get my hands on, it is all just data, so I am really looking forward to it.

I am sure you'll hear from me again. Thanks again, you went above and beyond. I appreciate it.