Which Micro Center mobo for i2500k

[chubbywan]

As I'm sure you all know, Micro Center has some sweet deals on the i5-2500k and then another $50 off the motherboards if you combine w/ CPU. Since I live only about 10 minutes from one, its a no-brainer. Except for which mobo to choose: Here are my options:

MSI Z68A-GD65 (G3) $159 http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0374948
Gigabye GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 $149 http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0364085
Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD3 LGA $149 http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0366193

Also, I can't figure out what the difference is between the 2 Gigabyte boards. Any help is appreciated.

 

[rvilkman]

The Z68XP-UD3 has an mSata port for SSD caching. Z68X-UD3H has eSata port, DVI port and VGA port.

Out of those motherboards the first one is the most future proof with Gen3 PCIe support.
But they are all good boards. I have the Z68X-UD3H-B3 and it has been working fine. Although I had to update bios before I could install Win7 originally.

 

[chubbywan]

Hmm. I'm still torn. I like the Gigabyte brand better because I've actually used them before and they're solid. However, the MSI is the most overclockable and future proof. I may just have to flip a coin.

 

[joecrazy]

Go with the MSI board you picked out, They are fine and you will be happy if you ever decide on upgrading to say a 7950 or 7970 GPU card, to get all you can out of those cards you need the 3rd gen PCI e , All new cards should start leaning this way as well, its a good deal as well

 

[joecrazy]

Also how long is this deal going on, do you have to have a coupon? I will be going up there this weekend, to get myself the i7 2600k and might as well get a board from them as well if this will still be going on, let me know will ya?

 

[chubbywan]

joecrazy, thanks for the tip. MicroCenter has been doing the deal for a while and they just released the February catalog so it should be good all month. Its B&M only but with the deal, the MSI board is only $109. Tough deal to pass up.

 

[cliffro]

Microcenter is where I got mine! I paid $321 for my CPU/Mobo great price compared to the Phenom II 970/Sabertooth 990FX board I was going to grab.( the AMD stuff actually cost more...)

 

[chubbywan]

Best answer selected by ChubbyWan.