Asus P8H61-M PRO & i5 2500?

[gingbeard]

I am looking to build a new PC..
How well will this MOBO/CPU combo go together?

MOBO
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8H61M_PRO/

CPU
http://www.ebuyer.com/251597-core-i5-2500-3-3ghz-socket-1155-6mb-cache-retail-boxed-processor-bx80623i52500

Please note that I am after a budget(ish) build for light gaming, with no overclocking plans (hence not the 2500k)

 

[sosofm]

They are perfect.

 

[g-unit1111]

They are perfect.

I'll disagree - I hate going mATX on any desktop build because your expansion options will be quite limited. Here's a full featured low cost, full ATX board for around the same price: http://www.ebuyer.com/276562-gigabyte-ga-z68ap-d3-z68-socket-1155-8-channel-audio-atx-motherboard-ga-z68ap-d3

 

[azeem40]

I wonder why mATX boards are around then.

 

[g-unit1111]

I wonder why mATX boards are around then.

I can see them being used on say, an HTPC where the cases are far more cramped and have limited space - I'll recommend them there, but not on a mid or full tower system.

 

[azeem40]

Alright, just wondering. Thanks.

 

[quicksand10]

I wonder why mATX boards are around then.

They're around for low end usage (HTPCs and your grandparents' PC, who don't want a giant tower), not for gaming or enthusiasts.

+1 to g-unit1111's suggestion.
Also consider the ASUS P8Z68-V LX. Very solid board.

http://www.ebuyer.com/281367-asus-p8z68-v-lx-socket-1155-onboard-graphics-output-8-channel-audio-atx-p8z68-v-lx

Also, if you're absolutely dead set on going for a microATX build, consider a z68 chipset at least, such as the ASUS P8Z68-M PRO, but I would still strongly suggest you to go with an ATX build and a big mid-tower case.

I would consider spending the extra ~7GBP for a 2500K however, just so that you have the OPTION to overclock (it's so easy!)
For ~15GBP, the CoolerMaster Hyper 212+ (or, for a bit more, the Hyper 212 EVO) is an excellent way to start overclocking (I managed a 4.5GHz with an ASUS P8Z68-V LX and 2500k). Otherwise, this is still recommended to keep your CPU cool.

 

[mabreatsh]

I would say that since you are looking for a budget system, getting a 2400 would be better price wise. H61 is alright but I would get a p67 because it might support ivy league and the difference in price isnt that much.

 

[quicksand10]

The i5-2400 would be a good choice too if you're not interested in overclocking. The couple MHz difference in frequency won't make much of a difference, TBH.

As so little information is available on Ivy Bridge, Z68 also might support it, especially the ASUS boards with native UEFI.