Last piece: Motherboard...?

[rex000]

Hello,

Just wanted to get some quick opinions as to what motherboard I should be choosing for a budget gaming build I'll be giving my bro.

So far I've chosen:

Intel i3-2120 ($100)
Corsair Vengeance 8GB 1600Mhz CL9 DDR3 ($45)
Zotac GTX560Ti ($135)
Western Digital Cavair Blue 500GB SATA3 6Gbps ($40)
OCZ ModXStream Pro 700w ($45)
etc, etc.


To keep this thing on a budget, I'm having a hard time decided between a low-end H61 motherboard, or a mid-range z68 motherboard.

MSI H61M-P31 (G3) ($45 after $10MIR) - **ignore neweggs pricing, I can pricematch it cheaper somewhere)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130639


Gigabyte GA-Z68A-D3H-B3 ($75 after $20MIR)
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=26_722&item_id=045858
OR
Gigabyte Z68MA-D2H-B3 ($77 after $20MIR)
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=61004&vpn=GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3&manufacture=Gigabyte&promoid=1207


The Z68 has overlocking, USB 3.0, SATA3, 2133 RAM support, SLI/Crossfire.. and is Gigabyte (over MSI D... But the reality is, I am not sure if I even need any of the features listed above with the components I've selected.


I almost settled for the H61 because I do not plan to upgrade this PC at all once it's been built. But then, I thought $30-$35 for a boatload of more features... yay or nay?

Looking to buy this soon, maybe on the weekend once I take a look at weekend sales.

Thanks!

 

[TheBigTroll]

give me a budget range and the parts that you will not need

 

[TheBigTroll]

modxstream is bad

 

[rex000]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm looking @ $600ish from Canadian websites.

What I have so far:

Intel Core i3-2120 CPU - $100

Gigabyte Z68 MOBO - $75 (after $20MIR)

ZOTAC GTX560TI GPU - $135 (after $30MIR)
Corsair Vengeance 8GB 1600Mhz DDR3 RAM - $45
Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB HDD - $40
Samsung 22x DVD-RW ODD - $20
OCZ ModXStream Pro 700W PSU - $45 (after $30MIR)
Apevia X-Trooper Jr. Window CASE - $30
nGear All-in-One Card Reader - $5

1x 120mm blue LED fan - Included
1x 120mm black fan - Included
1x 120mm white fan - $5
2x 120mm red LED fan - $10

 

[TheBigTroll]

apevia is known for making bad things

vengeance ram is expensive for the same ram that other companies offer

heres what i would get

i3 2120
gskill ripjaws x 8gb 1600mhz 1.5v
the hard drive you mentioned
the cd drive you mentioned
the graphics card you mentioned
xfx 550w PSU.
fractal design core 1000

no need for extra fans

 

[rex000]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I made a typo up there, the Corsair Vengeance RAM is $45, and here, the G.skill RAM is also about $45ish. I think I'll stick with Corsair just because I like the brand more... + they've helped out really well once before.

I guess the PSU and CASE should be changed, BUT I'm looking for a 80plus modular power supply, and a window case .. both on the cheap. Any recommendations?

Also, my brother wanted red LEDs so I've decided just to add 2 CoolerMaster Sickeflows at $5 a piece. The extra white fan is an NZXT re-use from my old PC, just thought I'd count that as part of the budget.

Thanks again.

 

[rex000]

I think I'll stick with the Gigabyte Z68 motherboard, I can pricematch it down to about $87 + $20MIR = $67. Which is OK I guess.

 

[TheBigTroll]

if you really want corsair, go ahead. keep in mind aftermarlet heatsinks wont fit at all

80+ and modularity dont make up for the unreliablity and noise. go get the one i suggested or a seasonic m12II 520w at newegg. they are more efficent and are made by a very reliable brand (which is seasonic)

coolermaster fans arent great. they die pretty fast. good led fans are from bitfenix but i would say that they are pricey

 

[rex000]

Best answer selected by rex000.