Seeking advice for Killer Build for 1700$, First Time Builder

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heizenbrg

heizenbrg

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Aug 2, 2012
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Approximate Purchase Date: this week/next week
Budget Range: Total: $1689.87
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, beatmaking, surfing the web, movies
Are you buying a monitor: Yes
Do you need to buy OS: No
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com, ncix.com, amazon, everything else
Location: California, Micro-Center closed here, can get CPU shipped from a Micro-Center in NY (How do you ship a CPU?)
Parts Preferences: Intel,Nvidia
Overclocking: First Time
SLI or Crossfire: Maybe
Your Preferable Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080, 1920x1200 or better GAMING ON 1 MONITOR
Do are all the parts compatible with each other?I'd like to get the best stuff for all this money, and if I can save, then it's even better.

THE PARTS
CPUIntel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @Microcenter)
CPU Cooler:Noctua NH-U12P SE2 54.4 CFM CPU Cooler ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($182.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Storage:Western Digital RE4 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($91.68 @ Amazon)
Video Card:EVGA GeForce GTX 680 2GB Video Card ($449.99 @ Newegg)
Case:Cooler Master HAF 922 ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply:SeaSonic 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($146.29 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Monitor:Asus VS248H-P 24.0" Monitor ($174.99 @ Newegg) Keyboard:[url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109191&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=] Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Wired Optical Mouse ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Headphones:Astro A50 Wired ($300 @Astrogaming)
SSD:Samsung 830 256GB ALREADY BOUGHT

Total: $1689.87
 
Solution
excella1221
I don't understand the first question.
You ship CPUs the same way you ship anything else. :lol:

You don't need an i7 for gaming. The i5-3570K performs essentially the same as the i7 in terms of gaming.

Get the Hyper 212 EVO. If you're gonna Noctua, get the NH-D14.

You don't need 16gb of RAM either, 8gb is already more than enough.
Consider low profile versions like the G.Skill Ares.

That's a weirdly overpriced HDD for 500gb.
Since you already have 256gb Samsung 830, you'll only need a storage drive. I suggest the Caviar Green 2tb 5400 RPM.

GPU is overpriced so much. If you want Nvidia, then get the 670.
The 680 only has like 5% more performance.

That PSU is overkill for a single GPU, and insufficient for a 2-way SLI/CF.
Single =...
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excella1221

excella1221

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I don't understand the first question.
You ship CPUs the same way you ship anything else. :lol:

You don't need an i7 for gaming. The i5-3570K performs essentially the same as the i7 in terms of gaming.

Get the Hyper 212 EVO. If you're gonna Noctua, get the NH-D14.

You don't need 16gb of RAM either, 8gb is already more than enough.
Consider low profile versions like the G.Skill Ares.

That's a weirdly overpriced HDD for 500gb.
Since you already have 256gb Samsung 830, you'll only need a storage drive. I suggest the Caviar Green 2tb 5400 RPM.

GPU is overpriced so much. If you want Nvidia, then get the 670.
The 680 only has like 5% more performance.

That PSU is overkill for a single GPU, and insufficient for a 2-way SLI/CF.
Single = 550w; 2-way = 750

Everything else is good to go. :)

[PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme6 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($95.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($399.98 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 922 ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 750W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Monitor: Asus VS248H-P 24.0" Monitor ($174.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Wired Optical Mouse ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1411.86
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
 
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Solution
heizenbrg

heizenbrg

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Ok, what about the motherboard? The one I chose was just covered by Tom's and it seems pretty legit

 
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heizenbrg

heizenbrg

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phenom90

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i thought cpu at microcenter only available by store pick up considering its cheaper price...

get an i5 2500k.. it's cheaper at microcenter... pick 1 up while it's still available.. considering your purpose i don't see why would you pick a i5 3570k over.. unless you want to make use its latest built-in graphics which already makes your graphics card irrelevant should you really put it in use... not to mention intel graphics bested out by amd apu.. should you put that i5 2500k and i5 3570k into overclocking... the difference would only be minimal at best.. what matter is your graphics card which provides significant boost in gaming... since you lean towards nvidia i would suggest 670 over 680 as 680 isn't much faster.. around 5-10% at best.. the margin will be small once you pick up a factory oc'ed 670.. and if you plan to add second card later.. better buy larger psu.. a 850watts will give you more headroom...

http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=75125&vpn=GA-Z77X-UP4-TH&manufacture=Gigabyte
Gigabyte Z77X-UP4-TH - $180.5

http://www.microcenter.com/product/354589/Core_i5_2500K_33GHz_LGA_1155_Boxed_Processor
Core i5 2500K - $160

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 - $20

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162107
Galaxy 67NPH6DV5ZVX GeForce GTX 670 GC - $380

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136247
LG DVD Burner GH24NS90 - $18

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB CML8GX3M2A1600C9 - $40

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005240
LG IPS231B-BN - $200

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109191
Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 - $50

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826153055
RAZER DeathAdder - $48

http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=62223&vpn=P1850BNLG9&manufacture=XFX
XFX 850W PRO850W XXX Edition - $120

http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=74462&vpn=WD10EZEX&manufacture=Western%20Digital%20WD
Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB - $81

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197
COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN3-GP - $80

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104399
Logitech G930 USB Connector Circumaural Wireless Gaming Headset - $120

total: $1497.5 after rebate exclude shipping

but if you not going to sli/cfx these are what i recommend though..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817194094
ENERMAX NAXN 82+ ENP650AWT B 650W - $77

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130646
MSI Z77A-G43 - $100
 
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heizenbrg

heizenbrg

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I'm going with this:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/krjE
CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($83.24 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UP5 TH ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($239.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($389.98 @ NCIX US)
Case: Antec Nine Hundred ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.98 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($180.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($22.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS248H-P 24.0" Monitor ($174.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($138.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Wired Optical Mouse ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1714.09
 
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heizenbrg

heizenbrg

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No I'm still undecided, I hardly know if all the parts fit together. I followed you're example and I changed the CPU ( I don't trust that someone ships it to me from a Micro-center), the GPU is a Msi Power Edition, I forgot that I also own a Samsung 830 256 GB ($179.99) @ CompUSA,
mobo and power supply seem ok, I'll have to inform myself about the 12V rail for all the parts. I will also want to start overclocking and SLI the GPU's.
The Noctua is compatible, but is the 212 EVO better in this case? I still plan to overclock and I don't mind using the NH-D14
 
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excella1221

excella1221

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Okay, well you didn't forget to mention the 256gb SSD.
Since you already have 256gb Samsung 830, you'll only need a storage drive. I suggest the Caviar Green 2tb 5400 RPM.
Click to expand...
I took that into consideration when I gave you the build list.
The HDD will only serve as a STORAGE drive. Only your large files, downloads, and stuff you rarely use go here. You don't need it to have a high RPM since your OS and games/software/programs would or should be installed in the SDD.

I suggest you just walk in the Microcenter store for the CPU and motherboard.
They have a CPU+mobo promo bundle that gives a great discount, it saves you around $50.

The Ripjaws X series have tall heat spreaders. This will give you a hard time installing the CPU cooler since the two will conflict, albeit still possible. The Ares I listed doesn't have the tall heat spreader since it serves no real purpose on any RAM running <1.5v, and no performance loss whatsoever.

Get another 670. The MSI is bad for your computer in the long-term. I'll let the link below explain.
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/MSI-GTX-660-670-overvolting-PowerEdition,news-40278.html

The power supply is great, but you're overpaying for it. You also don't need 850w for a single GPU. If you're gonna 2-way SLI though, it would be fine but still overkill. A 750w would be plenty for that.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182264&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703027&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=62224&vpn=P1750BNLG9&manufacture=XFX
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=38649&vpn=CMPSU-750HX&manufacture=Corsair&promoid=1368
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=64382&vpn=OCZ-ZT750W&manufacture=OCZ%20Technology

If you're more comfortable with an 850w though, tell me and I'll help you find a cheap but quality unit.
All of the ones I listed above have max amps on the +12v rail for their wattage, so you don't have to worry about that.

Your budget is more than enough for the NH-D14, so keep it. It brings temps alot lower than the 212 EVO.

Would you like a 120Hz refresh rate monitor? It's the way to go since you're gonna SLI the 670.
It also increases your fps cap up to 120 wihout tearing.
 
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heizenbrg

heizenbrg

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Yes I'd love a 120Hz 3D Monitor, possibly with high resolution so I can use the EVGA GeForce GTX 670 4GB Superclocked+ w/Backplate 04G-P4-2673-KR, since it has 4GB of memory

To get the CPU from Micro-Center I would need a friend of mine pick up it up in NY and send it to CA, I don't feel comfortable. But if I do, then I might as well pick up a Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @Microcenter)
Also, what low profile RAM should I get thats (8x2)16GB 1600Mhz
What other 850W power supply were you thinking?
 
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excella1221

excella1221

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You don't need that much VRAM for a single monitor. 2gb is already plenty.
I won't suggest the EVGA either, it uses reference cooling so it's not gonna be nice with OC and it's gonna bring the GPU's temps really high when on heavy load.

Consider the ones with custom coolers such as Gigabyte's Windforce x3 and ASUS' DirectCU II.

There is no notable difference in gaming performance between the respective i5 and i7. You only need the i7 if you are going to make use of hyperthreading, which is only ever useful on CPU-heavy and multi-threaded activities such as large video renderings. You'll just be wasting money.

Like the i7, you don't need 16gb of RAM either. That's also for heavy CPU tasks. You probably won't even be able to max out 8gb at all.

As for the 850w PSU,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139029&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182238&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID= (this one's only 800w, but it has a 20% off promo)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341044&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207017&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151100&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=
 
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N

Nw333

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I know the OP likes nVidia, but AMDs cards really beat them up at the moment.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ktPb

Some benchmarks:
battlefield%201920.png

skyrim%201920.png

metro%201920.png


Edit:Build with monitor: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ku92
 
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W

Waitforit

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If you really want to spend that $1700. Go for these parts:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.05 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V PRO ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($199.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($459.98 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 922 ATX Mid Tower Case ($93.89 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($154.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS524-T98A DVD/CD Writer ($25.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS248H-P 24.0" Monitor ($174.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Wired Optical Mouse ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Other: Corsair Vengeance 1500 USB Connector Circumaural Dolby 7.1 Gaming Headset ($94.99)
Total: $1669.81
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
 
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heizenbrg

heizenbrg

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I thought about the 7970 GHz Edition, but the GIGABYTE GV-N670OC-2GD GeForce GTX 670 2GB is already 40$ off and it is more suitable on a 1080p monitor.

I'll also get 8Gb of RAM instead of 16
Can I SLI two Windoforce in a GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UP5 TH MOBO?
Also I chose COOLER MASTER HAF 932- 160$ over the Antec Nine Hundred -70$ because of cooling ( bigger fans) and expandability.
Since a single GPU needs 550W, shouldn't I get a 1100W PSU for SLI?
Now I only need to choose a decent gaming headphone, if anyone has any suggestions..
Actual final price for build is 1500$ (lot of coupons and rebates), monitor is 370$
Need to buy some parts tonight for the coupons so let me know!

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kxkX

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($83.24 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UP5 TH ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($239.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($360.00 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 932 Blue ATX Full Tower Case ($164.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 850W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($24.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: BenQ XL2420T 120Hz 24.0" Monitor ($370.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($93.20 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($73.51 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Wired Optical Mouse ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1928.84
 
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excella1221

excella1221

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Yes, you can SLI them in that motherboard.
That's a great casing. Really though, it's mostly preference and what you need so I usually leave that to the end user.

No hun, that's not how it works. 550w is single GPU+the rest of the system. :lol:
You only need 750w for 2-way SLI 670. There's already a lot of headroom with that.

Cheaper 120hz monitor. This has a $50 off promo, you'd be crazy not to get it!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009222&name=LCD-Monitors (only $199.99 with the promo)

Make sure they send the low profile version of the Vengeance.
I've seen some consumer complaints that Newegg (accidentally) sent the tall ones. :lol:

 
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heizenbrg

heizenbrg

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Yes I've done some extensive research on those, the Benq is the best 120Hz 3D Ready TN monitor on the market, then again, this is 170$ cheaper. Reviews don't seem as good as the Benq though, but in case it's got bad colors I can RMA it.
Last thing is the motherboard: It comes down to personal preference, which has better features.
GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UP5 TH ATX Intel Motherboard or the ASUS P8Z77-V DELUXE ATX Intel Motherboard
The prices for both are the same( I get free RAM with the asus so the price evens out( the other RAM I was getting is about the same price).
 
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excella1221

excella1221

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The Gigabyte still looks like a better buy to me.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&Description=P8Z77-V%20DELUXE&bop=And&SecondSearch=1&CompareItemList=-1%7C13-128-559%5E13-128-559-TS%2C13-131-818%5E13-131-818-TS

The only advantage I can see from the ASUS is it can support up to 2800MHz memory frequency, while the Gigabyte only has a maximum of 1600MHz. I find that very odd how a mid-range board would be that limited to frequency. It may be a typo by Newegg.

The Gigabyte on the otherhand, has a few features the ASUS doesn't, and of course Thunderbolt support. You probably won't need it, but it's nice to have if you're buying these kinds of boards anyway.

EDIT: I guess it really is something Newegg overlooked. The Gigabyte can support up to 2400MHz, albeit OC.
http://www.gigabyte.com.au/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4279#sp
 
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heizenbrg

heizenbrg

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I'm getting these:ASUS P8Z77-V DELUXE LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model PGD38G1600ELK
Will order soon thanks ;)
 
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