Help choosing cpu and motherboard for gaming computer

[drakewynn]

Hey, I need help choosing a cpu and motherboard for my first gaming computer. Can someone recommend me one that could run games like battlefield 3 and far cry 3 games on max settings. I would also like it to be good for future games such as bioshock infinite and total war Rome 2. Here is what I plan for the rest of the system, EVGA GeForce GTX 680 2GB (later I will possibly sli two of them), G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600, Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM, Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" SSD, Corsair 750W ATX12V / EPS12V, Cooler Master HAF X ATX Full Tower, and windows 7 or 8. I was thinking maybe between a i7 3770k and i5 3570k. This will be my first time posting on here. Thank you in advance!

 

[stickmansam]

I would take something like this

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $334.98
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-05 00:35 EST-0500)

You'll also want a air cooler like the 212 EVO or the 612 PWM or 812 TPC depending on your OC/budget

 

[drakewynn]

Thanks for the reply! So if I OC it up to 4.4 GHz in the future I won't need any type of liquid cooling? Oh and what would be better performance wise for games windows 7 or 8?

 

[stickmansam]

Windows 7 and 8 perform the same in games
Windows 8 boots up faster and will have a longer support periods since it is newer
but has a steep learning curve going into it

I would consider 8 if you're willing to spend some time to customize it but if not just get 7

I would get a good air cooler for 4.4ghz like 212 EVO , 612 PWM, 812 TPC
The 812 TPC was on a great sale but not anymore

212 EVO is foen but will run a bit hot at 4.4ghz

I would take the 612 PWM if you're worried about temps or where you live is really hot and stuff

 

[drakewynn]

Alright, thanks dude I don't think I have any more questions. You helped me out a lot!

 

[drakewynn]

Best answer selected by drakewynn.