Asus P8B75-M or Gigabyte GA-B75M-D3H for budget Gaming PC?

[Jo_Hardy]

Hello Everyone

I'm building a desktop (gaming) PC after 8 years, so I'm really phyched
I've decided to use the below specs, given under Additional Comments; on a very tight budget.

Approximate Purchase Date: Within two weeks

Budget Range: $790 to an absolute maximum of $865 (converted from my local currency)

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, general stuff like watching movies/music, web browsing. No video editing or video encoding (don't even know what encoding means).

Are you buying a monitor: No, using my old HP 17" 4:3 LCD at least for another year

Parts to Upgrade: All new build.

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Buying from local dealers, but feel free to point out prices in your preferred sites so that i can compare prices

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Parts Preferences: Ivybridge based. Asus, Gigabyte, Coolermaster, Corsair, Seasonic

Overclocking: Maybe. Never overclocked before but might try, if possible with setup, in about 3 years (after warranty expires)

SLI or Crossfire: No.

Your Monitor Resolution: max possible is 1280x1024, I usually use 1024x768

Additional Comments: Mostly decided on the following parts;

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor
http://ark.intel.com/compare/69114,68316,65520

CPU Cooler: Stock for now, but will upgrade later if there is OCing potential

Motherboard: Asus P8B75-M or Gigabyte GA-B75M-D3H; please help me decide between these two. Seems that the Asus has Jack retasking, Gigabyte has no info on that. Not a big issue though I might be forced to use my 4.1 speakers as a 2.1
http://www.gigabyte.com.lk/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4315#sp
http://lk.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8B75M/#specifications

Memory: Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 8GB kit, already bought;
http://www.corsair.com/us/memory-by-product-family/vengeance/vengeance-8gb-dual-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cmz8gx3m2a1600c9.html

Storage: Toshiba 1TB HDD with 2 years warranty, getting it for ~$80 which is a pretty good deal here.

Video Card: Gigabyte GV-N660OC-2GD, already bought
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4361#ov

Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 Black
http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6654

Power Supply : Cooler Master GX-550W, as a last choice. Would love some recommendations for $76 or less
http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6641

Optical Drive: Getting a used DVD writer free, from a Cousin

Speakers : Creative 4.1 system, Inspire M4500, from old PC;
http://asia.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=4&subcategory=26&product=16000

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading:

Because of Gaming. Simply try to comprehend that I've been waiting to upgrade since GTA IV came out, and no I haven't played it yet
Wanted this upgrade for ages...

I don't have money for an SSD yet, but I'll save up for a 120GB eventually (within the year)

Thank You for your help

 

[tiny voices]

Don't get a coolermaster PSU. Get one from Antec, XFX, Corsair, Seasonic.

Either of those motherboards will serve you just fine.

 

[Jo_Hardy]

I have the corsair cx500 in mind, but not sure if it is good enough. The cooler master gx-550 has 44A on its only +12V rail, while the corsair has only 38A on its.
Both have only a single 12V rail each
I couldn't find any reviews on either psu but I trust corsair to be good as well
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

 

[tiny voices]

The corsair will run your system no problem.

Coolermaster PSU's are generally crap and it is recommended you never use them or replace them immediately.

 

[Jo_Hardy]

Thanks for all the help.
I guess I'll close this thread in a a few hours if I don't get more opinions about the motherboard choice, and open a new thread under motherboards.
Wish you could tell me if either of these mobos have any OCing potential. If they could increase the base clock by about 200, 300MHz
If there is such potential in one of them I'd rather buy that one, and save up for a cooler in addition to the SSD

 

[tiny voices]

you cannot overclock a 3470. you need a "k" series chip. The 3570k for example. Overclocking also requires a z77 motherboard. Neither of the boards you listed will overclock.

 

[Jo_Hardy]

I know that I can't OC via the multiplier, but I thought maybe I can increase the base clock.
I can't increase my budget to accommodate the K processor and the Z77 mobo. Which is why I'm going with the 3470 and B75.
I thought I could increase the base clock but I guess I'm wrong, if you are right. I'll ask around in the mobo section just to be sure. I don't mean any disrespect to you.
Thanks again.

you cannot overclock a 3470. you need a "k" series chip. The 3570k for example. Overclocking also requires a z77 motherboard. Neither of the boards you listed will overclock.

 

[Jo_Hardy]

Best answer selected by Jo_Hardy.