ASUS P8H67-M EVO or P8H67-M PRO

[staurulinos]

hello guys i would like to buy a gaming pc for about 1000 dollars but i cant decide which motherboard should i choose, i normally play games like battlefield 3 and MW2, i would like you to suggest me some motherboards that will cost around 110$ while they can comply with the rest of the parts of my computer.
My specs are:
intel i5 2500k--> 204$
sapphire 6850 2 gb -->150$ (used for 2 months by a well known store)
corsair xms3 8gb ddr3 1600 --> 60$

Thanks in advance.

 

[staurulinos]

At the beginning i choosed : ASUS P8H67-M EVO or P8H67-M PRO, but i would like to suggest the best motherboard according on what you think is best for gaming as long as the cost around 110$.
ps. sorry for any mistakes i live in Greece, and computer parts are a bit pricey and limited

 

[jaquith]

Welcome to Tom's Forum!

Couple things here, a SB(K) cannot be overclocked on the H67 nor can your run >DDR3-1333, and next I like Corsair but not the XMS series. To overclock you need a P67, Z68 or Z77 Intel chipset MOBO.

RAM:
$49 Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 if the HSF will allow it's height - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233144
$55 Corsair CML8GX3M2A1600C9 or CML8GX3M2A1600C9B Low Profile - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186

CPU:
$230 Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge it's a newer CPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

MOBO (assuming you want micro-ATX):
$100 ASRock Z77 Pro4-M ; (1) GPU it 'can' CF - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157306
specs - http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z77%20Pro4-M/?cat=Specifications
$142 ASUS P8Z77-M PRO ; (2) GPU support CF/SLI - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131832
specs - http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8Z77M_PRO/#specifications

 

[staurulinos]

Welcome to Tom's Forum!

Couple things here, a SB(K) cannot be overclocked on the H67 nor can your run >DDR3-1333, and next I like Corsair but not the XMS series. To overclock you need a P67, Z68 or Z77 Intel chipset MOBO.

RAM:
$49 Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 if the HSF will allow it's height - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233144
$55 Corsair CML8GX3M2A1600C9 or CML8GX3M2A1600C9B Low Profile - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186

CPU:
$230 Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge it's a newer CPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

MOBO (assuming you want micro-ATX):
$100 ASRock Z77 Pro4-M ; (1) GPU it 'can' CF - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157306
specs - http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z77%20Pro4-M/?cat=Specifications
$142 ASUS P8Z77-M PRO ; (2) GPU support CF/SLI - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131832
specs - http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8Z77M_PRO/#specifications

Thanks for the quick reply.
To begin with, i know that the cpus with the "k" can be overclocked since it has unlocked multipliers while the other cannot.
I am looking for a cheap and reliable products and i found the xms3 and the vengeance to be almost at the same price both at 8gb and 1600mhz and i chose the xms3 be i because i think that those are a bit compact.
Now about the cpu, i have read in a numerous of forums including tomshardware that he best gaming processor for for the money i intend to spend as shown here : http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106-4.html
I don't care about micro atx or atx as long as it matches my criteria, i dont think i am going to overclock my pc in the near future and i may oc it at the distance future.
However i will take into account your suggestions.
AND: 25% off from a 2 month used gpu is a bang for the buck??(i am pretty sure that a store wont overclock their gpu's the have inside a computer (for the public to test the computer)

 

[jaquith]

(1) To begin with, i know that the cpus with the "k" can be overclocked since it has unlocked multipliers while the other cannot.

(2) I am looking for a cheap and reliable products and i found the xms3 and the vengeance to be almost at the same price both at 8gb and 1600mhz and i chose the xms3 be i because i think that those are a bit compact.

(3) Now about the cpu, i have read in a numerous of forums including tomshardware that he best gaming processor for for the money i intend to spend as shown here : http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106-4.html)

(1) The CPU can be overclocked, but not on the H67; To overclock you need a P67, Z68 or Z77 Intel chipset MOBO.

(2) The XMS series have been LESS reliable than their Vengeance counter parts; see prior suggestions.

(3) There's nothing wrong with the OLDER Sandy Bridge i5-2500K, the NEWER (replacement) Ivy Bridge i5-3570K is better choice for essentially the SAME price as shown here : http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cpus/2012/05/01/intel-core-i5-3570k-cpu-review/6

Now, you have a couple choices: take what I suggest or dismiss what I suggest - the choice is yours.

Good Luck!

 

[staurulinos]

Ok, you have convinced me that processor that i should buy the i5-3570K
but how about the video card, it has the same price as the version of the 1gb, but it is used , what you suggest i should do???

 

[jaquith]

Caveat - most non Z77's don't have the minimum BIOS to Post or even upgrade the BIOS to accept the IB CPUs. Meaning on older MOBO's with older BIOS you may need to borrow someones SB CPU, or a shop or an RMA to upgrade the BIOS.

Some game vRAM bottleneck with <2GB, so IMO the 2GB version.

 

[staurulinos]

Now, when it comes to the motherboard, i don't have problem if it is m-atx or normal atx,

1) i would like it to support this video card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908 (The sapphire 6850 ( but the 2gb version)
2) i would like to have crossfirex but i dont care that much about crossfirex
3) the same with the hdmi since the video card has an hdmi output
4) LAN would be nice
5) and must support DDR 3
6) UEFI is nice too
and i want you to explain me what is the RAID, SLI, SERIAL ATA 3 etc

As i said before i will mainly use the pc for gaming or web browsing

I was suggested that the brand of the motherboard should be an ASUS, GIGABYTE or MSI

So far i have decided that my new pc should include:

1) power supply: OCZ ZS SERIES POWER SUPPLY 550W
2) case :SHARKOON T5 VALUE
3) processor: i5-3570K (but i keep thinking about the i5 2500k)
4) RAM: CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 VENGEANCE 8GB
5) Video card: Sapphire 6850

 

[jaquith]

I would look at Corsair or SeaSonic PSU's - less chance of coil whine. Simply, the cost burden to OC a CPU is more costly than not OC'ing a CPU - components have to dissipate more heat, provide more power, and 'even/smooth' power: MOBO, CPU, HSF, PSU.

Good Z77's (OC + CF/SLI):
ASUS P8Z77-V *
ASUS P8Z77-V Pro *
ASRock Z77 Extreme4
ASRock Z77 Extreme6
Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H
Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H *
/I'm not an advocate of MSI/
* - better OC'ing.

RAID is simply when more that (1) HDD/SSD are used together. RAID 1, 5, 10 use redunency and RAID 0 places together two or more drives to increase performance but the down side is if you lose any drive you lose all data. More info - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAID

SLI (Scalable Link Interface) - pertains to nVidia GPU's only 2/3/4-WAY SLI (2-4 GPUs). More info - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scalable_Link_Interface

SATA (Serial ATA or Serial AT Attachment) - is the communication interface of current consumer based 'drives': HDD, SDD, ODD. More info - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_ATA

 

[staurulinos]

SeaSonic is not available in my country and the cheapest Corsair 600W PSU costs 100$ and does not come with over/under voltage protection, so my only choice is the CORSAIR GAMING SERIES GS600 600W (105$)
And i will probably go with the P8Z77-V LX however i consinder buying the P8Z77-V LE

Thanks for your help.

 

[jaquith]

All Corsair PSU's sold in the USA have voltage protection and PFC. The only limitations with the P8Z77-V LE or LX is Phases which means a higher vCore to remain stable otherwise they work fine.

 

[staurulinos]

Sorry to bother you again but, my mother asked me to upgrade one pc because it is lagging a lot.So, i checked it and found out that the RAM is a 1024 MB, DDR2 and 667mhz.Also, its CPU is an 1,86 Ghz, Intel core 2
What should i do?I am looking for an inexpensive solution.(it is just an office computer that needs to run 1 program and 1 web browser and few other windows), it contains Windows XP 32bit (i am not too sure about the 32bits)
Thanks again.

 

[staurulinos]

And could you help me choose a case that will house my new pc?
I am looking for one that costs UNDER 85 bucs , it must have good cable management, good airflow and a side window would be nice.
I have found :
COOLERMASTER RC 430 ELITE, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119227&Tpk=COOLERMASTER%20RC%20430%20ELITE

SHARKOON T5 VALUE (dont think that this case has a good airflow, i would like your opinion, however it has 1 port of USB 3.0), http://www.sharkoon.com/?q=en/content/t5-value

COOLERMASTER ELITE 334 NVIDIA EDITION (bit expensive over here), http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119199

 

[staurulinos]

Holy *** dude, i just saw whats going on on Florida.
Hope you are ok!

 

[jaquith]

Sorry to bother you again but, my mother asked me to upgrade one pc because it is lagging a lot.So, i checked it and found out that the RAM is a 1024 MB, DDR2 and 667mhz.Also, its CPU is an 1,86 Ghz, Intel core 2
What should i do?I am looking for an inexpensive solution.(it is just an office computer that needs to run 1 program and 1 web browser and few other windows), it contains Windows XP 32bit (i am not too sure about the 32bits)
Thanks again.

XP really needs 2GB minimum RAM so I'd look at getting another 1GB stick or 2x1GB. i.e. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%20600006112&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=RATING&PageSize=100

 

[jaquith]

And could you help me choose a case that will house my new pc?
I am looking for one that costs UNDER 85 bucs , it must have good cable management, good airflow and a side window would be nice.
I have found :
COOLERMASTER RC 430 ELITE, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119227&Tpk=COOLERMASTER%20RC%20430%20ELITE

SHARKOON T5 VALUE (dont think that this case has a good airflow, i would like your opinion, however it has 1 port of USB 3.0), http://www.sharkoon.com/?q=en/content/t5-value

COOLERMASTER ELITE 334 NVIDIA EDITION (bit expensive over here), http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119199

I typically refrain from 'case recommendations' for the money I like the following:
$69 CM 690 II - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119216 ; Pros - airflow, cable management, top HDD, roomy/expansion ; Cons - USB 2.0 vs 3.0 Front Panel.
/RC-692A-KKN5 offer USB 3.0
$80 Corsair Carbide Series 300R - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139011 ; Pros - USB 3.0 (20-pin), airflow, management, roomy/expansion, one of the best for money ; Cons - should have included more fans especially 1 more front BUT others in its class do the same

---

Florida - we're fine & thanks for asking, a little soggy and the water behind our house is in our yard. We 'had' a drought -- flat to fluffy 😉

 

[staurulinos]

i searched for the CM 690 II and i only came up with the CoolerMaster CM 690 II Advanced wich costs 137 dollars
while the Corsair Carbide Series 300R costs 100 dollars
So, i dont think i will go with your choices
(i saw tornadoes on the news and heard that Florida is devastated)

 

[staurulinos]

i searched for the CM 690 II and i only came up with the CoolerMaster CM 690 II Advanced wich costs 137 dollars
while the Corsair Carbide Series 300R costs 100 dollars
So, i dont think i will go with your choices
(i saw tornadoes on the news and heard that Florida is devastated)

 

[jaquith]

The Northern part of Florida took the biggest hit. I live in the 'Tampa area' and it's raining hard right now.

Pricing - where or whom are you purchasing the components? The links have been to NewEgg.com so far so I'm a tad confused?! The pricing is different Globally...

 

[staurulinos]

i am buying the items from 2 different stores www.eshop.gr , www.plaisio.gr <--has not got many products.
if i don't find what i am looking for,then i google it.
Also, the MoBo ASUS P8Z77-V LE that i am probably gonna buy costs 169.90 €= 211 $
while newegg sells this MoBo for 159.99 $ (DOLLARS) = 128 €
Image that!

 

[staurulinos]

i am buying the items from 2 different stores www.eshop.gr , www.plaisio.gr <--has not got many products.
if i don't find what i am looking for,then i google it.
Also, the MoBo ASUS P8Z77-V LE that i am probably gonna buy costs 169.90 €= 211 $
while newegg sells this MoBo for 159.99 $ (DOLLARS) = 128 €
Image that!

 

[staurulinos]

something is happening(dont know what) and the reply is send 2 times, i am sorry for spamming you

 

[jaquith]

How's it going in Greece?

Searching is difficult.

VL80001W2Z V3 BLACK EDITION - http://www.e-shop.gr/show_per.phtml?id=PER.651103 ; USB 2.0 front panel.

 

[staurulinos]

I believe that moving the pc parts from japan/USA is a bit pricey and the steal us a bit when it comes to computers.
Its sunny here if thats what you mean.
cases-----> http://www.e-shop.gr/PER_cases.phtml
motherboards----> http://www.e-shop.gr/PER_motherboards.phtml
RAMS---> http://www.e-shop.gr/PER_mem.phtml
PSU----> http://www.e-shop.gr/PER_psu.phtml
Greek might be difficult but remember that greek letters turned into Latin is the english alphabet (hope i said that right)

 

[staurulinos]

I think i have concluded, and i will probably buy the Sharkoon T9 VALUE (3 fans included i think) i actually found it to be cheaper than the Sharkoon T5 VALUE (2 fans included i think) i was worried about the airflow but i don't think i will have to deal with any problems.I hope you have figured out that i haven't builted a pc by myself and i wanted to ask you whether 2 centimeters~0,79 inches of empty space on the back of the case are enough for cable management.