Best (gaming) motherboard with i5 2500k?

[nubki11a]

Hi all!

I am buying a new pc, and I have about everything set. I recently switched from an AMD (1090T) build to an Intel (i5 2500k) build.

I would like some advice on which motherboard to get, my specs so far are:

Case: Antec 900 (blue) OR Cooler Master Storm Scout SGC-2000 (red)
Power Supply: 750W Corsair Enthusiast V2
Video card: Asus HD 6870 AMD (OC)
CPU: Intel i5 2500K
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212+ (should I use this in push/pull config with 2 120mm Yate Loons?)
RAM: Not sure, as it has to fit with the motherboard I am going to use. Maybe these?: Kingston HyperX 1600MHz 8GB (1.65V) OR Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 8GB (1.5V), both Dual Channel.
SSD: OCZ Vertex 2 60GB (will be using this for my OS, and one game: Call of Duty 4).
HDD + DVD/CD-drive, already have these from and old pc.

I want to OC my CPU, and the main use of the system will be browsing on the internet and specially gaming. My budget is about $140-$160.
I have looked on the internet a lot, but there doesnt seem to be one motherboard that is a lot better than the rest... so yeah.

 

[o1die]

This http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131770 is about average. You basically answered your own question. All the boards with the same chipset are similar in features and warranty. I have used msi's and biostar's rma process, so I would choose them based on my own experience.

 

[nubki11a]

Alright, what about the Republic of Gamers Asus mobo? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131759 Is that actually much better (as it seems to be to me, but Im quite a noob on motherboards). Or should I just go with the one you linked.

 

[o1die]

If you like the board and plan to use all the features, then read some newegg customer reviews and do a google search for an online review from a hardware website. If you live in the usa, then warranty rma service is much easier. If you live near somwhere else, you may be at the mercy of your vender. I have not used that particular board, but you can do your own research and find folks who have.

 

[nubki11a]

Alright, well I dont think I will use all of its extra 'special' features... I live in EU, so say it breaks or something cant I just ship it back to the adress of the RMA thing? I chose that motherboard because it was second on this site: http://www.squidoo.com/best-gaming-motherboards Though I dont know if it is worth the money. At least it looks good 😛