Best mobo for an i5-2500k for around $90-$120

[MrTehPenguin]

Hey guys, I'm getting a build with an i5-2500k, it's a barebones kit from TigerDirect for $430 and the mobo isn't the best, but I'll be getting $75 in MIR and I'll probably have another $25 or $30 saved up. What's the best mobo for an i5-2500k around $90-$120? If I could afford a better motherboard I could, but I'm only 14 so I am limited in what I can get. How about this Gigabyte Z68?

 

[inzone]

That board does look good and has a good amount of pci-e slots. You can also take a look at this board;

ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
$121.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271

 

[MrTehPenguin]

That board does look good and has a good amount of pci-e slots. You can also take a look at this board;

ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
$121.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271

I would, but I can't find it on TigerDirect. I'm only using TigerDirect since I live in NJ and I get taxed on Newegg, and TigerDirect has free shipping.

 

[inzone]

Yeah , I didn't see any Asrock motherboards on Tiger Direct either but the Gigabyte one that you listed does look good.

 

[MrTehPenguin]

Yeah , I didn't see any Asrock motherboards on Tiger Direct either but the Gigabyte one that you listed does look good.

Yeah, I checked the reviews of it on Newegg since the one on Tiger only had 7, and the a lot of people are using the Gigabyte one with i5-2500k's and 2600k's and OC'ing them as well. The only thing is I am purchasing a OEM verison of Windows 7 and I was told that with an OEM verison if I get a new mobo then I need a new copy of W7, is that true?

 

[inzone]

The OS that you are getting is a seperate puchase from the kit?
There is no such thing as needing a new copy of Windows 7 that's what you are buying. If you later on change out your motherboard for a new one and you want to reload Windows that could be what someone was refering to.
I'm not sure that is entirely true either , I have a Windows XP OEM that I bought and when I went to change out the motherboard it wouldn't automaticly authorize the the Windows install and it gave a number to call and I had to manually over the phone enter in the authorization code that they gave me and it had to be done that way and there was no trouble and I actually did it a few more times as well.
So you are all set with the first install unless it's an upgrade version and then you will need a copy of Windows to verify that you are upgradeing but that can be any copy of Windows not just Win 7.

 

[Xthealienatorx]

for the os and other software, i found it easier to get a cheap refurbished 64 bit system and just put that hard drive in your build

i know newegg has a good one right now but not sure about any other places.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883148011

 

[opexx]

for the os and other software, i found it easier to get a cheap refurbished 64 bit system and just put that hard drive in your build

i know newegg has a good one right now but not sure about any other places.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883148011

LOL thats a joke right?

 

[MrTehPenguin]

The OS that you are getting is a seperate puchase from the kit?
There is no such thing as needing a new copy of Windows 7 that's what you are buying. If you later on change out your motherboard for a new one and you want to reload Windows that could be what someone was refering to.
I'm not sure that is entirely true either , I have a Windows XP OEM that I bought and when I went to change out the motherboard it wouldn't automaticly authorize the the Windows install and it gave a number to call and I had to manually over the phone enter in the authorization code that they gave me and it had to be done that way and there was no trouble and I actually did it a few more times as well.
So you are all set with the first install unless it's an upgrade version and then you will need a copy of Windows to verify that you are upgradeing but that can be any copy of Windows not just Win 7.

Yes, it is separate from the kit. It's an OEM DVD verison.

 

[inzone]

You will be able to use that without having another Windows disc , I don't know where you heard that from about the OEM needing another copy of Windows 7 but it's not true.

 

[MrTehPenguin]

You will be able to use that without having another Windows disc , I don't know where you heard that from about the OEM needing another copy of Windows 7 but it's not true.

Ok thanks! Well can't wait until I have $770.

 

[inzone]

How long do you think it will take you?

 

[MrTehPenguin]

How long do you think it will take you?

Note sure, as long as my parents stop borrowing my damn money because apparently I'm the only one with spare money. I estimate I'll be purchasing it in the summer. I only have $24 right now because my parents borrowed around $60 and I still haven't gotten any back.

 

[inzone]

Tell them your going to start charging interest! lol

 

[MrTehPenguin]

Tell them your going to start charging interest! lol

Lol, I know they'll pay me back. Hopefully we get a good amount of snow this weekend, or at least in March so I can make some money by snow blowing and shoveling my neighbor's driveways and walkways.

 

[inzone]

Good luck with your earning money and I hope you get to your goal pretty soon.

 

[MrTehPenguin]

Good luck with your earning money and I hope you get to your goal pretty soon.

Thanks, and I hope so too. If I don't get it before Christmas then I'll ask for it for Christmas and that'll probably be the only thing I would want.