What Motherboard should I get for an i5 3570k

[jcapo23]

I know there are a lot of similar questions like this but this is my first build and I just can't decide which one to get. I plan on using a Hyper 212 EVO so I could overclock to around 4.0-4.2 so I plan on using the most stable board on the market. Willing to spend up to $250

 

[Madn3ss795]

Asrock Z77 Extreme4 is a reliable option that could help you get 4.5ghz easily while save you quite some money.

 

[mclovits]

I know there are a lot of similar questions like this but this is my first build and I just can't decide which one to get. I plan on using a Hyper 212 EVO so I could overclock to around 4.0-4.2 so I plan on using the most stable board on the market. Willing to spend up to $250

Save your money and get one of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293
I have a Pro4 (one step down) and it overclocks like a gem, great board, I'm at 4.4GHz with the same cooler and I'm sure I could reach ~4.6-4.7 if I invest the time.

 

[sourodip]

MSI g45(gaming) or asus P8z77 would be the best choice and invest more on the gpu

 

[TheCowman]

MSI g45(gaming) or asus P8z77 would be the best choice and invest more on the gpu

ASRock Z77 Extreme 4 is cheaper than the P8Z77, so he would save more on that.

 

[photonboy]

Unless you need certain feature, the Asus P8Z77-V LK model is excellent for about $130. Above that the value diminishes rapidly and there's no guarantee of better reliability.

*It makes more sense to buy a $130 to $150 motherboard instead of a $250 motherboard and put the difference towards a better CPU COOLER than the $30 you discuss if overclocking is your main consideration.

$60 gets some pretty good air coolers, or you can invest in a Corsair H100i (if case is compatible) etc. I can verify that the Hyper 212 EVO/Direct coolers are much better than stock but will still be much noisier under load than a good $60 cooler.

CPU AIR COOLER:
- make sure air cooler uses a PWM fan as most motherboards can't control the older fans
http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/4524/arctic_freezer_i30_cpu_cooler_review/index9.html

CPU WATER COOLER:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181031R
*For proper fan control and setup you must follow the instructions for installing software etc.

My cooler recommendations:
It really comes down to BUDGET. The cheaper CM 212+ at about $30 is great value. The fan is noisier than some but I believe you can SWAP that for a better fan if need be (though a good 12cm fan can cost over $20. Sigh).

If the Arctic Freezer i30 can be found for $40 I think it would be worth it.

Once you go above $40 you really need to consider if air-cooling is worthwhile as the Corsair H60 for $60 is a nice option (water cooling can also remove the CPU heat directly out of the case so the graphics card might give better performance).

 

[sourodip]

as i said earlier,get the asus P8z77, it's worth the price

 

[jcapo23]

I don't mind the noise and I also am scared of a leak if I get water cooling. I am going to throw an extra fan onto the hyper EVO as well.

 

[jcapo23]

So it is between the ASRock Extreme 4 or the ASUS P8Z77-V

There is also the P8Z77-V LK and the P8Z77-V PRO. What is the difference?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131820

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131819

 

[sourodip]

the asus P8Z77-V LK would be worth the price,it also has two pci-e 3.0 slots(x8/x8) and one pci-e 2.0 slot(x4) as the asus P8Z77-V PRO and V,
the PRO and V has some extra sata (Raid) and good O.C capability, i'd say go for the cheaper one.

 

[mclovits]

Either way, they are all great boards, I'd just get the one you see yourself using in your system whether it be due to different features or even color scheme. Don't invest in any crazy cooling though, seriously, my Hyper 212+ in push/pull reaches only ~60 degrees in Prime95 paired with some AS5 from my last build, it's really quite impressive for the price, I'd imagine you could reach an overclock somewhere in the 4.6-4.7GHz range before temperature really becomes an issue.