MSI P67 or ASRock Z68?

[Kukag]

I've done some researching and the decisions are always so split. From what I gathered Z68 has SSD Caching and Virtu. I'm a little confused on Virtu - it allows the use of both a dedicated GPU and the SB Integrated one? I'm purchasing my build monday so I really want to get it as rock solid as possible. A little recap of what im getting

i5-2500k, Rosewill 500W psu, 8gb ddr3 1333 gskill ripjaws x, 9800gtx+, 150gb wd velociratpor, 250gb seagate sata.

So I'm torn on which motherboard to get?

ASRock Z68 Pro3 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157251

or...

MSI P67A-G43 - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER.

I don't have an SSD and probably wont have one for some time, and the Z68 is $15 more total.

OR....

Is there any other motherboards in the $120 - $130 range you'd recommend?

Thank you all very much for any and all input!
Sincerely,
Kukag

 

[Dragonwell]

Probably not much help, but thought I'd point out this package deal NewEgg is doing. I believe they have the same deal with different motherboards as well. Might have MSI or ASRock offerings.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...&SID=u00000687

 

[Kukag]

No, I appreciate the link, Its just I'll be ordering from Amazon, total saving like $40+ on tax, and getting Free 2 Day Shipping with Prime.

Thanks though! Anyone got information on my OP?
Sincerely,
Kukag

 

[videogames101]

Z68 is where it's at.

 

[Kukag]

whys that?

 

[mfenn]

Hold the phone, Rosewill PSU? I'd recommend against that unless it's one of a few specific models.

As for the mobo choice, I don't really see any reason that you would go P67 at this point unless you're saving a lot of money. The Pro3 is good, as is the GA-Z68A-D3H. Oh, and you still might come out ahead by buying the combo from Newegg unless you have 10% sales tax or something.

 

[Kukag]

As far as the psu goes here is the exact model -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817182039

And as far as Z68 goes, reason I'm asking is its gonna be a little while longer before I can afford one - its pathetic I know its only like $15 more but im younger and its a bit hard to get some extra cash right now. So is there any real benefits I'll notice I suppose I can wait another couple weeks, if not then I'm gonna get the p67 =D

Thanks
Kukag

 

[DesiPower]

newegg shows 2 Biostar, 2 ASRock and 3 gigabyte for under 130.

Z68 = P67+H67, where you can benefit is probably with Virtu... anyhow, I don't see the con of going with Z68, I am going with it.

H67 is cheaper so I understand who someone would stick with it but P67... why not Z68?

 

[Kukag]

Eh I'm in California so I get hit with a 10% tax and shipping, versus amazon no shipping and no tax so I think I'm gonna just stick with P67 and upgrade to a more quality Z68 board in the future, something around the $200 range.

Thanks for the tips I just cant justify spending the extra $20 on it.

 

[betasub]

i5-2500k, Rosewill 500W psu, 8gb ddr3 1333 gskill ripjaws x, 9800gtx+, 150gb wd velociratpor, 250gb seagate sata

Firstly, I guess the items in bold you already have, because I don't think they are recommended buys here!

Secondly, I know you are in a bind with your budget, but a rush-upgrade may not be the best idea if it means missing out on items for want of a few bucks. Of course, if you are time-limited on hot-deals, credit or project deadlines, then grab what you can now.

 

[Kukag]

Ya they are, I already ordered the ripjaws and the processor is getting ordered in a couple days along with the rest of the stuff.

So last night a friend contacted me and I'm actually getting some more money ( gfx design & selling him a game account ) - so now I'm looking to spend around $180 on the motherboard. I'm strongly looking at this one, has all the features and it looks tough as hell =D

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

whatchya think?
-Kukag

 

[mfenn]

As far as the psu goes here is the exact model -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817182039

If you already have it, then it should be OK to use. I would not recommend buying it though.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

whatchya think?
-Kukag

No, just no. Just because you can spend $180 on a mobo does not mean that you should. Stick with the GA-Z68A-D3H and put the $50 towards getting a better GPU.

 

[Kukag]

Yes I already have the PSU so its gonna have to last a little while, as far as the motherboard goes. Reason I picked a $180 board is cause..

1. I already have the GPU I'm not purchasing one.

2. The motherboard is going to be compatible with Ivy Bridge so I plan on using it for many years to come.

3. I can spend the extra cash on either the cpu ( nothing better than a i5-2500k for the money ), mobo ( my choice ), or a case - but I love my case choice.

So I know what your getting at its just it seems right for my specific situation.

What do you think?
Kukag

 

[mfenn]

Yes I already have the PSU so its gonna have to last a little while, as far as the motherboard goes. Reason I picked a $180 board is cause..

1. I already have the GPU I'm not purchasing one.

2. The motherboard is going to be compatible with Ivy Bridge so I plan on using it for many years to come.

3. I can spend the extra cash on either the cpu ( nothing better than a i5-2500k for the money ), mobo ( my choice ), or a case - but I love my case choice.

So I know what your getting at its just it seems right for my specific situation.

What do you think?
Kukag

Here's my responses to your questions.
1. IIRC, you are planning to game. You sure has hell need a new GPU. $50 saved puts you $50 closer to a new GPU.
2. So will the Gigabyte.
3. See 1. Even if you weren't planning to buy a GPU, that isn't a reason to waste $50 in my eyes.

:awe:

 

[Kukag]

Here's my responses to your questions.
1. IIRC, you are planning to game. You sure has hell need a new GPU. $50 saved puts you $50 closer to a new GPU.
2. So will the Gigabyte.
3. See 1. Even if you weren't planning to buy a GPU, that isn't a reason to waste $50 in my eyes.

:awe:

Hey man unfortunately for the better or worse =D the extra cash won't be coming to me for a little while so I'm back to step 1. It looks like I'm gonna be going with the MSI P67 board, and I will be getting a new GPU, PSU, & Motherboard soon hopefully! I appreciate your advice and thanks for always responding to my topics!

Sincerely,
Kukag

 

[mfenn]

Hey man unfortunately for the better or worse =D the extra cash won't be coming to me for a little while so I'm back to step 1. It looks like I'm gonna be going with the MSI P67 board, and I will be getting a new GPU, PSU, & Motherboard soon hopefully! I appreciate your advice and thanks for always responding to my topics!

Sincerely,
Kukag

Yep, no problem. Feel free to update this thread if you run into any problems during the build or if you have to wait a while and need to tweak the parts.

 

[Kukag]

Will do, thanks man!

-Kukag

 

[Kukag]

Was able to get the MSI-P67A-GD53 + Intel Core i5-2500K as a shell-shocker & combo discount today so very glad I waited a little, and very glad I got them through NewEgg as I assume Newegg is easier to RMA through then Amazon, and I always love supporting a local company =D Case due to budget though will still be ordered through Amazon, oh well =D Will update this thread asap when all the parts are together!

Thanks,
Kukag

 

[Kukag]

Just ordered my Case! Woot! =D Super pumped, Final build is....

Already Have -
DVD Drive
WD 250GB 7200RPM SATA II
WD 150GB Velociraptor 10000RPM SATA II ( I think SATA II MAYBE III )
eVGA 9800GTX+
Rosewill 600W Performance Series

Got -

Intel Core i5-2500K
MSI P67A-GD53
G.Skill Ripjaws X DDR3 1333 CAS 7
Cooler Master CM 690 II Advanced =D

So I'm very very excited! Luckily Newegg usually delievers within 48 hours since I'm an hour away from City of Industry, and I signed up for the Amazon Prime trial so the Case is expect here by Saturday! Thanks everyone for their help and I'm soo glad I'm back in the desktop scene, its changed quite a bit and for the better!

Sincerely,
George

 

[mfenn]

No problem! Feel free to update this thread if you run into any problems during the build.