Suggest me a board?

matt_fsr · 28 Feb 2013 at 11:39

I'm after updating my PC from an old i3 1156 socket, and I've finally decided on going for an i5 3570K, and overclocking it.

Problem is, I'm not sure what board to get, I've been out of the loop of reading up about boards/chipsets etc.

I've a big case, and I find Micro-ATX boards just too restrictive, or end up lacking space for my big graphics card and PCI soundcard.

So far, I've come up with this:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-204-MS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2307

or this:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-514-AS

As they're different chipsets, can anyone explain the differences between them, or which would be the better of the 2? Or any alternatives I should be looking at?

Ideally I'd prefer to spend under £100 on a board. No plans to Crossfire yet, but won't turn down the option to.

mattStoor · 28 Feb 2013 at 12:49

I was recommended:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-201-MS
and the Gigabyte Z77-D3H equivalent when I asked a similar question.

Have ordered the first one along with the 3570K. I'm sure someone with more knowledge than me will come along and clear up why they're better

mickyflinn · 28 Feb 2013 at 12:51

You will need a z77 board to overclock a 3570k.

Armageus · 28 Feb 2013 at 13:26

matt_fsr said:
Problem is, I'm not sure what board to get, I've been out of the loop of reading up about boards/chipsets etc.

So far, I've come up with this:

To overclock a K Series chip you need a Z77 chipset. The MSI board you mentioned does not have a Z77 so would not be suitable. The Asus board you listed whilst having the Z77 chipset, is not necessarily renowned for it's overclocking ability (I might be wrong, but I think it lacks voltage adjustment).

matt_fsr said:
I've a big case, and I find Micro-ATX boards just too restrictive, or end up lacking space for my big graphics card and PCI soundcard.

Given that you are planning on keeping your PCI Sound Card I would recommend the Gigabyte Z77-D3H.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-391-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2261

If you didn't need to keep the PCI Sound Card (i.e. happy with onboard or planning on getting a newer PCI-E Sound Card) then I would recommend the MSI Z77A-G45.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-201-MS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2261

Either board will be fine, both offer good performance and overclocking options.

matt_fsr said:
Ideally I'd prefer to spend under £100 on a board. No plans to Crossfire yet, but won't turn down the option to.

Both of the boards above *Should* work with Crossfire, although in theory the MSI may be slightly faster, due to better PCI-E lane distribution (In reality there is probably little or no difference)

matt_fsr · 28 Feb 2013 at 13:26

mickyflinn said:
You will need a z77 board to overclock a 3570k.

Thanks - Is that because the z77 chipset is the most modern one, and therefore properly supports the overclocking of the 3570k (i.e. 3rd generation i-series Intel)?

Just trying to get my head around it all

Cheers

Armageus · 28 Feb 2013 at 13:33

matt_fsr said:
Thanks - Is that because the z77 chipset is the most modern one, and therefore properly supports the overclocking of the 3570k (i.e. 3rd generation i-series Intel)?

Just trying to get my head around it all

Cheers

To overclock a 3570k (or any K series processor e.g. 2500k) you change the Turbo Ratio - Only Z77 chipsets offer this option.