Recommended MB for upgrade

[chrislip]

Hi all

I've decided to upgrade to an i5 now as I really want to run Skyrim when it comes out and I just don't think my current rig is going to cut the mustard. At present I have 2x8800GT in x16 slots and SLI. I know this might be my bottleneck when runnig skyrim but I can't afford to upgrade everything at the moment. All Mbs I'm looking at drop to x8 when running in SLI, my question is wil I notice any difference in this? I looking at going for an x58 board with ~8GB RAM (probably upgrade to 16GB when I have the funds). ANy recommendations?

Cheers

 

[Surveyor]

You won't notice any difference.

The reduction from x16/x16 to x8/x8 is in the order of 1-2%.

You don't want an X58 board with 8GB of RAM. X58 is a dead chipset and is best used with triple channel memory anyway.

You want an i5-2500K (S1155) and 8GB of RAM as the memory controller is dual channel.

 

[chrislip]

You won't notice any difference.

The reduction from x16/x16 to x8/x8 is in the order of 1-2%.

You don't want an x58 board with 8GB of RAM. S1366 (X58) is a dead socket and uses triple channel memory anyway.

You want an i5-2500K (S1155) and 8GB of RAM as the memory controller is dual channel.

Sorry, meant a Z68 there. Can you recommend any? I'm just looking at the Dual channel kits and see this http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-310-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517 which is a 16 GB kit, would it make any difference if I bought 2 of these http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-299-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517 as they are essentially the same apart from a £6 difference? Also is it worth me paying the extra to get 2x C8 kit as opposed to 2x C9? (~£28.00)

 

[Surveyor]

This is the cheapest Z68 board which will do SLI at x8/x8:

Gigabyte Z68XP-UD3 Intel Z68 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard

The Gigabyte doesn't have a fancy graphical BIOS like other manufacturers so if you're happy to spend a bit more then let us know.

For the RAM C8 or C9 makes very little difference so it's not worth paying much more for C8:

The Best Memory for Sandy Bridge

As far as the RAM is concerned then you can buy 2 x 8GB kits or a 16GB kit whichever works out cheaper at the time.

16GB is overkill though if you're primarily using the system for games. 8GB is plenty.

You also need to consider what CPU cooler you'll be using as RAM with tall heat spreaders, like the Corsair Vengeance you linked to, can interfere with the cooler.

RAM like Corsair XMS3, Kingston HyperX or the new low profile Corsair Vengeance is much better is using the larger CPU coolers.

Don't forget you need the unlocked i5-2500K to be able to overclock.

 

[chrislip]

Decision made

Ok, I think I have made my decision. Any changes you would recommend?

MB/CPU
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BU-044-OP&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2085U

CPU cooler
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-044-ZA

RAM
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-299-CS

I currently have 2x8800GTOC2 in SLI and 3x Samsung Spinpoint 250GB drives and a Creative SBX-Fi Fatality which I'll move over from my current setup (I am hoping the SB will work ok as I am moving from an NForce4 chip and crackling issues). I will be using this for gaming but also run VMs so may look to upgrade to 16GB in the future, will I be able to fit another 2 sticks in with this CPU cooler? I'm also not a hardcore overclocker, just like to get a bit moreperformance from what I've paid for so would this CPU cooler be ok for this or do you recommend a different one?

Cheers

 

[chrislip]

Any advice guys? I really want to get this ordered, could really do with an answer to my question regarding the CPU cooler and RAM compatibility

Cheers