Z68 vs Z77

[Rik1254]

A friend wants to buy a computer and Im stuck between the two for his base.

Now the Z77 is obviously newer, unlocks PCi 3 when linked with an ivy chip and is lower power as a result.
The Z68, slightly older and more power hungry. Can still unlock PCi 3 with ivy chips.

The Z68 would be linked to a 2500k (lower costs), the Z77 to a 3570k.


Hes not too interested in overclocking, but having the option there for the future would be nice.

Haswell is too far away, wants it now.

Oppinions

 

[RJC]

Go with a Z77 and the 3570K.

OEM offer finishes tomorrow morning:


YOUR BASKET
1 x Intel Core i5-3570K 3.40GHz (Ivybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor (77W) - OEM £159.95
1 x Gigabyte Z77-D3H Intel Z77 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard £81.98
1 x Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo CPU Cooler (Socket Intel® Socket LGA1366/1156/1155/775/AMD Socket FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2) £26.99
Total : £280.32 (includes shipping : £9.50).

 

[Rik1254]

Apart from the lower power consumption and it being newer, is it really worth the extra ~£30?


Should have mentioned in first post, only considering Retail chips (warranty and all that)

 

[RJC]

You will have a extra performance clock for clock and if and when you overlock you would need to invest in a decent cooler.

 

[Rik1254]

Fair enough, will probably only use the retail cooler for the time being. Limited budget, so looking to buy the best base parts and then add stuff like GPU and cooler.

Thanks dude