Member Avatar for deceptikon

I'm putting together a new gaming machine, but would like some opinions on the motherboard since I'm weaker in that area. Here are the minimum requirements based on other components I've pretty much nailed down for my needs:

  • i5-3570K CPU (LGA1155 socket) -- already purchased, hard requirement
  • 16-32GB DDR3-1600Mhz RAM (240-pin DIMM) -- not a hard requirement except for the GB
  • 2 Radeon HD 7970 Graphics Cards (probably Gigabyte GV-R797OC-3GD) -- model not a hard requirement

Everything else can be customized based on the motherboard, but things like the case and coolers will depend on the mobo. I know that's not a whole lot to go on, but it is what it is. What would you recommend?

On a side note, I've been looking at the ASUS Sabertooth Z77 as a strong contender.

My current planned setup: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/Marikallees/saved/2x25

Thanks guys!

Edited by deceptikon
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outlined the important constraints (unlocked i5-3570K, dual Radeon HD 7970s). For an Ivy Bridge K-series CPU paired with two high‑power GPUs the right priorities are clear: a Z77-class board that gives true x8/x8 PCIe for dual cards, a strong VRM and cooling for any overclocking, and an ATX layout with the slot spacing to physically fit both cards.

  • VRM and power delivery: pick a board with beefy VRM heatsinks and a proper 8‑pin EPS (plus optional 4‑pin) CPU feed; that lowers risk when overclocking.
  • PCIe layout: confirm the manual shows x8/x8 behavior for two GPUs and that the second slot isn’t electrically x4. Also check physical spacing in the manual against the 7970 cooler width.
  • I/O and features: at least four DIMM slots (for 32GB total), multiple SATA 6Gb/s ports, USB3 headers, and decent fan control/UEFI for tuning.
  • Cooling and case: dual 7970s make a lot of heat—plan extra front/bottom intake and good exhaust so GPU temps don’t throttle the system.
  • PSU: answering , 1000W is not required for most dual‑7970 + 3570K builds. A high‑quality 750–850W, 80+ Gold unit from a reputable vendor gives the right combination of headroom and efficiency.

A few practical options often recommended for this class: ASUS ROG Maximus V (Z77) variants for top overclocking and firmware, ASUS Sabertooth Z77 for durability and solid cooling, Gigabyte GA‑Z77X (UD5/UD4) for balanced features, and ASRock Z77 Extreme4 as a strong value pick (as noted) — but always inspect each board’s manual for VRM design, PCIe lane wiring, and slot spacing. Note the later Z97/Haswell boards mentioned in replies (for example by ) use LGA1150 and are not compatible with an i5‑3570K. Also, brand slogans like ": ASUS are the best" are too general—choose the specific board that matches these technical priorities.

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Member Avatar for rubberman

Why Radeon video cards instead of nVidia? I have some seriouos gamer friends at work (we are a tech company w/ very savvy users) and they won't get AMD video gear simply because they don't perform as well as nVidia cards. As for a case and power supply, the case is only important as far as it's cooling capabilities are concerned, but the power supply is critical. For serious gaming gear, don't go for less than 1000 watts!

Member Avatar for deceptikon

I have some seriouos gamer friends at work (we are a tech company w/ very savvy users) and they won't get AMD video gear simply because they don't perform as well as nVidia cards.

It's very much dependent on the game. Some games run better on AMD, some on nVidia, and even then the difference isn't huge. I think your friends have an irrational bias, or only play games where nVidia benchmarks better. ;)

I'm not partial either way, but I've had good results with AMD in the past, and that's why this build uses Radeon cards.

For serious gaming gear, don't go for less than 1000 watts!

When the draw will probably be less than 800W even after overclocking? Seems like overkill to me.

Member Avatar for Vikram Sehgal

the gaming mother board i would suggest is ASRock Z77 Extreme4 click here
its pretty cool or i would suggest an nvidia produst for gaming.

Member Avatar for IndieDeV2002

You probably will want a asus motherboard since they are the best.

Member Avatar for jwenting

without giving reasons why "they are the best" that's an utterly useless statement.
No surprise then that's it's wrong as well. They maybe be "best" for some purposes but certainly not for all, and I'm sure that there's other brands that produce specific boards that are superior for gaming than specific Asus boards.

Same with NVidia vs. AMD cards. NVidia has the better OpenGL support, which may or may matter to you.
But that's true only right now. A year from now AMD might well have superior OpenGL support (they've already improved markedly just by making improvements to their drivers over the last several months).
DirectX support is pretty much a tie.
Remains heat and bus speed, and that's not related to chipset brand at all but rather to design choices in individual cards from individual manufacturers.
For my next machine, I'll probably choose NVidia simply because I can benefit from their current superiority in OpenGL support, but the difference isn't large enough that I will pass up a heavily discounted AMD based cart that would get me a card with higher specs than a similarly priced NVidia based card.

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