new gaming/high end PC, help with mobo selection

[Snake64_009]

Hi, I'm looking to build a new PC in about a months time (unless anyone thinks I should wait for any reason).

I need some help on which motherboard to choose. I will be getting an Intel i7 CPU and an Nvidia 200 series GTx graphics card ( not sure which one but it will be a high end one). I am going to get at least 4GB 1600Mhz DDR3 memory, possibly even 1800 or 2000Mhz. I want the motherboard to have SLi in case i need it but it is not essential but I do need 1 or 2 more PCI-E slots. I want a good, reliable and tidy motherboard. I don't really have a budget limit but that does not mean i am willing to spend £300 odd if I can get a £200 one that will do the same job. I'd like a few options to browse through. Oh and i may possibly overlock things ( haven't decided) but I'd like the motherboard to be reliable there too. Oh and i need it to be futureproof for a long while!

Currently I have a Gigabyte EP35-DS3R motherboard and I really like it and find it reliable.

Thanks,
Aidin


Oh and also watercooling or not?

 

[Yami]

This is a good i7 mobo for £180, meets all your requirements.
ASUS Rampage II GENE Republic of Gamers X58 Socket 1366 8 Channel Audio MATX Motherboard - Ebuyer

RAM-wise you'd be best with 6GB of 1600MHz or faster.

When you're ready to buy I can put a build together for you then.

Edit: Oh, and there's this one for £140, meets your requirements and was recommended by PC Pro this month.
MSI X58 PRO iX58 Socket 1366 8 channel audio ATX Motherboard - Ebuyer

 

[Snake64_009]

would the extreme version not be better? or is there not much of a difference there?

Asus Rampage II Extreme, Intel X58, Sok 1366, PCI-E 2.0, DDR3 1600(OC)/1800(OC), SATA I/II, ATX - Scan.co.uk

For RAM, what would you suggest i get? I've always used corsair and find it reliable.

 

[Slaymate]

These are better mobo's and their right around 200

Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5, Intel X58, Sok 1366, PCI-E 2.0, DDR3 1066/1600/2000, SATA II, ATX - Scan.co.uk

132-BL-E758-A1 - EVGA X58 3X SLI, iX58, Sok 1366, PCI-E 2.0 (x16), Triple DDR3 1066/ 1333, SATA II, SATA RAID, ATX - Scan.co.uk

Asus P6T Deluxe V2, Intel X58, SLi/Xfire, Sok 1366, PCI-E 2.0, DDR3 1066/1333/1600(OC), SATAII, ATX - Scan.co.uk

This is good memory

dabs.com - OCZ Technology OCZ DDR3 Triple Channel 6GB Kit (OCZ3G1600LV6GK)

 

[Snake64_009]

I'll have a look at all of those and see what i like but if you had to recommend just one; what would you choose?

I've never used OCZ RAM, is it good and reliable? compared to Corsair dominator series, which is better?

 

[Yami]

OCZ and Corsair are both very good brands of RAM. The OCZ Platinums would be comparable to the Dominators, I believe, excluding heatsinks.

And personally I'd go for the Asus P6T Deluxe V2. Slaymate certainly knows more about mobos than I do though

 

[Slaymate]

If I was choosing? I'm all about overclocking so the EVGA is my choice. But for most people the Asus would be the best choice.

Corsair is excellant memory, but it's just way overpriced, your paying out the arse for the name. OCZ is the new memory/performance/price winner in my book

 

[Snake64_009]

Does the EVGA motherboard not support DDR3 over 1600Mhz?

 

[Slaymate]

The EVGA will run your memory beyond 2000MHz. I had mine up to 2350Mhz with relaxed timings during this SuperPi run

 

[Snake64_009]

wow, that is very nice! Looks like i need to take some tips from you regarding overclocking! I think i will stick with the EVGA mobo then. I'll do myself a build in the next couple of days and post on here for opinions. thanks so far!