H67 or Z68?

[Jeri]

I’m trying to decide between the ASUS P8H67-M PRO/CSM and a Z68 board. I know the Z68 offers more, but I’m not sure I would ever use it.

We are not currently gamers. We use the computer for the normal family stuff, including some Photoshop and Video editing – but nothing serious.

I will be going with the i5-2500k – but this is for the HD Graphics 3000, not because I intend to OC. And if I ever decided to get a SSD, I would get one large enough to run the OS and programs.

Do you see any reason to go for a Z68 over the H67?

Thanks!

[Nuclear Krusader]

Considering that the Z68 is what the initial SB should have been, I'd go for it.

[Hippo08]

Hey Jeri,

Just posting some info and I am sure you are probably waiting for one of the seasoned pros to post back, but here is something that might be helpful.

What you might want to look into is the z68 boards having the SSD caching feature which if I recall correctly, the h67/p67 boards do not have.

Here is a good read about it - Intel Z68 Express Chipset Preview: SSD Caching And Quick Sync : Z68 Express Makes Its Debut

Just something to think about for now if and only if you are thinking about going the SSD route.

If you don't intend on getting an SSD, I think the H67 would be a perfect fit for you.

Hope it helped a little,

Hippo

[Khalil]

I would go with the ASUS P8H67-M PRO. You as well as the majority of people will probably never utilize the SSD feature!
Even better

Newegg.com - ASUS P7H55-M PRO LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-760 Lynnfield 2.8GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80605I5760

Stable, very fast reliable platform!

[Jeri]

NK – I would agree if one intended to OC or run dual cards. I really can’t see me doing either of those.

Hippo – Hi Hippo! Did you send that 750 back? What did you get to replace it? Re: SSD – If I ever make the decision to purchase an SSD, it will be large enough to run the OS and programs, so I don’t see myself using the caching feature with a smaller SSD.

Khalil – Thanks for the input – I respect your experience and knowledge on these boards. I already purchased the i5-2500k – so that is done. I already purchased the memory and case too! LOL - I’m building this thing (actually 2 of them) one sale at a time! The H67 can be had for $109 at the moment – so I felt pressured to make this decision.

I’m really having a hard time justifying the Z68 – but my inner child wants it “just in case”.

[Khalil]

I’m really having a hard time justifying the Z68 – but my inner child wants it “just in case”.

lol then go for it, otherwise you will keep wondering.....

[David M]

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

[Hippo08]

Hey Jeri,

Just letting you know, if you are planning on getting a big SSD for your OS/programs, ***you might be able to allocate leftover space on it to cache*** I am not 100% sure if you can use the feature like this. I assume all of your data will still be on magnetic disk, so its something to still think about with the Z68 if you access large files from the magnetic disk.

I sent the Black 750 drive back and the Samsung ODD. I have not received the replacements yet, but they are on their way! I, sadly, also had to send that motherboard(h67 m-evo) back. I am thinking of going to the z68 board myself for this particular build. It's funny that so much stuff was defective on this one build. My other h67 and p67 builds went together very nicely and are incredible machines. I don't have a good sample size here, but so far I'm 2 for 3!

Hope everything goes well with your new build!

Hippo

[Jeri]

So sorry to hear about your trouble with the h67 m-evo – ASUS – right? That board has more than it’s share of negative reviews. It was on my short list because I have an old camera needing a FireWire connection – but I think it is off the list for good now.

What Z68 board are you looking at?

What Z68 board do the Gurus here recommend? The ASUS is so much more than others. I know ASUS is a great brand and the only one I have ever built with (5 and counting!) – it’s just quite a bit more than some of the others.

[glc]

Jeri, look at the MSI and Gigabyte boards.

[Jeri]

look at the MSI and Gigabyte boards

Yea! Lots to look at with those two! I’m pleased to read that you endorse them.

Though I will feel a bit of a traitor as all my other PC’s are ASUS and have run flawlessly.

[glc]

I just wish that Asus would get some lower priced Z68's out there.

If you are planning on using the Sandy Bridge onboard video, make sure the board you choose doesn't require a video card - Z68's come both ways.