As far as I can remember the SandyBridge CPUs won't let you set a memory divider more than 2133MHz and IvyBridge raises that to 2800MHz. So if you go for the 2500K don't waste your money on super fast RAM... Or just go for the 3570K instead. It's slightly faster clock for clock so it will give you the same performance overclocked as the 2500K but it will also give you option for faster RAM and PCIe 3.0 as well.

 

As far as the GPU goes, don't buy GTX670 over the 660ti for FSX. It will just cost you for nothing extra in FSX. The standard non 'ti' 660 also looks like it could be a solid performer for FSX if you are on a tight budget. Performs like a GTX580 but cheaper. The 'ti' version is quite a bit faster but also costs a bit more.

I Saab340,

 

I finally buyed a Maximus V Gene, 2700K, GTX670 and 2x4Gb Ripjaws 2133.

 

Yes, the 660Ti works fine, but I've read that has that has any isues with AA. Decreases to much

it's perfomance.

 

regards,

Austim

Congrats on what looks to be an awesome little system! I have in one system the Maximus IV Gene-Z and the one thing to watch for being a Micro ATX board is if running 2 video cards, they are simply too close together and the bottom card has really no room for good ventilation. I also have a Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H in another system for running SLI but I far prefer my little Max for overclocking ,general stability with RAM among a few other things.

What about the P8Z77-V Deluxe? It's pricey, but worth it

 

Mine is currently on its way by post to me as I type this! P8Z77 V Deluxe, with Corei7 3770K - busy upgrading from ASUS P7P55D Core i5 -750.

 

It is definately worth spending a bit more for the higher spec motherboard - I had a problem with a RAM socket on my P7D and used a P7P55 LX for 2 weeks while it was being repaired.

 

Both ASUS, both very similar boards but the LX could not get off the ground even with minimal overclock - spend the extra on the Deluxe or Pro it is money well spent.

The Sabertooth Z77 does not have a TPU switch. This switch allows 4.3 GHz automatically from the MB.