If you’re looking to build a new home PC and you want to put some real power behind it, you’re going to need a high-quality processor and a solid motherboard that can support it. With both a powerful processor and a feature-rich motherboard, you will have the base of a great PC setup that will last you a long time.
When choosing a processor there are really only two options you have: Intel or AMD. Both processors deliver exceptional quality products. However, Intel currently has a slight advantage over AMD and if you’re going to spend the money on a new processor, you might as well go for the one that performs better.
With that being said, today we’re going to look at the Intel Core i5-3570 processor and the ASUS P8H77-V LE motherboard. These two components work well together and will provide you with a great place to start on your new system.
Why the Intel Core i5-3570 and ASUS P8H77-V LE?
With the Intel Core i5-3570 and the ASUS P8H77-V LE you will have the foundation for pretty much any kind of build you are looking to do. So, whether you’re looking to build an office computer, a high-end home PC, a media/home theater setup, or a performance-delivering gaming rig, these parts will get you moving in the right direction.
And, not only are these parts good for performance computers, but they are also affordable. In fact, if you consider the high price that you will have to pay to get a decent pre-built computer from the manufacturer, building a system with the i5-3570 and the ASUS P8H77-V seems like a steal.
For roughly $330 you can grab both of these parts. If you’re not planning on building a gaming computer (and therefore do not need a video card) these two parts will form approximately 60% of your budget. (This is based on the assumption that you spend a combined $240 on your RAM, hard drive, case, power supply, and optical drive–which is a very reasonable assumption.)
In any case, the low cost and excellent performance makes these two components the perfect bundle for any computer-building enthusiasts.
Intel Core i5-3570 Processor Overview
Product Specs
- Quad-core processor
- Clocks at 3.4 GHz and can hit 3.8GHz with Turbo Boost Technology
- Accommodates up to 32GB of dual-channel DDR3-1333/1600 memory
- Integrated Intel HD 2500 graphics
- Intel InTru 3D Technology
- Intel Clear Video HD Technology
- Max Thermal Design Power 77w
Customer Reviews
From D. Adams via Amazon
So far this CPU has exceeded my expectations. Since this machine is primarily used for web surfing, gaming, and photo editing, this CPU simply runs circles around anything I throw at it. I’ve yet to see it struggle, even when doing my initial burn-in testing. Oh, and turbo boost is more like overclocking. I’ve seen this CPU peg itself at 3.8GHz (max turbo speed) for as long as I have whatever stressing it running. (Read full review here…)
From D. DeVirgilio via Amazon
Great value and speed. I would recommend over i7. Easy install but I did use a different cooler and haven’t had any issues. (Read full review here…)
From Gus via Amazon
Very fast CPU. Upgraded from a Core 2 Duo and it was quite the jump in performance. I use this PC for internet browsing, email and P2P file downloads so I barely tax the capability. (Read full review here…)
From Sammuel via Amazon
I built a new gaming PC with this CPU and let me tell you, this blew my old i5-2500k away. Everything runs faster. Battlefield 3 is smooth and I can even multitask well for work. I’m very happy with this CPU. Good for you Intel. (Read full review here…)
The Benefits that Come With the i5-3570
- Ridiculously fast processing speed will significantly reduce the amount of time you spend waiting for your computer to complete tasks.
- The i5-3570 is extremely energy-efficient and meets ENERGY STAR requirements.
- A versatile processor that works well in any kind of build you want to throw it in.
- Features the newest architecture form Intel and the processor will likely stay relevant for a long time.
- Backed by excellent customer support and a solid warranty.
The Negatives of the i5-3570
- Does not feature Intel’s best integrated graphics: HD 4000. However, the onboard HD 2500 graphics are still good enough to play videos in 1080p quality smoothly. And, if you add a video card to your build, the difference between the HD 4000 and 2500 won’t matter anyways.
- Cannot be overclocked. So, if you’re looking to take your processor past its stock settings, you should consider the i5-3570k.
ASUS P8H77-V LE Motherboard Overview
Product Specs
- Standard ATX form factor is compatible with just about any traditional computer case
- Has the latest H77 chipset
- Features USB 3.0 technology
- Supports socket LGA 1155 and Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
- 4x240pin memory slots
- Accommodates up to 32GB of RAM (Dual-Channel)
- Multiple PCI Express slots (including a PCIe-3.0 slot)
- Realtek ALC887 onboard sound
- 2 x USB 3.0 ports and 6 x USB 2.0 ports
Customer Reviews
From UncleBubba via Newegg
Feature rich motherboard offering the latest technology, with some legacy support. Perfect combination of what this motherboard has to offer. I still have to use a serial port for programming micro controllers. And yet, it is powerful enough, I can run AutoCad, PCB layout software, w/ 3D rendering. I can have my cake, and eat it too! (Read full review here…)
From Anonymous User via Newegg
This motherboard is the best bang for your buck. I got mine in a few days from newegg, installed it and I am having a blast with my i5 ivy bridge in this bad boy. Has USB 3.0!!! Sata ports are VERY EASY to access and NOT like those difficult to plug into like other motherboards where it faces towards the front of the case and you can’t squeeze your hand behind your graphics card to get it, you know what I mean. (Read full review here…)
From Deon via Amazon
Sweet product. No problems. Added a quad-core i7, 16GB RAM, 2GB graphics card, 3TB SATA, 256 SATA SSD. Like a BOSS! (Read full review here…)
From Mike via Newegg
I’ve installed 2 of these already, and they are very simple to install and the bios is very easy to navigate. A great deal for the price. (Read full review here…)
The Benefits that Come With the ASUS P8H77-V LE
- Comes with a ton of features so that you never run out of room for upgrades.
- Boasts USB 3.0 technology, which enhances the read/write performance of any USB 3.0 device you connect to your system.
- The board features an extremely well thought out and easy-to-use BIOS so that you can easily make system changes.
- The perfect motherboard for mid to high-end builds.
- You can’t beat the performance for the price.
- It’s backed by a great warranty and outstanding customer support from ASUS.
The Negatives of the ASUS P8H77-V LE
- This motherboard will not allow you to overclock your processor. If you are looking to take your processor past stock speeds you will first need an unlocked processor (i5-3570k) and a motherboard with a Z77 chipset.
Buying the Intel Core i5-3570 and ASUS P8H77-V LE Bundle
Due to the quality experience I have had from using these components, I have created a two-product list on Amazon so that you can easily purchase the Intel Core i5-3570 and the ASUS P8H77-V LE and enjoy the benefits that they provide.
When I bought these components, I purchased them through Amazon because they offered free 2-day shipping when I signed up for a free trial of Amazon Prime. Another reason why I chose to buy through Amazon is because through all of the years that I have shopped on their site, I have always had a good experience. They’re easy to use and they provide a fast and secure checkout. Additionally, their 30-day return policy is perfect for buying computer components, because you never know when you’re going to get a bad component.
So, if you’re interested in a powerful processor and a solid motherboard, I highly recommend that you choose the i5-3570 and the ASUS P8H77-V LE and that you purchase them through Amazon.