Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UP5-TH and i7 2600k compatibility

[metonym]

First post.
Hello all.
Was wondering if Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UP5-TH and i7 2600k were compatible or should I stick to last year's buyers guide...???
Thanks

 

[ggeorge]

First post.
Hello all.
Was wondering if Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UP5-TH and i7 2600k were compatible or should I stick to last year's buyers guide...???
Thanks

You can use the Sandy Bridge chips in a Z77 motherboard, but you won't get PCIe 3.0 support as that is a function of the processor. Unless you plan on doing some heavy overclocking or can get it at a particularly good price, there isn't a compelling reason to go with a SB chip over an IB chip though.