Does anyone know a mobo that can support a gtx 680 and a i7-6700 and isn’t insanely expensive?

Choosing an Affordable Motherboard for an Intel Core i7-6700 and NVIDIA GTX 680: Tips and Recommendations

Building or upgrading a PC can be an exciting endeavor, but it often comes with challenges—particularly when balancing performance needs with budget constraints. If you’re aiming to pair an Intel Core i7-6700 processor with a GTX 680 graphics card, finding a compatible motherboard that doesn’t break the bank can be a tricky task.

Understanding Compatibility

The Intel Core i7-6700, part of Intel’s 6th generation Skylake lineup, uses the LGA 1151 socket and is typically compatible with 100-series (e.g., Z170, H170, B150) chipsets. Meanwhile, the GTX 680, though an older GPU, still offers decent performance for certain tasks and gaming. However, compatibility isn’t solely about sockets—it’s also essential to ensure the motherboard’s BIOS supports the CPU and the slot type matches the GPU.

Challenges in Finding an Affordable Motherboard

A common obstacle faced by builders on a budget is the premium price tag associated with many motherboards supporting these components. High-end boards with lots of features can sometimes cost over $200 or $300, which might not align with your financial plan.

When browsing PC components, platforms like PCPartPicker can be helpful, but they often highlight premium options. If your goal is to keep costs low, you’ll need to look for more economical motherboards that still provide reliable support for your processor and GPU.

Should You Consider Upgrading Your GPU?

Given that the GTX 680 is several years old, you might consider the option of replacing it with a newer, more readily supported GPU. Modern graphics cards often have broader compatibility with budget motherboards, and newer models tend to offer significantly improved performance and efficiency.

Recommendations

1. Motherboard Options:

2. ASUS Prime H170-PRO
   A cost-effective LGA 1151 motherboard compatible with 6th gen Intel processors. It offers essential features without unnecessary extras, making it suitable for budget builds.

3. Gigabyte GA-H170M-D3H
   An affordable microATX option that supports your processor and has the necessary PCIe slots for your GPU.

4. MSI H170M PRO-VDH
   Another budget-friendly choice with solid support for Skylake CPUs and sufficient expansion options.

5. Alternative Approaches:

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