Which Gigabyte mobo?

Digitalwart

Honorable
Jul 2, 2013
69
0
10,630
Hi

Planning a self build, looking at the GA LMT USB3. Wondering if I should spend a little more on one of the 970A series, maybe the DS3.

Should I choose the LMT USB3 or one of the 970A?

What is the difference between the 970A models?

Anyone know if the LMT USB3 rev 5.0 advertised on GIgabyte website has been released? I can only see the rev 4.1. The new model is black unlike previous blue.
 
Solution
The 970A boards include native SATA-600 and USB3.0 ports, while the 78LMT-USB3 has no SATA-600 (only SATA-300) and non-native USB3.0 (which is probably going to be slower as a result).

As for the heat sink, that depends on the CPU.
One of the major differences between the three 970A motherboards is the VRM circuitry. The DS3 has 4+1 phases and no heatsink, the D3 has 4+1 phases and a heatsink, and the UD3 has 8+2 phases and a heatsink. That makes the UD3 far better suited for overclocking.

I assume the other board you're referring to is the GA-78LMT-USB3. It uses the old 760G chipset. It does support FX CPUs, but I would recommend a motherboard with a 900-series chipset (like the 970).
 

Digitalwart

Honorable
Jul 2, 2013
69
0
10,630


I'm not looking to overclock for the time being. I'm on a budget that requires cost cutting somewhere. I can upgrade individual parts at a later date. Would the 78LMTUSB3 suffice? On the other hand, do I need a heatsink? Maybe I could stretch to the 970A.

Anything else I should consider about these mobos?

Thanx

 
The 970A boards include native SATA-600 and USB3.0 ports, while the 78LMT-USB3 has no SATA-600 (only SATA-300) and non-native USB3.0 (which is probably going to be slower as a result).

As for the heat sink, that depends on the CPU.
 
Solution

Digitalwart

Honorable
Jul 2, 2013
69
0
10,630



The CPU is AMD FX6300. The GPU is Zotac GeForce 650 Ti boost 2gb.

You have persuaded me to go up to a 970A. Having said that, now I am on say £60, is there anything else you would recommend for that amount. (AM3+)

 

Digitalwart

Honorable
Jul 2, 2013
69
0
10,630


Now I'm really confused. Looking at the 970A DS3. It doesn't have heatsink. But you're saying even if I don't overclock I need a heatsink? Therefore DS3 is no good? I admit I haven't yet researched this. Will the DS3 do? Do I need a Mobo with heatsink included? Can one add separate heatsinks? As for fans, don't know about that yet either if you mean included with mobo.
 
Sorry, I thought you meant the CPU heatsink (which is always needed).

A heatsink on the motherboard's VRMs is optional. Not having one just means the motherboard is less suitable for overclocking. I suppose it would be possible to add a heatsink manually, but that's some pretty advanced homebrew.
 

Digitalwart

Honorable
Jul 2, 2013
69
0
10,630



Thanx. Ok in that case I can make do with the DS3 as mobo.

I understand now that all retail boxed CPUs usually come with stock HSF. You are saying this will be fine if not overclocking. Otherwise get a OEM CPU and buy better HSF.

One final thing. Do you think with these components I need to invest in a cooler. Reminder CPU AMD FX6300 and GPU Zotac GTX 650 Ti boost 2GB.
Likely there will be a no of fans in the build.