Would like to change motherboard, need help choosing please.

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Umeed

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Apr 16, 2013
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Current Build:
Mid Tower ----

    Asus P8P67LE
    i7 2600k
    Hyper 212+ Evo (heatsink)
    AMD 6970
    8GB (2x2) Hyper X Blue
    3 HDDs (1tb, 2tb, 2b)
    Corsair HX 850w


I really do like my motherboard, however, its defective with a restarting issue and I don't have time to wait for a warranty claim so I'm just going to swap out with a new board.

My intended usage: mainly Gaming, mainly college Programming, beginner level Character and Level design using Maya 3D, Zbrush, 3ds max, Unreal and Cry Engine. I know i'll need much more ram soon, and a way better video card, I was planning on getting the Asus R9 290x DirectCU but I'm not sure if that is worth it.

The boards I'm looking at (available at my local tiger direct store, unfortunately we have zero MSI motherboards that have socket 1155 in stock -_-)

Asus Sabertooth z77 - $216.62

Asus P8z77v - LK - $124.88

Asus P8z77v - LX - $107.52

Asus P9x79 - $221.25


I'm not really seeing much of a difference in these models, so I'm not sure which to get, I don't need bluetooth, or wifi, i don't need hd audio (i use a preamp when im messing around with Cubase/FL Studio), my video card and future video card has/will have dvi and hdmi,

So I'd greatly appreciate some opinions on which one to get, the prices I posted are the ones I will be buying it at, brand new, I just don't know if Its necessary to put down 200 + on a motherboard.

Apologies for the long winded post, but thank you for your help!
 
Solution
photonboy
The OS doesn't need to be changed if you buy a motherboard with the same socket. That's considered a "REPAIR" not an upgrade which is exactly his issue. It should just ask to re-Activate, you click that and it's done.

You will want to uninstall any drivers, especially the Main Chipset driver then install the new ones for anything that's different. Hopefully Windows boots up okay going from the P67 to Z77 chipset. If not, perhaps SAFE MODE would help but this is beyond my expertise.

Motherboards:

I own the Sabertooth Z77. I think it's great, but arguably overpriced. I got it mainly for the 5-year Warranty which you seem to not care about.

The Sabertooth has small Assist fans that are annoying though luckily I turn them off (below...
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animal

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you may need to puchase a new OS if you change out your mobo, although there is a chance that microsoft may re-issue a new key for your license if you explain your mobo died and are replacing it. I'd suggest going for one that has only what you need in terms of bells and whistles, as you probably don't need to spend $200 or more, unless there are certain features that you must have or want.
 
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Umeed

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point taken, I was leaning towards the LK model but the LX seems appealing too, i want the sabertooth but i think id just be wasting money on it lol.

What does it mean by usb on board headers 3 (expandable to 6 usb ports) because the LX which is cheaper has that where as the LK which is a bit more doesn't state it. Do those headers relate to the usb ports on my case?

I'm sorry if it was a dumb question lol I just want to make sure I get the right one so I can finally use my own computer for my work.

and one more question, if I do decide to get the r9 290x by asus, would the LX or LK motherboards be able to handle the heat well? because the Sabertooth comes with this thermal armor which supposedly increases air flow by a lot.


*Edit, i have a windows 7 disc with cd key, would I still have to contact MS?
 
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photonboy

photonboy

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Jun 20, 2006
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The OS doesn't need to be changed if you buy a motherboard with the same socket. That's considered a "REPAIR" not an upgrade which is exactly his issue. It should just ask to re-Activate, you click that and it's done.

You will want to uninstall any drivers, especially the Main Chipset driver then install the new ones for anything that's different. Hopefully Windows boots up okay going from the P67 to Z77 chipset. If not, perhaps SAFE MODE would help but this is beyond my expertise.

Motherboards:

I own the Sabertooth Z77. I think it's great, but arguably overpriced. I got it mainly for the 5-year Warranty which you seem to not care about.

The Sabertooth has small Assist fans that are annoying though luckily I turn them off (below 50degC which it only gets to in hot summer rarely) with the Thermal Radar software.

Fan control for this board is this:
CPU (two) is PWM only.
Case fans are PWM or Voltage.

Other boards:
- I don't recommend the cheaper ones for you, the Sabertooth might be more reliable.
- the last board you linked isn't compatible. It's socket LGA2011, not 1155.
 
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