Wifi features and MOBO

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THINKorthogonal

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Jan 17, 2014
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I'm currently building a new system for the first time and am trying to finalize my CPU/motherboard selection. My build so far contains:
620W PSU
Thermaltake GTS 10 case
Adata 1600CL9 DRR3 16GB (2x8)
Adata 250 SSD (no HDD at this time,may add one later or a second SSD)
BR player/DVD burner combo
Windows 8.1
2 LED/ISP monitors

Not a big gamer (would like to do some video editing and GIMP) so my intention right now is to forgo a dedicated graphics card and rely on the integrated graphics of either the i5-4670k or i7-4770k (it may not be sufficient, but I'd rather try it out first rather than spend on a graphics card I don't really need). Additionally, I'm not interested in overclocking the system at this time (for those questioning, I'm going with the unlocked k intel processors simply because microcenter has great deals on them). I've managed to score some pretty good deals on the component pieces listed above, so I'm willing to spend a decent chunk on a MOBO that has good features UNRELATED to overclocking (I don't want to throw money away, but I do have some leeway up to about $200 for a MOBO).
My 2 big questions are: what is a good full featured NON-OC focused MOBO recommendation? Is it better from a cost (and performance) perspective to go with a MOBO with built-in wireless features or is it better to add those features as separate components?

thanks for the feedback!


 
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$80,00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130699
I had to save money on this one.

I'm not overclocking this one, and with 1 video card it is just as fast as a Z chip set.

It dose have MSIs OC Gene 4, so it has some OC capability.

It has 4 SATA3 ports, most of the non Z boards only have 2.

I wanted at least 1 PCI-E electrically 4X slot 2 PCI. and at least 1 PCI-e 1X

I also don't like boards with a slot next to the video card that is a total waste.

I will be getting a graphics card.

On the z boards you are usually paying for Display port, more SATA3 ports
optical , probably better on-board sound, and a few other thing I don't need on this build.

I haven't sacrificed any performance for Flight Sim X and I...
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menetlaus

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Jul 19, 2007
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For most people - the lowest cost motherboard (from a respected maker) is more than enough as there is typically only a percentage or two difference between different boards.

I can't really speak to the wifi question as I wouldn't use wifi unless absolutely necessary with no way to run a wire.

Cost wise - a $20 wifi PCI(e) card is probably cheaper than stepping up from a non-wifi motherboard to a more featured board with built in wifi.

I'd suggest going with the i5 and save $100, this way if the graphics performance is too low you can easily add an R7 260X (or something else for $150-200) and play games at 1080P without issues.
 
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BennyJi

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Aug 21, 2013
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Hi there,

I recently finalised my PC build and whilst our requirements are slightly different, I'll write down the little tidbits of information + personal experience.

The i5 4670K would be more than enough of a CPU for your build (It's the CPU I have and runs along nicely) The i7 has the hyperthreading which essentially adds a further 4 virtual cores (Both CPU's are quad core) This could be useful for the video editing but it depends how intensive a process It is.

Either which way, my vote goes for the i5 and put further money into the mobo or even aside for a dedicated GPU.

The motherboard I have is the Asus z87 Expert, I did get this as a free upgrade from my original choice of the Pro version, but I couldnt be happier with It's performance. It also has a built in wireless device which out performs my original PCI wireless card. But again this could be up for debate.

The motherboard also has OC'ing capabilities. Whilst you state that It's not needed my advise would be to choose a mobo that gives you the option in the future should you change your mind.

By choosing the K (overclockable) CPU's your requirements may well change and it is better to have the option rather than having to shell out more $ in the future. Call it future proofing.

Finally, I would suggest to load your parts into PC Part Picker and let us have a look at the finalized build. It will give us a better idea of bottlenecking, potential problems or incompatibility.

Regards, and good luck for your build.
 
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millwright

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Jul 1, 2007
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Same here WI FI is a convenience, and a last resort.
Even if you just watch podcast's like me, it sucks compared to wired.

And I do have WiFi, but don't even use it for my laptop.

A Good inexpensive board is the one I just got.
MSI B85 G41

With a i5 4670.
It runs Flight Sim on ultra high settings, no graphic card.

Of all the non Z board, B boards have the most SATA 3 plugs
 
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THINKorthogonal

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Jan 17, 2014
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I'm most likely going to go with the i5 4670k...I could get the i7 for $70 more, and although it would be nice to have, I'm thinking it will be buying me a lot of unused CPU power lol. I've also tossed around the idea of the new AMD Kaveri CPU because the deals on it are pretty good, but I think I would end up with less hassles sticking with the Intel processor (nothing against AMD, it just seems they are focused on games, and that really isn't my gig). The MOBOs I'm focused on are the Asus z87 Pro and the MSI z87 MPOWER. Both have built in wireless and OC capabilities and with the bundle pricing, they each come out to around $135. I really focused on those two because they seem like quality MOBOs and they had the wireless built in. For the listed price point, would either of these boards be good buys or does anyone have a good alternative in the sub-$100 range (without wireless of course)?

On a side note, I don't NEED wifi because I can connect to a WIFI extender with a wire (have no choice but to have wifi SOMEWHERE in order to get internet though). Having wifi in the box just allows me more flexibility if I ever decide to move computer desk to new location in house away from the extender. By the way, does anyone have experience with the new AC wifi technology?
 
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THINKorthogonal

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Jan 17, 2014
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What made you decide on the MSI B85 G41?
 
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millwright

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$80,00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130699
I had to save money on this one.

I'm not overclocking this one, and with 1 video card it is just as fast as a Z chip set.

It dose have MSIs OC Gene 4, so it has some OC capability.

It has 4 SATA3 ports, most of the non Z boards only have 2.

I wanted at least 1 PCI-E electrically 4X slot 2 PCI. and at least 1 PCI-e 1X

I also don't like boards with a slot next to the video card that is a total waste.

I will be getting a graphics card.

On the z boards you are usually paying for Display port, more SATA3 ports
optical , probably better on-board sound, and a few other thing I don't need on this build.

I haven't sacrificed any performance for Flight Sim X and I saved a lot of doe.

Don't get me wrong, If I had the funds, now, I would have a Z chip board.

I plan on passing this on to my wife this summer, and building another, probably a Z board.


MSI is my first choice at the moment, but I have no problem with Asus, Gigabyte, or Asrock, although Asrock is the cheapest made of the bunch.
Asrock is the Americam subsidiary of Asus, and is supposed to be their less expensive brand,
 
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