Which Z87 Motherboard for GTX 770 SLI

AngryGoldfish · Feb 4, 2014

I'm about to order the parts for my first home build. These are the specs so far:

i5-4670K (pretty sure I don't need to upgrade to the i7-4770K)
Z87 of some kind
Nvidia GTX 770 (I'll buy another one when needed)
120GB + SSD
2TB Data Drive
850W PSU for future SLI
CPU cooler (moderate overclocking when my PC begins to age)
8GB DDR3 1600

I need advice on which version of the Z87 is best value for money in a versatile motherboard. The Asus Z87-A was recommended for SLI, and is also reasonably priced, but I also found the more expensive Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H that seems to have a little more features for an extra €30.

Also, I know it's not the right place, but instead of making a new thread, what do folks recommend for a CPU cooler, a reasonably priced mid-tower case to best fit such a cooler, a 120GB or more solid state drive, and a power supply that can run two GTX 770's but that won't break the bank? I'm hearing 750w will be enough, but then other sources say nothing below 850.

I'll be playing video games mostly, such as Far Cry 3, Battlefield 4 and Bioshock Infinite, all the classic benchmark tests. No extensive editing or processing, but a lot of multi-tasking. My budget is around €1200/£1000/$1500, but I imagine it'll be closer to €1300 when shipping, handling, cables, and extra tools I might need are added.

Francisco Costa · Feb 4, 2014

I can't believe how cheap this motherboard is right now, because it's really good:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CXIVEA2/?tag=pcpapi-20
For the CPU cooler, there's the eternal Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO for $30: http://www.outletpc.com/hn6355.html
For the SSD, the Samsung 840 Evo is a solid option for $90: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E3W15P0/?tag=pcpapi-20
For the PSU, the XFX 850W is great and it doesn't break the wallet: http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=78945&promoid=1101

AngryGoldfish · Feb 4, 2014

If I go for the XFX Pro Black Edition then really I have to drop something else in my list because I'm starting to go well over my budget. What's the XFX P1-850X-XXB9 850W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply like? It's cheaper but is it a solid alternative?

Also, that motherboard, albeit being awesome, I'm in Ireland and it's £160 in the UK. I'm already pushing my budget as it is.

I've heard good things about the Samsung SSD's. I'll look into it more.

Does liquid cooling take more or less room in a case because I'm trying to keep the tower as small as possible without impeding on build time and accessibility.

Francisco Costa · Feb 5, 2014

There are cheaper options for the motherboard, like the ASRock Z87 Extreme4, really good for its price.
The PSU you said is also very good, but less efficient and is only semi-modular, whilst the other is full-modular.
Air cooling takes up less space than water cooling.

AngryGoldfish · Feb 5, 2014

I like the Extreme4 for its better audio chip, but I found a deal on a Gigabyte Z87X-UD4H with a CoolerMaster Seidon 120V Radiator for €163 from dabs.ie. The Seidon 120 is €46 on its own from dabs and the Gigabyte Z87X-UD4H is €165 on its own elsewhere. I also think Gigabyte are a better brand somewhat than ASrock. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

What tower specifications will I need if I go with the CoolerMaster Seidon 120MM radiator?

Francisco Costa · Feb 5, 2014

The UD4H is actually one of the best motherboards out there, and the Seidon isn't a bad cooler as well.
Don't worry about the space, it fits in almost every case out there.

AngryGoldfish · Feb 5, 2014

The reviews of the CM Seidon 120V seem favourable enough. Not amazing, but it is a cheap unit compared to other liquid coolers. If I want better sound after I recuperate my moolla on the UD4H I can always add a separate module with better hardware for €40.

I'm quite keen on the CM N600 case. I like the simple looks, and it's affordable. It's just that I've been hearing you may not be able to fit even a 120MM radiator unless you remove the middle hard drive cage as it won't fit above the motherboard on the ceiling. This won't be a problem because I'll only be using, at least for the moment, one SSD (probably install it behind the mobo), one data drive for storage & one optical drive. But I'd rather install above the MB if I can.

Any suggestions of other cases? I quite like the NZXT Source 530, Phantom 410, Fractal Design Define R4, and Corsair Carbide 400R.

Francisco Costa · Feb 5, 2014

Personally I like the 400R, but the other ones are also very good. What prices can you get for them?

AngryGoldfish · Feb 5, 2014

The prices are rough. Some aren't available in Ireland (EURO) so I'm looking on UK websites instead, which means I have to factor in currency exchange, shipping, etc., which may or may not be totalled in the price. So it's rough. And remember we have higher VAT than the US.

Corsair 230T Graphite Series - €80
Corsair 400R - €110
Corsair 500R - €120
Corsair Obsidian 550D - €150 (too much for me I think)
Fractal Design Define R4 - €95
NZXT Source 530 - €100
NZXT Phantom 410 - €110
CoolerMaster N600 - €80

I don't know anything about Zalman, Antec, BitFenix or any other brands. I know a little bit about Inwin. I really like the simplistic designs of the Fractal, 400R and CM N600. I'm trying to avoid flashy cases like the Phantom 410.

Francisco Costa · Feb 5, 2014

AngryGoldfish :

For those prices I'd go for the Fractal Design Define R4 or the Corsair 400R, but probably the Define R4

AngryGoldfish · Feb 6, 2014

Here's another question:

How can I gauge whether a particular CPU cooler will fit in my case in relation to the motherboard and RAM?

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