Looking for a board with 2+ actual PCI-Express 3.0 slots

[Mindstab Thrull]

I'm looking to build a new system and would love to have a board that supports Crossfire and/or SLI configurations "properly". By this I mean that at least two slots aren't just usable as x16 on their own but in multi-GPU setups as well. Thus far the least expensive option in a recent chipset is the Asus Z87-WS at about US$290. I've found less expensive options but the next best seems to be x16 on one slot and x8 on the other, and after that it's x8/x8 and down. Are there any other good options?

 

[Xexoxix]

Here's a really good one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131989

 

[Nickeroo]

Here's a really good one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131989

^^^^^^^^I vote for that board as well^^^^^^^^ IT IS AMAZING!

 

[Mindstab Thrull]

Thing is that one, as most seem to do, goes to x8/x8 when you're using two cards (see under the Specifications tab, down at Expansion Slots). Although I suppose arguably you can use one 3.0 slot and the 2.0 slot to reach x16/x16, but I was looking for 3.0@x16/3.0@x16.

 

[Xexoxix]

Thing is that one, as most seem to do, goes to x8/x8 when you're using two cards (see under the Specifications tab, down at Expansion Slots). Although I suppose arguably you can use one 3.0 slot and the 2.0 slot to reach x16/x16, but I was looking for 3.0@x16/3.0@x16.

The performance difference between PCI2.0 and PCI3.0 is marginal at best. Maybe 1 or 2 frames different.

 

[Damn_Rookie]

Can we ask why you want a motherboard that specifically does x16/x16, as opposed to one that does x8/x8? Genuinely curious.

To answer your specific question, you should either look towards a LGA 2011 board (and appropriate processor), or a Z77 board that has a PLX chip (that's what the ASUS board you mentioned above has). The PLX chip adds a lot to the cost, and is normally only added to high end boards, hence why you haven't found a cheaper Z77 board yet.

 

[Mindstab Thrull]

So I've been reading. Apparently most games can't use up the entire bandwidth that's available in 2.0, let alone 3.0, so 2.0 just might be good enough. Gives me something to consider. As for actual two 3.0x16's at x16, are there really any other options?

 

[Damn_Rookie]

Here are a couple more Z87 options, but they're both far more expensive than the ASUS one you posted above...

GIGABYTE GA-Z87X-OC Force

MSI Z87 XPOWER

Edit: As you seem to be aware, bandwidth isn't enough of an issue that x16/x16 at 3.0 'speeds' is much of a benefit over x8/x8. That's why the boards with PLX chips are more to cater to those wanting 3 way or 4 way SLI/Crossfire, with 8x/8x/8x/8x set ups.