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Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 (VS) GIGABYTE GA-970A-UD3P

Tags:
  • Motherboards
  • Computers
  • Gigabyte
  • Ebay
  • System Builder
  • Build
  • Asus
  • Compatibility
Last response: in Motherboards
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June 26, 2014 9:13:18 AM

Hello. Here is my computer I am going to build:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2NYFK8

But I can't decide what MOBO to get...

GIGABYTE GA-970A-UD3P ($88 on ebay)
or
Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ($89 on ebay)

They both have a lot of similaritys but I'm not sure if one would be better for my build or not. Thank you.

More about : asus m5a97 gigabyte 970a ud3p

Best solution

a c 1404 V Motherboard
a c 360 Ĉ ASUS
June 26, 2014 9:20:09 AM

I upgraded the power supplt to a more reliable one and listed low profile ram modules that won't interfere with the cooler.

Not even close this is the better board.
GIGABYTE GA-970A-UD3P


Has a 8+2 power phase design ^


The ASUS board is very poor , a THERMAL NIGHTMARE.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($174.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($145.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ Best Buy)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($180.38 @ Newegg)
Case: Apevia X-HERMES-BL ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($25.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $772.29
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
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a c 136 V Motherboard
a b Ĉ ASUS
June 26, 2014 9:21:36 AM

I agree, the gigabyte is the better board.
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a b V Motherboard
June 26, 2014 9:24:09 AM

The M5A97 R2.0 that usually gets recommended is not the LE version. Just the M5A97 R2.0.

While both versions (of the Asus board) have a lower phase count than the Gigabyte you mentioned, the LE doesn't even have a heatsinked VRM.
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a c 136 V Motherboard
a b Ĉ ASUS
June 26, 2014 9:28:14 AM

Also(again) after looking at the build i would suggest a different PSU the CX series used cheap secondary caps that have a short life span. If you are not planning on crossfire get this 550w XFX is a very good unit and on sale atm.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb...
If you are wanting to crossfire later here's a better 750w psu
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-110b1075...
Whats the system mainly going to be used for? If its a gaming rig you could also drop the ram to 8Gb(2x4) and spend that extra on a faster video card.
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a b V Motherboard
June 26, 2014 9:32:49 AM

Oh, I didn't even notice the part picker link haha.

If you're looking for some build help, you could easily tweak things to get a much greater price to performance ratio.

What will you use the computer for?

If gaming, what resolution will you play at?
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June 26, 2014 12:18:52 PM

My monitor is a 20" 1600:900. I plan to do gaming like COD, Minecraft and GTA V when it comes out. I also am going to be doing a little video editing, photoshop and dvd burning. Thank you for the MOBO input; I will go with the Gigabyte. And bignastyid it is brand new on ebay from newegg... Why do people think ebay is just used. lol. Thank you guys very much.
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June 26, 2014 12:36:22 PM

I also am going to go With G.Skill ram. But I don't understand what is wrong withe PSU? I need a 700w+ because I may crossfire/sli someday. But why not corsair CX?
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a c 136 V Motherboard
a b Ĉ ASUS
June 26, 2014 12:37:56 PM

My bad I know ebay sells new aswell but usually just see the used stuff here, so i assumed used.
Modified it a bit dropped the ram to 8gb and added a r9 280
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/sKTcRB
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/sKTcRB/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 280 3GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Apevia X-HERMES-BL ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($50.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $784.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

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a c 136 V Motherboard
a b Ĉ ASUS
June 26, 2014 12:39:26 PM

secretumpiratica said:
I also am going to go With G.Skill ram. But I don't understand what is wrong withe PSU? I need a 700w+ because I may crossfire/sli someday. But why not corsair CX?


The CX uses cheap secondary capacitors that have a short life. I have used 5 CX PSU's 4 failed after 1yr and I replaced the 5th as a precautionary measure.
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June 26, 2014 12:53:58 PM

What brand PSU do you recommend then, XFX and what? Also is there anything wrong with the Ripjaws Z Series RAM?
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a c 136 V Motherboard
a b Ĉ ASUS
June 26, 2014 1:10:07 PM

For PSUs i usually stick with Seasonic, XFX, Antec, Corsair(TX, HX and AX models), and the higher end EVGAs. The ripjaws z series is good.
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June 26, 2014 1:22:00 PM

I'm looking for a 700w+ PSU for added GPU in the future.
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a c 1404 V Motherboard
a c 360 Ĉ ASUS
June 26, 2014 1:24:54 PM

Go 850w for the future , here's the BEST 850W on the market 9.9 from jonnyguru , I own 2 of them
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=...
Review here ^

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $109.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
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June 26, 2014 1:30:45 PM

What is the highest rated highest wattage highest recommended PSU for under $90?
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June 26, 2014 1:46:21 PM

Um thats not for $89.99. It says $110 and I don't want to do a rebate. Ok. Maybe I wont get another gpu. What is the best wattage for my build? Is 550 really ok or should I get a 6 something. I want a psu that is:

1) Under $100 (no rebate)
2) Not some random brand or from some random website
3) Semi modular if possible
4) 80 Gold Rated
5) Will be able to power my build with a little extra

What about this?:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
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June 26, 2014 8:39:20 PM

Wow. Thanks guys.
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a c 1404 V Motherboard
a c 360 Ĉ ASUS
June 26, 2014 8:40:34 PM

We are all glad to help good luck with your choice.
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a c 136 V Motherboard
a b Ĉ ASUS
June 27, 2014 9:14:07 AM

Get one of the XFX units.
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!