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Mobo, CPU and RAM, help choosing?

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  • System Builder
  • Motherboards
  • RAM
  • CPUs
  • Components
Last response: in Components
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July 26, 2014 9:04:54 PM

So I am trying to find a good setup for my new watercooled rig. I have already chosen the i7 4790k CPU, now just trying to pick a good Mobo and RAM.

Motherboard requirements:
Overclockable (this part is easy)
Good looks, black prefered for my build
Crossfire (16,16 prefered although I am sure 8,8 is just fine)
M2 would be nice, want fast transfers

RAM requirements:
Gaming and some high res photo editing so 16GB min

This is what I have chosen so far
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-Gaming 9 AC ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($299.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Dominator Platinum 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($269.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $879.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-07-26 23:46 EDT-0400

But other Mobos. I am choosing between:
MSI Z97 Mpower Max : For adding to watercool loop, better clockability?
MSI Z97 Gaming 7: not as good looking but save some $'s
ASRock Z97 Extreme9: only decent Z97 that offers 16 and 16 PCIe Crossfire

So basically looking for help from anyone with experience or who knows on these final choices? Any strong recommendations for amendments?

Edit: I am new to OC'ing so this will be a long road learning so something a "little" easier to work with would be preferred, but not a deal breaker. I intend to take my time and learn with it.

Just as a note I have EK waterblock for RAM but I think the Corsair Dominator and DomGT range are too old so going to just add plates to other RAM chips and just happen to have chosen Dom Plat. Any thoughts here appreciated.

Joel

More about : mobo cpu ram choosing

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a c 1462 V Motherboard
a c 1060 à CPUs
July 26, 2014 9:12:36 PM

Look into ASUS boards.
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July 26, 2014 9:36:56 PM

SR-71 Blackbird said:
Look into ASUS boards.


Thanks SR-71 Blackbird,

I haven't had a PC for a long time and after research I have to say I have been developing a preference for ASUS but there just isn't a board that suit what I want, maybe the Sabertooth might be a good choice? What board would you suggest for the requirements I have listed? Keep in mind I am somewhat flexible to looks but not entirely. My rig will be on show and some of the ASUS, while well spec'ed, are downright ugly!

Silly to put looks above I know but that is just how my build has panned out.
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a c 1462 V Motherboard
a c 1060 à CPUs
July 26, 2014 9:40:14 PM

I love the look of MSI boards but they have terrible QC.
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a c 1462 V Motherboard
a c 1060 à CPUs
July 26, 2014 9:42:34 PM

Actually I like the ASRock Z97 Extreme9 of the ones you listed.
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July 26, 2014 10:06:22 PM

SR-71 Blackbird said:
Actually I like the ASRock Z97 Extreme9 of the ones you listed.


I think I agree, love the features and even though it seems 16+16 on the PCE won't matter vs. 8+8 I still cant help but love the idea of having it.

Its a super new board and not even any reviews out yet but I don't think I could lose on the features it has

Worried about the quality as it really is cheap for the features. I think I will go this way in the end. Will keep everyone posted and post photos of my build once done. I have gone way over the top but investing my spare time into this is helping me get through tough and stressful times at the moment!

Thanks for your input

Joel
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a c 1462 V Motherboard
a c 1060 à CPUs
July 26, 2014 10:08:06 PM

Keep me posted , would love to see photos of the finished build.
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a c 1776 V Motherboard
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July 26, 2014 11:39:49 PM

Look at the Asus Z97-WS if you want 16x16, but keep in mind many say going 16x16 with the additional chip actually hurts performance as signals are sent to the slots in individual mode....I'd look to the Asus Formula or the Hero, I have the Z97 Hero (also the Z87 Hero, both in sig) and the Z97 would make you very happy ;) 
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a b à CPUs
July 27, 2014 12:14:03 AM

IMHO the EVGA Z97 EATX is the best looking and is packed full of features. Also unless you already have the ram I would go with 2 X 8GB DIMMs it will essentially cost the same and it leaves to slots open to upgrade in the future to 32GB
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July 27, 2014 1:32:51 AM

noob222 said:
IMHO the EVGA Z97 EATX is the best looking and is packed full of features. Also unless you already have the ram I would go with 2 X 8GB DIMMs it will essentially cost the same and it leaves to slots open to upgrade in the future to 32GB


Awesome thanks Noob,

That board looks awesome! Really uncomfortable buying EVGa though. To be honest, I dont even know why. Awesome advice on RAM by the way, haven't ordered yet so will deffinitely factor that in
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July 27, 2014 1:34:45 AM

Tradesman1 said:
Look at the Asus Z97-WS if you want 16x16, but keep in mind many say going 16x16 with the additional chip actually hurts performance as signals are sent to the slots in individual mode....I'd look to the Asus Formula or the Hero, I have the Z97 Hero (also the Z87 Hero, both in sig) and the Z97 would make you very happy ;) 


Thanks Tradesman,

I hadnt heard that about 16+16, if thats the case given the small, if possibly even no performance increase going to 16+16 iI will steer clear. I really love the Hero so now theres a fourth in the mix, good price too so I am pretty keen on that one now.
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a c 1776 V Motherboard
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July 27, 2014 9:52:49 AM

Think you'd be happy w/ the Hero, love the Z87 and was very happy the Z97 is even better, OCs better, handles DRAM better, runs cooler and the BIOS has improved
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August 29, 2014 5:18:04 AM

So Thank you everyone for your help here.

I looked into ASUS, ended up with the Maximus VII Formula, nearly finished my build then it will be time to OC!
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a c 1776 V Motherboard
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August 29, 2014 9:37:45 AM

Good choice, keep us updated!
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!