Which motherboard should I buy?

Bolton_99 · Nov 10, 2014

Which one is better?
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/asrock-z97-extreme3-intel-z97-s1150-ddr3-pcie-30-(x16)-quad-sliquad-crossfirex-vga-dvid-hdmi-atx

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/asrock-z97-pro4-intel-z97-s1150-ddr3-quad-crossfirex-d-sub-dvi-d-hdmi-atx

cin19 · Nov 10, 2014

If you use the i5 4690K it is not the good idea to get either one, Z97 Extreme3 and Z97 Pro4. Because both of them need to update the BIOS to P1.30 to support the cpu. If you buy that MB with the i5 4690K, you and me don't know the PC may or may not boot until you set up the pc, if the PC will not boot that means you need other compatible cpu to update the bios first. If the PC will boot then you are fine, but who knows.
Z97 Extreme3 cpu support list http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z97%20Extreme3/?cat=CPU
Z97 Pro4 http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z97%20Pro4/?cat=CPU

So you may consider to get this one Z97 Anniversary http://www.scan.co.uk/products/asrock-z97-anniversary-intel-z97-s1150-ddr3-pcie-30-%28x16%29-hdmi-atx or if you have the budget get other one, but you need try hard to find the MB that can support the i5 4690k w/o update the BIOS.
Z97 Anniversary http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z97%20Anniversary/?cat=CPU

Bolton_99 · Nov 10, 2014

cin19 :

Thanks for all the help! So will this motherboard (http://www.scan.co.uk/products/asrock-z97-anniversary-intel-z97-s1150-ddr3-pcie-30-%28x16%29-hdmi-atx) not need an update? Also, is it a good board to do a bit of overclocking?

Or could I just get the i5 4670k and use one of these MB (or will they need updated aswell)

cin19 · Nov 10, 2014

Yes, it don't because in the cpu support list, you can see the BIOS is good for all cpu. http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z97%20Anniversary/?cat=CPU

And I found one review from here ( I try to use google ), they can oc i7 4770K to 4.8. I think you will be fine for oc your either i5 4690K or i5 4670k.
Review ( in Greek) http://www.hwbox.gr/content/310-asrock-z97-anniversary-review-page12.html

Bolton_99 · Nov 11, 2014

cin19 :

Will this motherboard still work without a bios update? (With the i5 4690k) http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-z97p

cin19 · Nov 11, 2014

I am not sure that. Because;
1) From asus site the i5 4690K is not in the cpu support list, but I think it is the mistake because the i7 4790K is in the list. http://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/Z97P/HelpDesk_CPU/
2) From the list I guess the i5 4690k need the same BIOS version ( 0310) that is as same as for the i7 4790K.
3) The BIOS 0310 was out 5/30/2014, so it depends on the MB, if the ASUS make the MB after that day you should be fine, and you can check the serial numbers ( you can buy from the local store only) to confirm the date is manufactured, like year and month. Here is how to http://www.service.asus.com/#!motherboard-serial/cqt6
In the Product Registration section, then How do I locate my ASUS product Serial Number?
From the asus: ASUS products have serial numbers that are 10 - 15 characters in length in the following format:
1st digit: Year Manufactured (last digit of the year)
2nd digit: Month Manufactured (1-9, A-C)
4) Keep in mind your MB can't use the USB BIOS flashback feature. That means if the MB need update the BIOS you need other cpu to do it.

Bolton_99 · Nov 11, 2014

cin19 :

I am not sure that. Because;
1) From asus site the i5 4690K is not in the cpu support list, but I think it is the mistake because the i7 4790K is in the list. http://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/Z97P/HelpDesk_CPU/
2) From the list I guess the i5 4690k need the same BIOS version ( 0310) that is as same as for the i7 4790K.
3) The BIOS 0310 was out 5/30/2014, so it depends on the MB, if the ASUS make the MB after that day you should be fine, and you can check the serial numbers ( you can buy from the local store only) to confirm the date is manufactured, like year and month. Here is how to http://www.service.asus.com/#!motherboard-serial/cqt6
In the Product Registration section, then How do I locate my ASUS product Serial Number?
From the asus: ASUS products have serial numbers that are 10 - 15 characters in length in the following format:
1st digit: Year Manufactured (last digit of the year)
2nd digit: Month Manufactured (1-9, A-C)
4) Keep in mind your MB can't use the USB BIOS flashback feature. That means if the MB need update the BIOS you need other cpu to do it.

Okay, thanks for all the help, it is greatly appreciated!
Just one last question, should I just go for the motherboard you recommended earlier? (or will that need a bios update?)

cin19 · Nov 11, 2014

It doesn't need to update the BIOS for either i5 4690K or i5 4670K. It will be good for out of box.
It will be good for your need. Also make sure you have the aftermarket cpu cooler too.

Bolton_99 · Nov 11, 2014

cin19 :

Ah, thanks. Could you recommend one which is quite good but cheap which will fit in my case? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cooler-Master-K-Series-USB3-0-Window/dp/B000O8JD92

cin19 · Nov 11, 2014

It is hard to find, but if you use the i5 4670K then you have more to choose. Sorry.

Also if you don't oc the i5 too much, you may consider the intel Xeon e3 1230V2 or e3 1230V3 version. Like http://www.scan.co.uk/products/intel-xeon-e3-1230-v2-s1155-ivy-bridge-quad-core-33ghz-8mb-smart-cache-33x-ratio-69w-oem because the E3 1230V2 or V3 is similar to the i7 3770 or i7 4770, and e3 doesn't have the iGPU. e3 1230 v2 vs i7 4770 http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Xeon-E3-1230V2-vs-Intel-Core-i7-4770 Then you can get the H97, use the money for the best GPU.

Intel Xeon E3-1230 v3 im Test http://www.computerbase.de/2013-10/intel-xeon-e3-1230-v3-test/3/
Xeon E3-1230 v2 im Test: Core-i7-Leistung für nur 200 Euro http://www.pcgameshardware.de/CPU-Hardware-154106/Tests/Xeon-E3-1230-v2-im-Test-907778/

I don't try to sell xeon to you, just let you know you have other choice.

Bolton_99 · Nov 11, 2014

cin19 :

Sorry, I don't really follow. COuld I just use this mobo http://www.scan.co.uk/products/asrock-z97-anniversary-intel-z97-s1150-ddr3-pcie-30-%28x16%29-hdmi-atx the i5 4690k and an after market heatsink (e.g. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0068OI7T8/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=479289247&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B003IT6RDE&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=0XRKX8YY4W0RNB4W3T72).

Also will that motherboard allow me to do some light overclocking?

cin19 · Nov 11, 2014

Yes, the MB, i5 4690K, and 212evo will work together, but the 212evo will not fit into the Cooler Master K-Series K350, because the case only support CPU cooler height=148.5mm / 5.8 inch, and the 212 evo height is 160mm. Here from the CM case http://www.coolermaster.com/case/mid-tower-k-series/k350-rc-k350-kwn1-en/
You need other case like Cooler Master Elite 430 Advance http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00F4IT8O2/?tag=pcp0f-21 to fit all your pc components.
That case can support CPU cooler height: 163mm / 6.4 inch, and VGA card length: 315mm / 12.4 inch. http://www.coolermaster.com/case/mid-tower/elite-430-black/

Bolton_99 · Nov 11, 2014

cin19 :

Seriously, thanks for all the help. Could you recommend a cpu cooler that will fit in my case?

cin19 · Nov 11, 2014

If you already had that case, and you may consider get the low profile one like Scythe Shuriken CPU Cooler Rev.B http://www.scan.co.uk/products/scythe-shuriken-revb-quiet-low-profile-cooler-3-heat-pipe-htpc-ready-all-amd-intel-cpu because you need at least 110mm or 120mm size cooler, and most of the 120mm cooler has the height 160mm. Or water cooler like Cooler Master Seidon 120V http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/parts/cpu-cooler/#sort=a5&w=1

Bolton_99 · Nov 11, 2014

cin19 :

Thanks so much. I'd rather go with low profile fan as i'm not sure about water cooling. Thanks! Will i work with my cpu?

cin19 · Nov 11, 2014

Yes, it works, here is the compatibility. http://www.scythe-eu.com/en/products/cpu-cooler/shuriken-rev-b.html And it cooling performance is worse than the 212evo.

Bolton_99 · Nov 11, 2014

cin19 :

But that doesn't fit in sadly ;(

Which motherboard should I buy?

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