Need advice picking a motherboard for a budget build

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BooDal

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Oct 10, 2012
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Hello,

I've assembled a budget build to fit my needs (gaming, office apps, light programming, internet...) but I got a little confused when it came to choose the right motherboard that fits my needs. At first I chose ASRock H97-pro4 but then decided maybe I can save a few bucks with ASRock H81M or other cheaper boards. Now I'm kinda lost so I'll appreciate the help.

My build:
Intel i5-4460
1x8GB Kingston HyperX Fury
EVGA GTX 960
Seagate barracuda 1TB
Seasonic 520W S12II 80+ Bronze certified
Corsair 200R
LG x24 DVD-RW Drive

I don't plan to SLI or OC (maybe just the GPU). It would be nice to have 2 front USB 3 because it's included in the case. Finally, there is a possibility that I will get an SSD in the future.

Thank you very much,

BooDal
 
Solution
filippi


H97 will supports upgrade to Broadwell (Intel next gen cpu).
And yes: Buy now a single 8GB stick for soon upgrade to 2x8GB is not a bad idea at all.
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filippi

filippi

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Oct 18, 2012
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ASRock H81M will usually need a BIOS update for Haswell Refresh CPUs like i5-4460. ASRock H97-pro4 wont.
You will need a Haswell NO-Refresh CPU in order to do that.

That been said, a MSI or a ASRock H81M will indeed save you a few bucks.
 
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AdviserKulikov

AdviserKulikov

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Jan 13, 2015
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The 4460 is supported by the H81M chipset

http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/motherboard/#sort=a8&u=1&h=1,8&s=24&c=92

Here are a list with USB 3 headers, sorted by price. These are bargain bin boards with such old chipsets.

Considering you might add an SSD, I suggest this one due to it supported faster SATA connections.

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-h81mdplus

You will need an older CPU to update the BIOS, some Microcenter places I've been to will allow a courtesy PC to update it with if you ask for tech support when buying it. You may also be able to send it in to the manufacturer for an update.
 
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boosted1g

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Jun 12, 2013
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Others have already informed you of the bios issue with an H81 board. Now its completely possible to get a board with newer firmware on it for that CPU, its just a gamble.

On a side note, get 2x4gb of ram, not 1x8 gb of ram. Ram is designed to work in pairs and you will actually degrade your performance by 15% by using only 1 stick
 
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AdviserKulikov

AdviserKulikov

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This is sound enough advice, however using a single higher capacity stick makes it more likely he can hold onto the RAM for future use. Mobos and CPUs are becoming more tolerant of mismatched RAM. Depends on his future parts budget really.
 
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BooDal

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Oct 10, 2012
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Thanks for quick the reply.

The BIOS update is no issue because it's included in the price (the place I'm buying from is offering free assembling).
I know dual channel have better performance but I understand it is not very noticeable. If I get a single 8GB stick I can later buy another one. With 2 4GB sticks I can't (with a 2 RAM slot motherboard).
If you guys can note the big differences between the H97 and the H81 or B85 motherboards I will really appreciate it.
 
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filippi

filippi

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Oct 18, 2012
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H97 will supports upgrade to Broadwell (Intel next gen cpu).
And yes: Buy now a single 8GB stick for soon upgrade to 2x8GB is not a bad idea at all.
 
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