Which motherboard to get?? :(

ThatAfricanDude · Jul 27, 2015

so these boards are all nearly the same in pricepoint, now things to keep in mind, I will definitely overclock, also custom loop in the future (red theme)

So the boards are

MSI z97m gaming
ASrock fatal1ty z97m killer
Gigabyte GA-z97mx gaming 5

I originally wanted to take the ASrock, but i thought then my build would have too much red, I didnt want to take the MSI because its overpriced if you look at its features compared to the other 2, but third im not sure about the Gigabyte board because it has one big ass heatsink on the top and i fear it would interfere with top case rads/large cpu heatsinks

So now im here, seeking professional opinion (also dont fanboy, performance and build quality is all i want)

abaday789 · Jul 27, 2015

I have the AM3+ (AMD) version of the ASRock board and can't fault it looks wise although I have gone with a red/black theme for my rig.

The ASRock and Gigabyte boards are pretty similar in spec but if you're planning to OC go with the gigabyte board they're typically better renowned for over clocking plus having better heatsync as you've already noticed due to their size.

ThatAfricanDude · Jul 28, 2015

Thanks, also are you sure the gigabyte will overclock better, the asrock has a better whatever phase power design than the gigabyte? Does that make any difference (ps im a noob)

Also do you know of any mATX motherboards for am3/am3+?? Like qulity ones.. I originally wanted to do an amd build but ditched it cause i cant find a good red and black mATX board, a good mATX board overall for that matter, any suggestions?

abaday789 · Jul 28, 2015

Either board would be fine for OC really just go with whichever one you think you would prefer the most. I my self would go for the ASRock board only because I have used a number of their boards and have never had an issue with them.

mATX AM3+ boards are short and far between. There's very few on the market and none of them are particularly amazing I found this post here http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/22102-best-amd-am3-micro-atx/ on linus tech tips forum about what you are asking for.
There's a far better offering of mATX FM2+ boards but most FM2+ chips are for more consumer/work station computers compared to AM3+ which currently has a far stronger set of chips in that socket that are suited for gaming in my opinion (e.g. the FX-8350).

Hope that helps

ThatAfricanDude · Jul 28, 2015

It sucks that there isnt much variety for am3+ mATX, i would have loved to do an amd build but since i have an enthoo evolv.. Seems that wont be an option

thanks for all the help though

abaday789 · Jul 28, 2015

Yeah I know it is a touch annoying but the only reason people really buy SFF mobos is for SFF builds and all the higher end AM3+ chips run pretty warm in the first place which is partly why I think AM3+ mATX boards haven't really hit it off, as SFF build plus warm running chip = very warm build. Hence why even AMD themselves build a SFF branded rig using an intel chip compared to using one of their own although they are using one of their own graphics cards haha.

But hey ho that the way it is unfortunately. There's a good collection of mITX boards that run intel which are pretty good though if you did want to go SFF. But if you have to go down the normal ATX board route you might as well just choose whichever you prefer and gives you the best bang for your buck will all the features etc. that you want/need.

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Which motherboard to get?? :(

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