Best mini-itx mobo?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
L

LordRascus

Reputable
Jul 4, 2015
104
0
4,680
So I'm building my new gaming pc in the prodigy by bitfenix, and my original choice for motherboard was this Z97I-PLUS from ASUS.

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=138_1491&products_id=27540

I then came across this and wondered whether it was worth the extra hundred bucks.

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=138_1491&products_id=28699

I want a good life out of this pc, it will be working with either an i7 4790K or i5 4690K, I want decent overclocking, the gpu will be a GTX 980.

Also, are there any skylake mini itx mobos?
 
Solution
wildfire707
Best always depends on what you like and what the system will be used for. The ASUS motherboards do have the best overclocking software, but you pay extra for it and the maximum overclock speed is similar to other top tier manufacturers.

The first motherboard that you mentioned is very popular and has the ASUS AISuite software to overclock while running Windows (no need to go into the BIOS). This motherboard is usually the best option for people who want to overclock an mITX system and pick a case with good airflow.

The second one uses higher grade components, but its additional riser cards (especially the power distribution one) can cause problems with airflow in mITX cases. It is designed for the low profile version of mITX, and you...
Sort by date Sort by votes
wildfire707

wildfire707

Distinguished
Dec 29, 2011
759
1
19,660
Best always depends on what you like and what the system will be used for. The ASUS motherboards do have the best overclocking software, but you pay extra for it and the maximum overclock speed is similar to other top tier manufacturers.

The first motherboard that you mentioned is very popular and has the ASUS AISuite software to overclock while running Windows (no need to go into the BIOS). This motherboard is usually the best option for people who want to overclock an mITX system and pick a case with good airflow.

The second one uses higher grade components, but its additional riser cards (especially the power distribution one) can cause problems with airflow in mITX cases. It is designed for the low profile version of mITX, and you will not be using that with a full size video card. I think that I would only recommend the ASUS Maximus VII Impact motherboard for industrial applications, where space and reliability are the highest priority.

Personally, as I would use wireless networking - I usually opt for the ASRock Z97M-ITX/AC motherboard. It has the best wifi system I have seen (but with 3 bulky external antennas). Overclocking it does require many visits to the BIOS and system reboots, though.

The only mITX Socket 1151 (Skylake style) motherboard that I have seen is the EVGA Z170 Stinger 111-SS-E172-KR.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom