First Time Build/ Mobo Advice

stayclassy

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Sep 26, 2015
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Hey Guys,

new user (first post!) and first time builder. I've been doing tons of research here at Tom's (thank you all) and have decided to build my first rig. At first (I feel like so many stories on here start like this..) I had a set budget in mind ($1,000) and I put a rig together on pcpartpicker that could do everything that I would want it to do. But months went by and the idea never came to fruition; that is, until I purchased a EVGA 980 Classified. This card is absolute overkill for most of my intended purposes, but I got it at a decent price and the hope is to stave off future costs as long as possible. So now I have a EVGA 80+Gold 750W PSU on the way as well (again, overkill for now, but hoping that if I decide to SLI with a weaker card in the future I have a little wiggle room as far as electricity is concerned), and am probably making a run to my nearby MicroCenter to grab up a sweet deal they have going right now for a mobo and 4790k. My question to you guys is which Z97 MOBO should I get: the MSI Gaming 5 or the Asus Z97-A? From all my research, MSI has been known to have poor quality control when it comes to their motherboards, and I've also heard that they don't honor their warranties (although this was only one user). When it comes to Asus boards, however, I've heard nothing but praise, from top to bottom really. Considering the dollar difference is minimum here, would I be bad off with either board? The main reason I'm even considering the MSI board is because aesthetically it fits my scheme (red/black, like everyone else...lol), but also because it has the main features I'll likely be using. Heck, if you guys think I should go with a different mobo entirely, let me know! I would like my budget on the motherboard to be no more than $200, and that's pushing it. One last question, and I'll shut up: has anyone had luck purchasing open box mobos from newegg, MicroCenter, etc., and have these motherboards ever gave you any fits? Thanks guys for taking the time to read this ridiculously long post, and thanks for all your help! You can see my current build log below:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/bRKPpg

Approximate Purchase Date: Motherboard and CPU Tomorrow Possibly!!! (well, today technically...)

Budget Range: No more than $500-550 for both parts above, $500-750 rest of build (tax included)

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Home Cinema, Video/Photo Editing, Streaming (If it's something I could find a hobby in)

Are you buying a monitor: Yes

Do you need to buy OS: Yes

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: pcpartpicker.com, microcenter.com, pcoutlet.com, directron.com

Location: OH, USA

Parts Preferences:

Overclocking: Light to Moderate

SLI/Crossfire: Eventually, only Dual SLI likely

Additional Comments: I'd really, really prefer a red/black board, but if I had to bite the bullet I suppose the Asus' gold isn't too bad.. Thanks again for any help guys!!!

stayclassy
 
Solution
I think I might consider the ASRock Fatal1ty Z97 Professional which would match your color scheme, as a viable option current promo puts it in the same price range as the MSI and Asus boards.
For your consideration.
I don't think I would have the faith to purchase an open box motherboard on the Intel platforms since bent pins are such a sore point for RMA

PunishedSnakeGr

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Sep 28, 2015
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there is a fixed build
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/wGJCRB
No one that went for Saber tooth motherboards ever regret it.If u insist on black red,go for MSI Z97A gaming 7
The budget is at 900$ but with the i7+mobo,16 GB Ram,SSD+HDD,and windows license you cant get below without sacrifices.
Do you really need an optical drive,especially BR recorder?kinda wasted 50$ if u dont.
 

stayclassy

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Sep 26, 2015
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Thanks for the advice! I've heard good things of ASRock and their Fatal1ty series, it's definitely something for me to consider. On a side note (and know this sounds... impatient, but it is what it is) having to wait 2-2 1/2 months for $40 doesn't necessarily seem logical when these mobos, and possibly others, could come down before/during the holidays, which could free up $40+ for other things, or it might just sink into a "better" mobo, but I digress. Thanks for the reply sir, and for giving me something in tune with exactly what I was looking for.
 

stayclassy

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Sep 26, 2015
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Thanks for the reply and advice sir! The Blu-Ray will see it's fair share of use with Blu-Ray's, DVD's, burning/ripping and so on, as I do intend to use this rig for entertainment purposes outside of gaming. I also thought about the Mark 2 by Asus, never heard a shred of bad about them, but then it comes to the camo coloring... I mean, it's kinda cool looking, and it's not the most hideous thing I've seen (it's better than that gold they have..) and I realize aesthetics should be the last thing to make me decide on my parts, but if I can get the shoe to fit... you get the idea. Also, if the Z97A Gaming 7 should come back down (was $170 on newegg 2 months ago), I'll probably grab it. All the same, a wonderful bit of insight sir, and something I'll definitely have to keep in mind.
 

hatib

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Jun 21, 2015
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at microcenter you can 5820k for about $300 and msi x99a gaming 7 it is gr8 i use msi x99a gaming 9 ack it is gr8 no problems why not pay $50 and future proof yourself and for mobo you can get t for $250
 

stayclassy

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Sep 26, 2015
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Thanks for your thoughts man. The only real reason I didn't consider an X99 chipset is because of their motherboard costs. Other than that, I'm right there with you on trying to "future-proof" this rig for as long as possible. If I knew that the video editing/uploading gig would actually payout in the end then I likely would get a X99 motherboard, but at the current point, I can't really convince myself that the marginal processing improvements would be better for me, but all the same it was good to do more research into the X99 series; thanks sir!
 

hatib

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Jun 21, 2015
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i am saying that 6 cores can be good for vr because rumors say that vr is going to use mores then 4 cores no one knows what will happen in future so better prepare yourself and in 2016 games will 6 cores developers said that
 

stayclassy

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Sep 26, 2015
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UPDATE: Couldn't make it to MicroCenter today (got called in). So the motherboard debate/solution is still up for grabs! I don't know why I forgot to mention this board earlier, but I think the Asus Z97 Pro Gamer board is nice (and meets aesthetics). Does anybody have any experience with the board or knows someone who does, and is it solid? These things don't seem to be stocked by many carriers; not sure if that's because they sell out so fast or because they're just a pain to get. Thanks again for the help thus far!



Hmmm...
 

stayclassy

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Sep 26, 2015
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UPDATE: Hey guys, not sure that you'll see this considering it's been a while since I've posted, but I have good news! I just bought my motherboard, and while it is absolute overkill for what I plan on doing initially, I got such a good deal I couldn't refuse. The motherboard is... EVGA's Z97 Classified!!! And I paid less than $190, brand new with shipping!!!