Best Z170 Motherboard

Tylerr · Apr 29, 2016

So i'm looking to get a motherboard soon and i can't decide between these.

ASRock Z170 Extreme3
GIGABYTE G1 Gaming GA-Z170X-Gaming 3
MSI Gaming Z170A-G45
ASUS Z170-A

Anyone got any experience with them? Which ones have the better customer service in case anything goes wrong?

This is going to last me awhile... i'm still using an abit board from 07.

Eximo · Apr 29, 2016

All quite reasonable.

For a long term PC, I would probably lean towards ASUS or Gigabyte.

The rest of your intended build would help make a decision.

Tylerr · Apr 29, 2016

Eximo :

i will be getting an i5 6600k, i'll be waiting for the new gpus before buying one, i have a 750ti that will hold me over till then.

i already have a cryorig h7 and my case is the Phanteks Enthoo Pro M

Eximo · Apr 29, 2016

Overclocking and longevity don't really mix, but as long as you keep it cool it should last for 3 or 4 years, might have to slowly lower the overclock after that to maintain stability. If you don't plan on overclocking, the i5-6500 would be an okay choice.

Tylerr · Apr 29, 2016

Eximo :

well i've had my Q6600 overclocked for like 4 years now, before that it was my E6300.

but yeah i plan to overclock on this too.

Tradesman1 · Apr 29, 2016

I've worked with both the Asus and GB, both are good mobos, I lean to the Asus for a better BIOS

Tylerr · Apr 30, 2016

better how?

Tradesman1 · Apr 30, 2016

Like the layout and the ability to fine tune the settings to more precise levels

Tylerr · Apr 30, 2016

Tradesman1 :

Hmm well if its asus is the ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING better than the Z170-A? They are around the same price.

Tradesman1 · Apr 30, 2016

Both are very similar the A has a PCI slot, an extra 4 pin PWM header, a dedicated water pump header, the realtek ALCD892 Codec vs the Pro Gamings FX, the PG has more USB 2 in the rear, and think there are a couple three other minor differences, nothing major

Tylerr · Apr 30, 2016

Tradesman1 :

Alright last question... When looking at the pdf for ram compatibility on the A version it doesn't list the specific ram i want to get.

does that mean it won't support it? There isn't anything particularly special about the ram i just didn't want any of those ugly heatsinks.

this is the ram here

is the small list that they have in the pdf really the only ram that works on it or should that be fine? I mean i want to get a 2x8gb kit but there's only like 2 even on the pdf that they say works.

on the newegg page they list the ram as compatable with the board but asus doesn't.

Tradesman1 · Apr 30, 2016

No the list is just what they tested that they had available in their labs when they tested. The GSkill NT sticks will be perfectly fine with your mobo.

Tylerr · Apr 30, 2016

okay thanks.

Tradesman1 · Apr 30, 2016

No worries

Bearmann · Apr 30, 2016

http://www.asus.com/us/site/motherboards/Z170/compare/

The Pro-Gaming has the better sound and extra rear USB ports. The A has a better USB implementation (Intel versus AS Media).

Tradesman1 · Apr 30, 2016

Both use Intel for the USB 2 and 3 ports, and both use ASmedia for the USB 3.1

Bearmann · Apr 30, 2016

Tradesman1 :

Of course you are correct. I was thinking of the difference between the Pro and the Pro-Gaming. The Pro uses the Intel 3.1 controller.

I believe the Pro-Gaming is usually a bit more expensive than the Z170-A. Isn't the VRM on the Pro-Gaming a little better than the one on the Z170-A?

Tradesman1 · Apr 30, 2016

Believe the Pro gaming run a 10 pahase which is slightly better than the Z170-A's 8 phase as it's more directly oriented to OCing

Tradesman1 · Apr 30, 2016

Believe the Pro gaming run a 10 phase which is slightly better than the Z170-A's 8 phase as it's more directly oriented to OCing

Bearmann · Apr 30, 2016

Tradesman1 :

I didn't remember the specifics, but that was my recollection.

Tradesman1 · Apr 30, 2016

Yeah, I'm not sure of their exact plans, but it appears like is positioning the Pro Gaming almost as a non-ROG entry level ROG mobo...if that makes any sense. Just a step below the Ranger

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