Need advice on picking motherboard - for i7 7700k

Viktor03

Prominent
Jul 31, 2017
3
0
510
I was recently given an intel optane 32GB, and I plan on building/upgrading a new pc around it.
Already have/picked most components shown in this link. However when it comes to motherboard choices I am completely overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options on the market. Can anyone give me rundowns for different manufacturers? Are those 'gaming' 'pro' boards just a marketing scam or do they actually do something?

Required features:
- [strike]LGA 1151[/strike]
- ATX form factor or larger
- Z270 chipset; since apparently it seems to be the only one enabled for overclocking and optane.
- 4 RAM (ddr4 obivously) slots
- Minimum 3 sata connectors
- 2 M.2 connectors or more
- Minimum 8 USB 2.0/3.0 back slots (yes I'm aware usb splitters exist but they don't work for a lot of my devices)

Bonus but not really required:
- 6.5mm headphone jack (for HD650)
- Intel's VT-x (equivalent or better) for virtualization acceleration (for virtualbox 64-bit linux)

I will be using it for gaming, testing/compiling python/C applications, general MS office work, and running a p2p program that uses over 30Mbps network upload at all times. Bonus if there's a 6.5mm/10" audio jack.

Also a highly dustproof case to pair with would be nice; I live in an area where huge <10μm pollen storms is prevalent.
 
Solution
THe Big 3 or Big 4 (Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, or even AsRock) have all been in the business many years, and, any of the basic models provide most features 98% of folks want/need..

If you need a unique feature set provided by a MB that happens to have pretty colors, 5 RGB headers a fancy shroud covering a few things or even half the mainboard (TUFF?Armour, Mil-Spec, etc)etc), feel free...

All should do great, let your wallet be your guide! :)

MadOver

Commendable
Sep 1, 2016
210
1
1,760
Well, everyone has their own opinion on brands.
Mine is based on long experience of seeing brands coming and going :D (Abit anyone?)

Top for me, would be Asrock and Asus - They are excellent built, solid and extremely overclocking friendly. Asrock is usually the best bang for the buck from all brands, which makes my favorite.
Gigabyte - Very solid boards, decent price. But lack the overclocking side
MSI - Had too many problems with them, had to let them go. They do good boards, but too many bugs on some that make me stay way from them.

Oh and my advice would be Z270 Fatal1ty. ;)
 
THe Big 3 or Big 4 (Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, or even AsRock) have all been in the business many years, and, any of the basic models provide most features 98% of folks want/need..

If you need a unique feature set provided by a MB that happens to have pretty colors, 5 RGB headers a fancy shroud covering a few things or even half the mainboard (TUFF?Armour, Mil-Spec, etc)etc), feel free...

All should do great, let your wallet be your guide! :)
 
Solution