Need i7 3770k Motherboard Suggestions

[mxrcdude]

If there is one component of a computer that confuses me the most, it is the motherboard. My current build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/7D2i

Future plans:
Add 2 more sticks of 8GB 1600MHz RAM (4x8GB total)
Add a second Radeon 7970

I'm trying to keep this build around $1500, but I still need to choose a motherboard and case. I'm not entirely sure what to look for when it comes to motherboards, so any motherboard suggestions?

 

[nikorr]

Hi there,

I would not add the RAM later. Use 1 kit, it saves the trouble.

Read this @ http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/z77-extreme6-z77a-gd65-z77h2-a2x,3187.html

 

[nikorr]

I would go with this one ASUS P8Z77-V PRO



The ASUS P8Z77-V PRO is a top mid-range motherboard, and therefore targeted to the user who wants more features than mainstream motherboards provide, such as three PCI Express x16 slots, eight USB 3.0 ports, a Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g/n card, and an above-average voltage regulator circuit.
The only feature that we didn't like about the P8Z77-V PRO was the choice of audio codec. Since it is a top mid-range product, we'd expect it to use a high-end codec such as the ALC898 or the ALC889, which provide a higher signal-to-noise ratio. On the other hand, if you are not going to work professionally with audio editing or converting analog audio to digital format, that won't be a problem for you.
If you want even more features, you may consider the ASUS P8Z77-V DELUXE, which brings the following advantages over the PRO model and costs USD 50 more:
• Realtek ALC898 audio codec (higher signal-to-noise ratio)
• The Wi-Fi card is dual-band with two antennas, achieving higher performance on IEEE 802.11n networks
• Bluetooth 4.0
• Two Gigabit Ethernet ports instead of only one
• Presence of a PLX switch chip, allowing higher performance when several data transfers are being executed at the same time
• POST diagnostics display
• Two eSATA-600 ports
N. Button for the "BIOS Flashback" function located on the motherboard rear panel
• Voltage regulator circuit with more phases
The PRO model, however, has VGA and DVI-I outputs, connectors not available on the DELUXE model.
Of course, if you don't need all the extra features available on the ASUS P8Z77-V PRO, such as additional USB 3.0 ports, a third PCI Express x16 slot, and a Wi-Fi card, you can pick a more affordable product.

Review here
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/ASUS-P8Z77-V-PRO-Motherboard/1529/1

 

[nikorr]

 

[mxrcdude]

So I'm pretty much just looking at the Asus, MSi, and ASRock. It seems like the MSi ($180 @ NCIX) has fit issues (the only reason I'm not definitely going with it). The ASRock ($170) is somewhat inconsistent and uses the slower USB 3.0 controller for at least some of its ports. The Asus seems to have very little problems, but is also $223 @ NCIX.

 

[mxrcdude]

Also, do I have to get the z77 chipset? Should I even worry about other chipsets even if I can get others?

 

[nikorr]

Also, do I have to get the z77 chipset? Should I even worry about other chipsets even if I can get others?

Don't u want to have fast set up?

Its also feature rich and it has the latest goodies.

 

[nikorr]

So I'm pretty much just looking at the Asus, MSi, and ASRock. It seems like the MSi ($180 @ NCIX) has fit issues (the only reason I'm not definitely going with it). The ASRock ($170) is somewhat inconsistent and uses the slower USB 3.0 controller for at least some of its ports. The Asus seems to have very little problems, but is also $223 @ NCIX.

All 3 are good mobos. Similar in the quality.

Get the one that is close to your budget.

I am sure u want be disappointed.

 

[mxrcdude]

I just wanted to check to make sure the chipset I was planning on using was the right choice. All three are in my budget (w/ the Asus pushing it), which is why I'm trying to get opinions on each.

 

[juniiflow]

Asus or ASrock

i am bulding my pc and i am going to buy ASrock.

Even tough asus is a higer price, it comes with more options.

but ASrock is just as good.

what is your budget?

 

[juniiflow]

I just wanted to check to make sure the chipset I was planning on using was the right choice. All three are in my budget (w/ the Asus pushing it), which is why I'm trying to get opinions on each.

Go for Asus. is better than Msi, and ASrock. get it if you can afforded.

 

[mxrcdude]

I went with the Asus P8Z77-V PRO for $200. Thank you guys.

 

[mxrcdude]

Best answer selected by mxrcdude.

 

[juniiflow]

I went with the Asus P8Z77-V PRO for $200. Thank you guys.

good lucks.

 

[nikorr]

This topic has been closed by Nikorr