Need mobo for Ivy Bridge i7

[jibbajoe0129]

So i recently purchased 2 GIGABYTE GA-Z68XP-UD4 to use with the new i7 ivy bridge processor. i had issues getting the system to boot and gigabyte said its because of the Z68 chipset and the bios needs to be updated to use with the new generation of intel processors. At this point im going to return the boards and get something that is supposed to work with the new processors.

Ive researched that i need a Z77 chipset but im having a hard time if finding a good board. im looking for any advice on what board would be good for the i7 ivy bridge. my budget is around 200$ and the only board ive looked into so far is the ASUS Sabertooth Z77. Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

[o1die]

http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-LGA1155-CrossFireX-Motherboard-GA-Z77MX-D3H/dp/B007R21JX6/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1340039266&sr=8-16&keywords=z77+motherboards; go to slickdeals for a $10 off promo code for $100 orders if you order from newegg.com.

 

[jibbajoe0129]

im just gonna throw in here too, if possible i dont want to use a gigabyte board and i definitely dont want a micro board.

 

[o1die]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293
This board comes with an extended warranty and sli bridge if needed.

 

[abekl]

I'm not understanding your aversion to Gigabyte, they make some of the best boards available anywhere. Anyway, The only direct competitor in terms of quality is Asus. It's not necessary to spend 200+ to get a very good board though. Take a look at this. Very full featured.
ASUS P8Z77-V LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131820

 

[jibbajoe0129]

That is actually the exact one i just ordered. and i dont want gigabyte because i have read many places that their boards come with outdated bios versions and that was what caused my issue in the first place. ASUS is what i have used in the past, never should have looked elsewhere, thanks for the help.