ASUS vs ASRock confusion

[WDakhane]

I've shortlisted these 4 motherboards : 1 of ASUS Z77 & 1 of H77 and 2 of ASRock Z77 chipset.

ASUS P8Z77-M PRO
ASUS P8H77-M PRO
ASRock Z77 Extreme4
ASRock Z77 Pro4

I went through the manuals of all but I'm unable to the decide which one to buy.

ASRock ones have 4 SATA III connectors (2 of Z77 chipset & 2 of ASMedia)
ASUS ones have 2 SATA III connectors of Z77 chipset

ASRock has less "ASRock Unique features" compared to ASUS which have some more but essential ones.

ASRock has more 3-4 pin fan connectors than ASUS.

ASRock is less expensive compared to ASUS but ASUS has more features.

What would I be missing if I purchase ASRock instead of ASUS and vice versa!

If my 1st choice is ASUS Z77-M PRO then what should be 2nd and 3rd considering all aspects (cost,unique features,future technologies support,etc)
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[nikorr]

ASUS has also only 6+2 phases compare to 8+4 to Extreme 4.

It means better stability and overclocking.

 

[nikorr]

U can definitely use this one -> ASRock Z77 Extreme 4 -> ... Latest Z77...

I just build PC with this mobo and I like the BIOS, its looks like this.

Works as expected @ 4.4GHz

That is a great mobo choice for the CPU. It has good power design for OC.

Read the Toms review Seven Sub-$160 Z77 Express Motherboards, Reviewed
@ http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/z77-express-ivy-bridge-benchmark,3254.html

ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0387554

 

[nikorr]

We are talking mobos, but whats your CPU?

 

[nikorr]

ASRock and ASUS are made in ASUStek factory.

ASRock is cheaper but offers more features per dollar.

ASUS is #1 in mobo world. But ASRock is #3 and that is not bad at all.

Extreme 4 do just fine in its class of $130 or so.

 

[jaquith]

Depends on your CPU, RAM, GPU and Needs.

Q - What CPU?
Q - Will you OC the CPU?
Q - What RAM?
Q - What GPU or GPU(s)?
Q - What Need and Use?

 

[DarkOutlaw]

H77 = no overclocking for you. One of the biggest reasons I dislike Asus.

 

[odiervr]

ASRock Extreme 4 is very nice. I'm a noob and used it on my first and only build- it works, I'm happy.

Got that MOBO + i5 3570k for just under $300 at Microcenter but had to go to the store to pick it up. Good luck !!

 

[jaquith]

H77 = no overclocking for you. One of the biggest reasons I dislike Asus.

Hmm...Interesting. Both ASUS and ASRock mfg H77 MOBO's and only the ASUS allows a memory frequency >DDR3-1600.

If the OP has an IB (K) CPU then the best bet is a Z77, but anything else again it depends.

Beyond that it's like saying X, Y or Z car is 'best' without knowing a thing about fulfilling to correct needs. Otherwise here's a great convertible -- then finding out the person lives in the tundra with a family of 5 and really needed a full sized SUV.

 

[WDakhane]

So I should go with ASRock I suppose!

Here is my "to be" setup build of a budget gaming n programming rig!

CPU: Intel 2nd Gen Core-i3 2120
RAM: Corsair XMS3 1333MHz/1600MHz (2 x 4GB)
PSU: Corsair CMPSU 430CXV2
GPU: Would install afterwards, till then I'll manage with Intel HD Graphics 2000
Need: Mid range gaming but main purpose is programming for android application development
OC: No overclocking till GPU is installed (ASRock seems fine for OC as suggested by you)

 

[nikorr]

Your CPU is not good overclocker, only the K edition is.

I would rather get this one and this mobo.

More performance with quad core will make your life easier.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157304

i5-2310 Sandy Bridge 2.9GHz (3.2GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115089

 

[WDakhane]

Oh I see but it doesn't matter cause I'm on a tight budget of 600$ (45k Indian Rs approx.)

And infact the any of the Mobos are future intel 3rd gen supported so if I decide to upgrade it would be possible!

So, finally I think I'll go with ASRock Z77 Extreme4 (If I decide to get more performance then OC) or ASUS H77-M PRO (Not looking to OC), am I right?
Also, I'm planning to install a Corsair Force Series 3 60GB or 90GB SATA III SSD as boot drive which would improve performance.

 

[jaquith]

Hmm...from an iGPU standpoint alone the AMD APU are better for gaming. The Sandy Bridge i3-2120 can work on 'any' LGA 1155 MOBO, and the non-K cannot OC - period (raising the BCLK is a super bad idea).

Well if you can wait ~5 weeks the newer Ivy Bridge i3-3225 with Intel HD 4000 will be available in September and very close in price to the i3-2120 with Intel HD 2000 BUT quite a bit faster!

OC Option:
$215 Intel Core i5-3570K - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504
$110 ASUS P8Z77-V LK - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837
====
$325

NON-OC Option:
$(130~$150) NEW Ivy Bridge Intel Core i3-3225 ; September 2012
$110 ASUS P8Z77-V LK - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837
====
$???

vs

$125 Intel Core i3-2120
$133 ASRock Z77 Extreme4
====
$258

 

[jaquith]

Oh I see but it doesn't matter cause I'm on a tight budget of 600$ (45k Indian Rs approx.)

And infact the any of the Mobos are future intel 3rd gen supported so if I decide to upgrade it would be possible!

So, finally I think I'll go with ASRock Z77 Extreme4 (If I decide to get more performance then OC) or ASUS H77-M PRO (Not looking to OC), am I right?
Also, I'm planning to install a Corsair Force Series 3 60GB or 90GB SATA III SSD as boot drive which would improve performance.

Outside N. America and a few Asian countries the availability and pricing are very unpredictable. Further, again, you will NOT be able to OC the CPU unless you purchase a P67, Z68 or Z77 Chipset MOBO and a (K) UNLOCKED Sandy or Ivy Bridge CPU e.g. SB: i5-2500K, i7-2600K; IB: i5-3570K, i7-3770K. On most MOBO's (e.g. H67/H77) you 'can' OC the iGPU, but other than knowing the graphics core frequency can be adjusted I don't really keep up with it.

 

[WDakhane]

You're right but I can't wait cause I've some pending projects n my HP Laptop isn't suitable for heavy apps development!

So,I'll finally go with the following and please point out any minute differences if any or incompatibilities.

1]CPU: Intel 2nd Gen Core-i3 2120
2]RAM: Corsair XMS3 1333MHz/1600MHz (2 x 4GB)
3]PSU: Corsair CMPSU 430CXV2
4]Mobo: ASRock Z77 Extreme4
5]SSD: Corsair Force Series 3 60GB or 90GB SATA III OR OCZ Agility 3 60GB or Vertex or Petrol model
6]GPU: Mid Range one like Nvidia 560 Ti (Afterwards,not now)

I plan to install a NZXT Sentry 2 fan controller.
My Q. is (ASRock has only 1x 4-pin and 2x 3-pin chassis fan connectors) how would the fan controller work if I install 4 Cooler Master 120/140mm fans (either 3 or 4-pin ones)?
Would there be any incompatibility or I need not have to worry!

 

[nikorr]

Post the prices too.

 

[nikorr]

You're right but I can't wait cause I've some pending projects n my HP Laptop isn't suitable for heavy apps development!

So,I'll finally go with the following and please point out any minute differences if any or incompatibilities.

1]CPU: Intel 2nd Gen Core-i3 2120
2]RAM: Corsair XMS3 1333MHz/1600MHz (2 x 4GB)
3]PSU: Corsair CMPSU 430CXV2
4]Mobo: ASRock Z77 Extreme4
5]SSD: Corsair Force Series 3 60GB or 90GB SATA III / OCZ Agility 3 60GB or Vertex/Petrol model
6]GPU: Mid Range one like Nvidia 560 Ti (Afterwards,not now)

I plan to install a NZXT fan controller (Touch screen one) which supports 5 fans,
my Q. is (ASRock has only 1x 4-pin and 2x 3-pin chassis fan controller) how would the fan controller work if I install 4 CM 120/140mm fans (3/4-pin)? would there be any incompatibility or I need not have to worry!

U don't need all those fans at all. It will be waist-full spending.

Why don't u get cheaper mobo and better CPU? That will be much better deal.

 

[WDakhane]

The prices are in Indian Currencies not in $ and the price of component which is listed in $ on US vendor site isn't exactly the same here, its 20-30$ less.
I Hope you understand!

About fans,
if you say its wasteful spending then fine,
I would rather install only 2 blue LED Cooler Master fans just for exterior looks n finish [Case is Corsair Carbide Series 300R],is that ok?

I planned to install the very base level core-i3 CPU and a mid range future proof (Intel 3rd Gen LGA 1155 support) mobo!
Rest is very basic level mid range system.

Were you able to point out any incompatibilities in my earlier post?

 

[nikorr]

All looks fine : )

 

[WDakhane]

Great!
Thanks for help!
I really appreciate it as I had doubts regarding compatibilities which are now cleared. Now I can go ahead and purchase components without hesitation

 

[nikorr]

Yeah, in India u need those fans : ))

 

[WDakhane]

Yeah I know ;-) ha ha nice one!

Anyways I purchased Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz (2 x 4GB).....Looks are Awesome!
Now just mobo remaining!
I'll either go with ASRock Z77 Extreme4/Pro4 or ASUS H77-M PRO!

 

[nikorr]

ASRock Z77 Extreme4 would be my choice.

 

[WDakhane]

Well,
As far as cost and features are concerned,
ASRock Z77 Extreme4 is the best or even Pro4 could work.

About CPU
I suppose I could wait for a month for the 3rd Gen. Core-i3 to release since it has HD Graphics 4000.
If the price of the base model of 3rd Gen. Core-i3 is nearly same as that of 2nd Gen. one then I would buy the Core-i3 3220 [HD Graphics 2500] or 3225 [HD Graphics 4000].

Whats your suggestion,if I wait and buy the 3220 model with HD Graphics 2500?
Any large scale improvements from [HD 2000 to HD 2500] and same thing for 3225 [HD 2000 to HD 4000]?

 

[nikorr]

If u will not buy any of the "K" CPU's, than Pro3 is fine.