Motherboard purchase question

I’m thinking of building my own machine, rather than buying a pre-built one. I keep reading that it is better to build your own, but I know nothing about which parts to buy. I know that the pieces have to work with each other, but don’t know where to begin.

I’ve been trying to do some research on components but I am so lost.

Of all the parts, I’m having the biggest problem understanding the motherboard. There are so many different options with some companies having 3-4 motherboards that are only $10-20 difference in price, but on the surface they seem to be the same. I’m sure that each one has differences, but I don’t know what they are.

About the only thing I’m pretty sure I need is a Z77 for an Intel CPU. I don’t want the cheapest board, but I don’t need the most expensive one either. So I’m looking at a price range of around $150-175.

I’ve heard that ASUS gets great reviews, but has horrendous support. Good support is important to me since I am a novice at building a machine.


Can you please give me some suggestions on which motherboards to get.



Thank you

Jerry