Why are X79 mobo's so expensive

[Slickrick214]

I wanted to do a new build using the new Intel X79 chipset with a socket 2011. I was surprised at the prices compared to the current Z68 chipset, there pretty much was no motherboard starting under 200 dollars. So what I wanted to know is why is the new X79 boards so much more than the old Z68? What added features do they have that makes them start so much higher?

 

[amuffin]

More bandwith, faster ram, better parts etc. etc.

 

[jimmysmitty]

More bandwith, faster ram, better parts etc. etc.

Actually it comes down to one thing caused by two parts: more layers. The more layer needed for a mobo, the higher the cost and a X79 mobo has more layers due to the two extra memory channes and 4 extra DIMM slots and as well the extra PCIe lanes.

Added features are Quad channel DDR3 vs dual channel DDR3, 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes vs 20 PCIe 2.0 (3.0 if a Gen3 Z68) lanes and more SATA 6GB possible, I think the server boards have like 10 SAS/SATA 6GB/s.

 

[amuffin]

i see...^^

 

[Slickrick214]

So how is this going to affect us consumers. As a gaming enthusiast I don't mind but what about for non enthusiast and what about OEM computers?

 

[amuffin]

OEM's have the bare minimal, but for consumers or enthusiasts x79 is the high end stuff.

 

[Slickrick214]

Yea but will OEM's use the X79 or Z68? Also then do you think most non enthusiast will stick with the older but cheaper Z68 boards. I don't think non enthusiast would be willing to spend so much on just a motherboard.

 

[amuffin]

Most oem now use P67. Then again that is why x79 is an "enthusiast" processor family, where as z68 is the consumer end.

 

[Slickrick214]

O I was under the impression that X79 would be like Z68, that is they would have different levels for all consumers from low budget builds to high end gaming. I didn't know the X79 was pretty much being marketed to just enthusiast.

 

[amuffin]

That's why the i7-3930k and 3960X are on x79, not z68

 

[Slickrick214]

O yea I forgot about that.