Gaming Motherboard Upgrade Recommendations: Z170

[the85darkknight]

I have chosen to upgrade my PC around the i7-6700K. My GPU was already upgraded to a MSI GTX 970 last year. I am interested in upgrading my motherboard at the same time as my ASUS P7P55D-E LX ATX LGA1156 is quite out of date. I want to upgrade within a month or two hopefully within a budget of $500-$600. I understand this will likely include new RAM as what I have is likely not to be supported. I have been looking at the Z170 chipset as I am interested in overclocking. What boards might you recommend and why? Thank you for your help. I will gladly answer any questions you may have.

My current build: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/cgM6BP

 

[MadOver]

Well, I personally think the i7 6700K is a bit overkill when you have a 970 GTX...
But here you go:

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/2r4z6X
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/2r4z6X/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.88 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Newegg Marketplace)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z170 Gaming K6 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $589.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-12-03 02:13 EST-0500

Dont forget a good cooler to go along

 

[the85darkknight]

I like your selection. What does ASRock offer? I know nothing of them. The Thermaltake cooler I have may work with it. I look forward to further input.

 

[Tradesman1]

With your CPU selection I ' d look at the Asus Z170-A or their Pro Gamer, have numerous build on each, the 2x8GB of DDR4 prob 2400 or 2466 - I like the GSkill RipJaws V or Trident Z lines have tested with numerous sets of both in my Z170 and my X99

 

[ac13044]

asus pro gaming
i5 6500 as you do not plan on o\c
keep gpu
and upgrade ram to ddr4

 

[the85darkknight]

asus pro gaming
i5 6500 as you do not plan on o\c
keep gpu
and upgrade ram to ddr4

I actually do plan on a bit of O/C. I have accepted my fate here that I will have to upgrade my RAM. My current mobo has G.Skill Ripjaws Z, but it is only DDR3 and incompatible with any Z170 board. What do you know about the ASUS Z170 Pro Gaming board?

 

[the85darkknight]

Well, I personally think the i7 6700K is a bit overkill when you have a 970 GTX...
But here you go:

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/2r4z6X
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/2r4z6X/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.88 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Newegg Marketplace)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z170 Gaming K6 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $589.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-12-03 02:13 EST-0500

Dont forget a good cooler to go along

I love your suggestions. What do you know about ASRock? What is special about them? I don't know much about the brand. I thought my CPU cooler might fit, but I noticed now that the box does not have 1151 listed. My current CPU cooler is a Thermalright Venomous X Black Edition. What other CPU coolers might you recommend? I have a bit of a dark build (hence, the black cooler).

 

[ac13044]

ah roght I see go with the 6600k a few quid extra. yea ddr4 is for the lga1151 socket. worth getting doe. well iv got that mobo. it is for the price and in todays gen a pretty neat board has slot for m2 storage compatible with 2240 2260 2280.
1 x SATA Express
(compatible with 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports)
4 x SATA 6Gb/s doe if a When the M.2 Socket 3 is operating in SATA mode, SATA port 1 will be disabled. that mean if you have a m2 installed then there will be x5 sata ports usable. sure not losing out i have provided a link below to asus website all about the asus pro gaming
Dual DDR4 3400 (OC) support
PRO Clock technology, 5-Way Optimization and 2nd-generation T-Topology: Easy and stable overclocking
SupremeFX: Flawless audio that makes you part of the game
Intel Gigabit Ethernet, LANGuard & GameFirst III: Top-speed protected networking
RAMCache: Speed up your game loads
USB 3.1 Type A/C & M.2: Ultra-speedy transfers for faster gaming
Gamer's Guardian: Highly-durable components and smart DIY features
Sonic Radar ll: Scan and detect your enemies to dominate


https://www.asus.com/UK/Motherboards/Z170-PRO-GAMING/