Are MSI boards good for building a PC?

[thatgamerdude]

I've been pondering about choosing a "right" motherboard for my upcoming PC build, and I can't decide on which MB manufacturer I should stick to.

Asus seems like a good choice, but their cheaper cards don't provide much features (especially the Z87 ones).

MSI has had a lot of issues with the VRM.

http://www.linkomanija.net/redir.php?url=http://www.overclock.net/a/database-of-motherboard-vrm-failure-incidents

This is pretty much the reason, why I'm holding out on an MSI board. Or did this change?

I'm on a budget, and I'm thinking whether it's better to take a "high-end" MB with a weaker GPU or a "mid-range" MB with a more powerful GPU.

MSI Z87-GD45 and MSI TF GTX 770 2GB OC

ASRock Z87 Extreme4 and (aftermarket) GTX 770 2GB

OR:

ASUS VI HERO + Asus GTX 760 2GB OC

What about ASRock boards, though I've heard that even the price is low, their BIOS have problems and are overall "clunkier" for the average user.

Can't decide...

 

[ed d]

I've been pondering about choosing a "right" motherboard for my upcoming PC build, and I can't decide on which MB manufacturer I should stick to.

Asus seems like a good choice, but their cheaper cards don't provide much features (especially the Z87 ones).

MSI has had a lot of issues with the VRM.

http://www.linkomanija.net/redir.php?url=http://www.overclock.net/a/database-of-motherboard-vrm-failure-incidents

This is pretty much the reason, why I'm holding out on an MSI board. Or did this change?

I'm on a budget, and I'm thinking whether it's better to take a "high-end" MB with a weaker GPU or a "mid-range" MB with a more powerful GPU.

MSI Z87-GD45 and MSI TF GTX 770 2GB OC

ASRock Z87 Extreme4 and (aftermarket) GTX 770 2GB

OR:

ASUS VI HERO + Asus GTX 760 2GB OC

What about ASRock boards, though I've heard that even the price is low, their BIOS have problems and are overall "clunkier" for the average user.

Can't decide...

I prefer Asus to msi

 

[Zaoldyeck216]

Go for the Asus VI Hero. You can't go wrong with it.
For the MSI problems, some are cause of shipping and others can (If not, fixed) by updating to their latest firmware.
Though Asus support is better overall that's why I recommended it.
Good luck!

 

[thatgamerdude]

Go for the Asus VI Hero. You can't go wrong with it.
For the MSI problems, some are cause of shipping and others can (If not, fixed) by updating to their latest firmware.
Though Asus support is better overall that's why I recommended it.
Good luck!

Hmm. I guess that I might go for Asus VI Hero, but I'll have to pick a weaker GPU, and because of that, I'll have to upgrade sooner (GPU at least).

How's the GTX 760? Good for new games?

 

[Zaoldyeck216]

GTX 760 is good even for new and upcoming titles.
Just that you won't be able to put everything on ultra.
Since you're building this on a budget, I guess you really don't care much about it being all on ultra in the first place.

I have a decent computer and I don't want everything on ultra, it just makes it difficult to play sometimes.

Also, you can always SLI if you have extra money to spend down the road if you don't mind SLI'ing.

 

[thatgamerdude]

What's so great with Asus VI Hero? Over, let's say the before mentioned ASRock Extreme4 and MSI GD45(both Z87's of course) ?

Lately I've been seeing in a lot of forums, that Asus has gone down in quality, but not in price.

 

[ed d]

Go for the Asus VI Hero. You can't go wrong with it.
For the MSI problems, some are cause of shipping and others can (If not, fixed) by updating to their latest firmware.
Though Asus support is better overall that's why I recommended it.
Good luck!

Hmm. I guess that I might go for Asus VI Hero, but I'll have to pick a weaker GPU, and because of that, I'll have to upgrade sooner (GPU at least).

How's the GTX 760? Good for new games?

Honestly you will have that nagging feeling when the 800 series comes out, it is going to be a massive performance boost. At the moment I'm sticking with a 660ti and it is running everything quite happily, then I'll buy a 880

 

[ed d]

Go for the Asus VI Hero. You can't go wrong with it.
For the MSI problems, some are cause of shipping and others can (If not, fixed) by updating to their latest firmware.
Though Asus support is better overall that's why I recommended it.
Good luck!

Hmm. I guess that I might go for Asus VI Hero, but I'll have to pick a weaker GPU, and because of that, I'll have to upgrade sooner (GPU at least).

How's the GTX 760? Good for new games?

toms had a 500 error and double posted , sorry.

 

[Zaoldyeck216]

It really depends on what you're going to use the rig for.
For your last statement, I don't know about Asus going down in their quality for their quality for motherboard is always at the top if not the best and the price is what's going down at the moment. (From 214$~ to 189$~ Hero, check NCIX)
Also, support is another thing to consider so for me, it's all worth it.

 

[thatgamerdude]

What about the Asus VI Gene? It's a mATX card, thus smaller and a tad bit cheaper. With it, I would pick up the N200 Cooler Master case which is pretty cheap (and good quaility). Might even give me some extra $ in the budget to get the GTX 770.

Only real difference is that is doesn't have any PCI-E 1x connectors. What is the PCI-E 1x used for anyway? Sorry, my PC "knowledge" is a bit old, since I haven't had a new PC since ~2006.

 

[ed d]

Not by me:

The Maximus VI Extreme (12.0" x 9.6") is targeted at the serious no expense be spared, competitive overclocker / gamer.

The Maximus VI Formula (12.0" x 9.6") is targeted at the person with less time for tinkering who gives up some overclocking flexibility for the additional features .....maybe providing a workable work box with SLI capability so can have some fun with it to.

The Maximus VI Gene (9.6" x 9.6") is targeted at the college student, LAN party guy / gal or anyone who wants a smaller form factor and therefore chooses a micro ATX board but still wants to be competitive with SLI capability and all the other gaming, sound and OC goodies.

The Maximus VI Impact (6.7" x 6.7") is targeted at a user who wants an even smaller form factor and is willing to give up SLI capability to get it

The Maximus VI Hero (12.0" x 9.6") is the new boy on the block and was created to try and pull in those who were a bit shy of the cost of ROG boards and introduce them to many of the RoG features a lower cost of entry. On one hand it's been very successful in that a lot of people who always wanted to jump into RoG can now do so. OTOH, it's cost is creeping right up on the Gene at just $10 separation.

So now we get down to it.....what to get ? They are all RoG and all have great componentry (Black Wing Chikes, 10k caps, etc).... the feature set goes up as the price goes up. I see no reason to expect any longer life out of any one of them.

The main difference between the two is the mPCIe Combo II which Asus describes as providing mini PCI Express 2.0 (mini SSD connectivity) plus USB 2.0 plus Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity without having to give up a PCIE slot to get it which is huge and which most would consider well worth the $10. A Wifi card would cost ya $30 so if that's on ya list it's a no brainer. The smaller form factor gives ta more room inside the case if that's an issue.

http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/MAXIMUS_VI_GENE

mPCIe Combo II

The next evolution of the mPCIe Combo card gives you even better expandability with the latest standards in connectivity. It’s easy to install, and adds mini PCI Express 2.0 plus USB 2.0, which is perfect for connecting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules to give your desktop instant wireless. It also keeps a precious PCI Express slot free.

The compact but versatile card further future-proofs your build with M.2 (NGFF, Next Generation Form Factor) connectivity for SSDs. M.2 is a fast and power-efficient standard that aims to replace mPCIe and mSATA, designed to optimize SSD performance. mPCIe Combo II works with your high speed M.2 SSDs and makes the most of their potential, helping you reduce load times to make your OS and games even faster.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIJm7A8Hozg

Theres a good guide showing the difference between them

 

[thatgamerdude]

Decided to get the Asus Z87 Gryphon.

Thanks for the suggestions, though. I still have time until I buy my PC, so I still might change something.