Asus H170 Pro Gaming vs. H170-Pro/ CSM Motherboards

[YosemiteGP]

Am not going to over-clock and plan on buying Intel i5 6600 CPU and a single GPU to use in which ever Motherboard I purchase. Looking at the Asus H170 ATX options and trying to decide between the H170 Pro Gaming and the H170-Pro/ CSM. What Motherboard would you recommend between the two? Any huge advantages disadvantages to either? Thanks.

 

[Luminary]

Both are great choices in the H170 line.

Honestly the biggest change between them is the color. You have a few chages in PCIe lanes between the Gaming and CSM, but the primary lanes are the same. One large PCIe lane for a single video card, and additional lanes for everything else.

They have different audio support, the Pro Gaming has arguably better audio but they are very close.

There really isn't a MAJOR difference between the boards. If you can find them at the same price, get the one you like the look of more. Either is a very good choice for the i5-6600.

 

[timeconsumer]

If you aren't overclocking they are pretty much the same. The Pro Gaming has a better onboard audio, but unless you're running a high-end audiophile speaker system you probably won't notice.

 

[YosemiteGP]

Thank you Luminary and Timeconsumer! Appreciated your feedback. Decided to go with the Pro Gaming because it has USB 3.1 Type-A/C and the Pro/ CSM doesn't and the possibility that I might invest in some decent headphones that could take advantage of the higher quality sound. Didn't hurt that I got the Pro Gaming for a few bucks cheaper as well.

My apologies if I am not posting this response properly - still learning proper protocol.

 

[Luminary]

You're most welcome, and you post is fine. 😉

 

[phoenix183]

I'm considering those too... I know the H170 is not made for OCing, but still does the H170Pro gaming support any kind of reliable overclocking (Processor, RAM, GC)? If yes what would be the best choice for an 'i series' K processor?

Also would someone be knowing the VRM phase count distribution for these mobos?

 

[hardware2]

No, H boards do not support overclocking (not yet at least, we do not know the future but highly unlikely).