Asus mbs, which would you get?

[kcredden]

After eight years, my power supply damaged my motherboard, so it's time to build a new one. Right now, I'm on a budget, but want to upgrade the system next year when I can afford it.

I like Asus motherboards, but need your advice on which one to get. Of course, I have to get the trifeca of MB/CPU/Memory, and my budget is $250 for this.

I prefer:

* Asus, 64bit motherboard
* Intel based processor
* v3 USB ports
* AT LEAST 1st generation SATA connections - 4 connections at least. (No more PATA)

My plan is to

a) Put most of the money into the motherboard, put in a slow, and cheaper CPU (around 2ghz), and little memory (2g will do for now.) Then next year I can upgrade the CPU, and boost it's memory when I can afford more.

b) cannablize other parts from my old system as well. The list is:

* nVidia GS7300
* 2, SATA drives
* 1, DVD burner (SATA)
* A full tower case

The old PATA drive is no longer really necessary.

I use the system for office work, video watching, burning CD, and DVDs, writing, spreadsheet, databasing, mail, Internet access, playing flac, and mp3s, I have 2 games; X-Plane, and KSP but I'm not a gamehead.

I also run the system under Debian 7.2, no Windows needed.

So I ask; what Asus motherboard would you suggest that can do all this, for the right price?

 

[IAMEXTREME]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-4330 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($131.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H81M-HDS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($52.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($71.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $256.96
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-05 20:45 EST-0500)

 

[smorizio]

if your not going to sli or cross fire the h87 asus mb will fit your bill.
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Y1V8
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Y1V8/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Y1V8/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Pentium G3220 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Asus H87M-E Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($96.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($71.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $228.97
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-05 20:48 EST-0500)

 

[smorizio]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Y1XF
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Y1XF/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Y1XF/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Pentium G3220 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($71.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $271.97
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-05 20:49 EST-0500)

 

[smorizio]

the a mb will let you use the unlocked k cpu and sli/crossfire for 20.00 more then you wanted to spend.