Best micro ATX mobo + cpu under $250

sage19175

Reputable
Sep 15, 2015
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Hi everyone, I'm in the process of building my first computer. And was wondering about your suggestions for a micro atx board and cpu. I already have some stuff, Asus gtx 750ti oc GPU, corsair cx600 PSU, some sata wd HDD I already had and a Cool Master hyper 212 evo cooler. So the board and CPU would have to be compatible. I know this sounds like I'm buying stuff backwards but I had a CPU and mobo I was going to use but they ended up being fried. I think I want something with an intel 1150 socket, but maybe there is a better option? I'm planning on buying corsair vengeance ddr3 1600mhz 2x4gb, in my understanding this is compatible with most ddr3 1600mhz mother boards, correct? I plan on using this computer for CAD, free cad and or inventor, and maybe a little bit of gaming, and want something i could potentually upgrade to an i5 or i7 later (unless you think i would be better off with amd, im open to suggestion). I'm ok with buying a really cheep processor now and upgradeing when I have the money, if you don't think I can get a good enough cpu in that price range. And the price range I gave is for the mobo and CPU combined, and it would be my max. I would rather spend around $200 if possible. Like I said this is my first time actually building a computer so any recommendations/suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks!

PS. I'm new to tom's Hardwhere so I wasn't sure if I should put this under the mobo or cpu category so I just picked mobo.
 
OK, so after looking at my case some more I'm not sure exactly what mobo form factor I need. Ive tried looking it up online but every place gives different dimensions for the different atx form-factors. the best way i can think of to explain what my case can hold is to show where i can put the metal risers. so basically i have possible screw configurations like this. It has two perpendicular rows of screws, about 6in apart like any atx. But there isn't a third row of screws, so i can fit any length of board in the as long as they are are less than around 8in from side to side when it is in the tower. I don't know if this would widen my possibilities or not.