Best mobo and cooler for around $200 for FX-8350

[Bigfootyetti]

I'm having problems with my current mobo (ASRock 970 Fatality Performance) and I'm looking for a new one with better quality than ASRock. I would also like to do some overclocking so I was thinking a better cooler than my current H70 might be in order. I was looking for this upgrade all together to be around $200 as the title suggests. I was looking at the MSI 990FXA-GAMING, but I couldn't find any real reviews of it so I didn't get very far, if anyone has this mobo and could provide some insight on it that would be great. Thanks in advance!

 

[geofelt]

This link may help you.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2383150/motherboard-tier-list.html

You use a liquid cooler to let you get a higher overclock. I don't think that will be effective for you.

Once you are into replacing a amd motherboard, it is time to consider switching to Intel if you are a gamer.

 

[Bigfootyetti]

I wanted to upgrade to Intel, but hot damn, it's expensive. I was looking at the i7 4790k but from what I've read it's not worth the money yet. The i5 4690k was the next choice, but I've heard it has similar performance to the 8350 so I figured I'd overclock the 8350 and save $200.

 

[geofelt]

Worth is something only YOU can determine.

Try some tests:
a) Run your games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%.
Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.
Conversely what a 30% improvement in core speed might do.

You could also experiment with removing one core. You can do this in the windows msconfig boot advanced options option. set the number of processors to less than you have.
This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many cores.

If your FPS drops significantly, it is an indicator that your cpu is the limiting factor, and a cpu upgrade is in order.

Most games, even multithreaded ones depend heavily on the cpu power of a single master task.

 

[L Helps]

Asus Sabertooth 990FX
Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0
ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z

Great boards if you want to keep running amd.

 

[UnderAttack]

well, msi 990fxa gaming is kinda a new amd motherboard
not many review yet, but find this
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/msi-amd-motherboard-990fxa-nvme,29051.html