Best motherboard for the i7-4790 (No overclocking)

[sonicstormgaming]

I'm looking for a good motherboard for my i7-4790. I don't plan on overclocking so thats why I need suggestions.

 

[Suztera]

What's your budget?

 

[photonboy]

Budget ($82): http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-h97mpro4

Best value for higher-end board ($140): http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-z97a

Other:
Considering how much you're already spending I suggest getting the rock solid Asus Z97-A which has won a few awards by reviewers for its value and quality.

Don't get the i7-4790, get the i7-4790K. The i7-4790K will auto-clock itself to 4.4GHz anyway which is easily done by clicking "XMP" in the motherboard BIOS. You won't have to mess around with complicated overclocking or worry about overheating, reliability, or even getting a better cooler.

That's 10% more performance from the CPU as the i7-4790 simply maxes out at 4GHz.

Fan cooler: I'd recommend the Noctua NH-U12S or NH-U14S. A cheaper one is the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO (or "PLUS") but it will be a bit noisier.

 

[sonicstormgaming]

My budget is 150 or lower. Preferably lower

 

[photonboy]

My budget is 150 or lower. Preferably lower

*Just realized you may have the i7 already so ignore most of this if so. The Asrock I linked should work fine but from a reliability point of view I still recommend the Asus.

If you're on a reduced budget, you may wish to consider getting the i5-4690K (or i5-4670K if you save money) and save a bit of cash.

It would actually work better in gaming compared to the i7-4790 (i.e. i5-4690K@4.2GHz vs i7-4790@4GHz).

Again, I know you said you didn't want to overclock but you can use "XMP" for a quick stable overclock on "K" CPU's. Note that my Asrock board isn't a Z97 board meant for overclocking.

I always tell people to get a quality MOTHERBOARD. Thus, my advice so far for you is:

a) Asus Z97-A
b) i5-4690K
c) CM Hyper 212 EVO/PLUS (or Noctua NH-U12S/U14S if you can afford it)

other:
- 2x4GB 1866MHz C9 DDR3
- W8.1 64-bit (and Start8)..

 

[filippi]

Actually Asus Z97-A would be like a good entry-level 4+1 PWM motherboard as far as overclock is concerned. its marketed as 8 PWM.

"The CPU socket makes use of an 8 phase VRM with fully digital power delivery. ASUS are using an “8 Phase” design but it has 4 PWM drivers, 8 chokes and 8 caps compared to their higher end boards which get 8 PWM drivers or more."

http://www.eteknix.com/asus-z97-a-lga-1150-motherboard-review/2/

This is a great option:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H-BK ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($145.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $145.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-25 22:09 EDT-0400

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128723&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

 

[spentshells]

Really any good B85 would be fine, most suppot pcie3 usb 3 sata3 and 4 ram slots, just look around, If you plan to use other features better offered on h97 then yeah go for it but I do not see why.