Best Z97 M-atx mb

[SteveCook]

I am currently saving up for a new build and I was wondering what the best z97 micro-atx motherboard out at the moment that supports 2x crossfire or 2x sli. My budget is anything up to £150. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[rolli59]

http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-gryphonz97

 

[giantbucket]

i keep wanting to do a build using ASRock's Z97M OC Formula boards.

 

[rolli59]

There are really 3 boards in class together that I would consider but I favor Asus http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/parts/compare/asrock-motherboard-z97mocformula%2Casus-motherboard-gryphonz97%2Cmsi-motherboard-z97mgaming/
Add the fourth http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gaz97mxgaming5

 

[ThomasLeong]

Whichever you choose, my advise is to avoid the MSI Z97M-G43, which I bought recently and is using. The BIOS (v1.8 : latest) setting for PEG (external graphics card) does not work for some graphics cards (hit-and-miss affair). Have to set it to IGD (internal graphics display even though I've disabled it).

I am using a HD6950. But if I use my older gfx cards (X1800, X1950), PEG works! With the HD6950 and IGD setting, it means I am unable to go into BIOS without first removing the HD6950, and re-booting with a connection to the on-board graphics. A normal bootup with PEG setting and the HD6950 returns a blank screen (waited till after lunch, and still nothing showed up). A normal bootup with IGD setting and without an on-board connection means POST is not seen, etc...until it connects to the HD6950 after the Windows splash screen. I have not been able to try with my HD7970 as the case (Corsair Air 240) has a small extension blocking its installation (3-slot card!) unless I hacksaw that section off.

 

[SteveCook]

Thanks for all your help - I have chosen to get the MSI Z97M Gaming