nathan9022 :
Hi
I Need 2x4gb ram sticks
Im going to use HDMI
Not using SSD
Don't need additional fan headers
- What's S/PDIF?
- What's a Parallel Port?
Not using led strips
I'll check the sizes
I guess Gigabyte would be better?
I wouldn't say the Gigabyte is "better", but, I would say the Gigabyte "
fits your needs" based on the motherboard's feature compared with the MSI.
If your answers I quoted above is
definite and
you have no plans to upgrade in the future (such as using M.2 SSDs or going for 4x4gb RAM sticks or needing LED or Fan headers), then, between the 2 boards, the Gigabyte
is enough for you.
The next question would be, at
what prices will you buy the MSI or the Gigabyte motherboards. Depending on where you will purchase it, the MSI B250M Bazooka is around $85 while the Gigabyte B250M D2V is around $66. Are you
willing to pay for $20-ish more for upgradability, additional features, and subjective looks? In the same way, are you
willing to save $20-ish for the lack of the other features you might not need today but need in the future?
Your Zalman z9 Neo chassis is an
ATX case (that fits up to ATX-sized MB) and will be
big enough whichever of the 2 micro-ATX MB you select. Both the MSI and the Gigabyte are micro-ATX-sized (smaller than ATX). I mentioned that the MSI is bigger at 244mm x 228mm, while the Gigabyte is smaller at 226mm x 174mm. Here is what it looks like when fitted inside your case:
The
244mm x 228mm mATX MB (actual MSI B250m Bazooka inside the Zalman z9 Neo). Source:
http://pcpartpicker.com/b/Vh6XsY
The
226mm x 174mm mATX MB (similarly-sized MB only but different Gigabyte model inside the Zalman z9 Neo). Source:
http://pcpartpicker.com/b/p6vV3C
Notice that in the second photo using a similarly-sized 226mm x 174mm motherboard as the Gigabyte B250M D2V,
the large cut-out behind the motherboard tray will be very much visible (enough for large cables to pass through - defeating the purpose of the rubber grommets for a cleaner look). So you might want to take this visual comparison into consideration if it will be aesthetically pleasing to you.
nathan9022 :
- What's S/PDIF?
- What's a Parallel Port?
S/PDIF is commonly known as "Optical Out" used for digital audio transmissions.
You use this cable...
...and connect it to this S/PDIF socket (marked "Optical")
Parallel Port is usually used for the good 'ol Printers prior to the advent of USBs.
A motherboard that supports a parallel port will have this set of pins (i.e., headers, marked "LPT1") in your motherboard...
...used to connect this separately-purchased parallel port expansion cable/module...
...for you to connect the old printer cables into.