GIGABYTE Micro or MSI ATX?

[iaindb]

Hi hardware freaks,

long time listener first time caller...

I'm building a new PC and want some advice on the mobo/CPU. I'm not going for high-end gaming or OC, although I've picked a mobo that can handle both (with the right addons) because of other features it has, such as M2 and USB3.

I'll do a cross section of stuff from development to occasional video encoding & editing, and maybe a game here or there.

My choices are either
* MSI Z170A PC Mate
* Intel i7 6700
* Fractal Design Define R5

or
* GIGABYTE G1 Gaming GA-Z170MX-Gaming 5
* Intel i7 6700
* Fractal Design Arc Mini R2

(plus RAM, I have SSD, etc.)

I would prefer the Fractal Arc Mini R2 because it's only 8.27" wide (9"+ is just too big!) and it looks like a new design with fixed SSD mounts on the rear panel which you can remove without taking off the motherboard.

What are your thoughts on the CPU with the two boards above?

thanks!

 

[Suztera]

Both motherboards would do the same job really ,not a major difference between them.
With the case, it's up to you whether you want a matx or a midi tower. Both cases have rear mounts for SSDs behind the panel without removing the motherboard .

 

[iaindb]

Both motherboards would do the same job really ,not a major difference between them.

cool, thanks, I was hoping I didn't miss anything major...

With the case, it's up to you whether you want a matx or a midi tower. Both cases have rear mounts for SSDs behind the panel without removing the motherboard .

oh yeah, I've been looking at so many reviews that I forgot - it's some other fractal cases that have the rear SSD mounts, but they can't be removed without taking out the MB. The Mini R2 has screws accessible with the motherboard in, and the R5 has thumbscrews in the same cable space.

Any thoughts on the CPU?

thanks

 

[Suztera]

You may want to consider the i7 6700k incase you want to do some overclocking. If you are set on the i7 6700, then that is fine. You may want to consider getting a cheaper H170 motherboard unless you want to have SLI support (which only certain Z170 supports).
If video editing is the main focus and the applications that you use will utilise the i7 then I don't see a problem as long you feel it is worth it compared to an i5 equivalent.

 

[Themastererr]

You may want to consider the i7 6700k incase you want to do some overclocking. If you are set on the i7 6700, then that is fine. You may want to consider getting a cheaper H170 motherboard unless you want to have SLI support (which only certain Z170 supports).
If video editing is the main focus and the applications that you use will utilise the i7 then I don't see a problem as long you feel it is worth it compared to an i5 equivalent.

Yup I would agree. No point in spending money on a motherboard meant for overclocking if you're keeping things stock.

Between the two companies I would go Gigabyte for motherboards and MSI for GPU's. Only my opinion though.

 

[iaindb]

[strike]I must have got my countries mixed up because the Gigabyte is quite a bit more expensive! I'll have to find a cheaper Z/H 170M.[/strike]

That feeling when you've been looking at options and prices for so long you're ready to buy just about any darn thing...