Question Help Picking a z690 motherboard

[autoblogart]

I am confused between these 2 mobos

Gigabyte z690 gaming x ddr4 =200$
Msi z690 tomahawk ddr4= 260$

Cpu is i5 13600k and no oc will be made

Ram will be 3600mhz

What should i get

 

[geofelt]

The MSI includes wifi if you need that.
And it has two 8 pin power connectors vs an 8+4. That is probably not relevant.
A slightly different audio chipset too.
If budget is a concern, look for a MATX sized B660 motherboard like the MSI MAG B660M Mortar wifi ddr4:
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144522?Item=N82E16813144522

You can not overclock a B660, but most gamers will not overclock and will use the turbo boost instead.

 

[autoblogart]

The MSI includes wifi if you need that.
And it has two 8 pin power connectors vs an 8+4. That is probably not relevant.
A slightly different audio chipset too.
If budget is a concern, look for a MATX sized B660 motherboard like the MSI MAG B660M Mortar wifi ddr4:
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144522?Item=N82E16813144522

You can not overclock a B660, but most gamers will not overclock and will use the turbo boost instead.

Thanks for your answerman
That b660 mortar wifi is expensive going as 180$

Is it worth to spend the extra 60$ for the msi ??

 

[geofelt]

Worth is something only YOU can determine.
With a 13600K processor, I would look in particular at the vrm cooling of the motherboard.
A bare bones motherboard like this $110 ASrock B760M would be fine for lesser processors.
But it might limit the performance of a high end processor.
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813162110?Item=N82E16813162110&quicklink=true

Something like this $130 MSI MAG Bazooka has good vrm cooling:
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144528?Item=N82E16813144528

Go to newegg and filter on B660 and B760.
Use the compare function to compare up to 5 motherboards.
Some will have wifi and cost more, but you may not need wifi.
Some will have better audio. Look for the number of audio outputs on the back panel.
How many and what types of USB connectors do you want?

Ultimately, there are no bad choices.

 

[autoblogart]

Worth is something only YOU can determine.
With a 13600K processor, I would look in particular at the vrm cooling of the motherboard.
A bare bones motherboard like this $110 ASrock B760M would be fine for lesser processors.
But it might limit the performance of a high end processor.
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813162110?Item=N82E16813162110&quicklink=true

Something like this $130 MSI MAG Bazooka has good vrm cooling:
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144528?Item=N82E16813144528

Go to newegg and filter on B660 and B760.
Use the compare function to compare up to 5 motherboards.
Some will have wifi and cost more, but you may not need wifi.
Some will have better audio. Look for the number of audio outputs on the back panel.
How many and what types of USB connectors do you want?

Ultimately, there are no bad choices.

I want 7+ usb and high end audio codec for gaming .

wifi and bluetooth will be handy of course and i want it

Maybe later on i upgrade to an i7 13700k . I will never get an i9 i dont need it

My max cpu is i5 13600k first and maybe later i7 13700k

I want a vrm that will run cool and cold and will not throttle

M2 slots gen 4 . Im good with 2 slots gen 4 minimum

 

[geofelt]

The MSI Tomahawk mentioned above would meed your requirements.
The others are lacking one requirement or more.

Includes:

8 rear usb ports. If you need more, you can buy a usb adapter card.

wifi and bluetooth.

Good VRM cooling

4 m.2 slots

7.1 audio

Yes, all this is why the price is higher.

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144487

 

[autoblogart]

The MSI Tomahawk mentioned above would meed your requirements.
The others are lacking one requirement or more.

Includes:

8 rear usb ports. If you need more, you can buy a usb adapter card.

wifi and bluetooth.

Good VRM cooling

4 m.2 slots

7.1 audio

Yes, all this is why the price is higher.

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144487

Yes i see .

1) one more thing i have seen in msi z690 carbon wifi mobo . Its a postcode led lcd . What is it for ??

2) whats the difference between alc 4080 and 1220 . I know that 4080 is better but how


3) is msi warranty and rma any good ?

 

[geofelt]

1) if you have a problem booting, there is a led that tells you where it stopped during the boot process.

2) I do not know the difference. Google can educate you. My perception is that there is little practical difference.

3) I do not know. Usually the first place to get a replacement is from the place you bought it.
I can say that the MSI user forums are quite good.

 

[autoblogart]

1) if you have a problem booting, there is a led that tells you where it stopped during the boot process.

2) I do not know the difference. Google can educate you. My perception is that there is little practical difference.

3) I do not know. Usually the first place to get a replacement is from the place you bought it.
I can say that the MSI user forums are quite good.

1) is it the same as led debug light that have colors but without lcd ??

2) any motherboard you would suggest or in your opinion its the go for you . Under 260$ no matter if its ddr5 or ddr4

If its msi z690 tomahawk just reconfirm i will use your suggestion to buy z690

 

[geofelt]

1) I do not know, but if there is a LED, it should be able to display greater granularity than 4 simple dots.

2) For certain, if budget is your concern, DDR4 is the way to go.

I use the $225 MSI PRO Z690-A wifi DDR4 which I think meets your requirements.
It is just about the most frequently reviewed Z690 motherboards on newegg.

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144488?Item=9SIBCD9JJ42725

 

[Why_Me]

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144570
MSI PRO Z790-A WIFI DDR4 $229.49

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-Z790-A-WIFI-DDR4

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Lt...-lga1700-motherboard-z790-aorus-elite-ax-ddr4
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX DDR4 $249.99

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/Z790-AORUS-ELITE-AX-DDR4-rev-10#kf

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/vv...a1700-motherboard-tuf-gaming-h670-pro-wifi-d4
Asus TUF GAMING H670-PRO WIFI D4 $179.99

TUF GAMING H670-PRO WIFI D4｜Motherboards｜ASUS Global

TUF Gaming series distills essential elements of the latest AMD and Intel® platforms, and combines them with game-ready features and proven durability. Engineered with military-grade components, an upgraded power solution and a comprehensive set of cooling options, this motherboard delivers...

www.asus.com

 

[autoblogart]

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144570
MSI PRO Z790-A WIFI DDR4 $229.49

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-Z790-A-WIFI-DDR4

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Lt...-lga1700-motherboard-z790-aorus-elite-ax-ddr4
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX DDR4 $249.99

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/Z790-AORUS-ELITE-AX-DDR4-rev-10#kf

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/vv...a1700-motherboard-tuf-gaming-h670-pro-wifi-d4
Asus TUF GAMING H670-PRO WIFI D4 $179.99

TUF GAMING H670-PRO WIFI D4｜Motherboards｜ASUS Global

TUF Gaming series distills essential elements of the latest AMD and Intel® platforms, and combines them with game-ready features and proven durability. Engineered with military-grade components, an upgraded power solution and a comprehensive set of cooling options, this motherboard delivers...

www.asus.com

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144570
MSI PRO Z790-A WIFI DDR4 $229.49

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-Z790-A-WIFI-DDR4

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Lt...-lga1700-motherboard-z790-aorus-elite-ax-ddr4
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX DDR4 $249.99

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/Z790-AORUS-ELITE-AX-DDR4-rev-10#kf

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/vv...a1700-motherboard-tuf-gaming-h670-pro-wifi-d4
Asus TUF GAMING H670-PRO WIFI D4 $179.99

TUF GAMING H670-PRO WIFI D4｜Motherboards｜ASUS Global

TUF Gaming series distills essential elements of the latest AMD and Intel® platforms, and combines them with game-ready features and proven durability. Engineered with military-grade components, an upgraded power solution and a comprehensive set of cooling options, this motherboard delivers...

www.asus.com

Aah man the msi z790 pro a wifi d4 would have been amazing if still discounted . Its now 270$

The z790 aorus elite ax looks good too but i have been searching for the audio codec and i havent found any info even in gigabyte manual and website they didnt specify .

What would you pick if you were me i love these kind of suggestions they make things easy

Msi Z690 tomahawk wifi d4
Gigabyte z790 aorus elite ax
Gigabyte Z690 Aorus elite AX
Other boards ( dont limit yourself to these 3 any opinion is highly accepted)

I want your opinion what would you take if you have 260$ for i5 13600k for gaming . Of course you will not get a b660 or an h670

Thanks again man

 

[autoblogart]

1) I do not know, but if there is a LED, it should be able to display greater granularity than 4 simple dots.

2) For certain, if budget is your concern, DDR4 is the way to go.

I use the $225 MSI Z690-A wifi DDR4 which I think meets your requirements.
It is just about the most frequently reviewed Z690 motherboards on newegg.

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144488?Item=9SIBCD9JJ42725

The board is good and got everything i need almost . But unfortunately alc897 coded :/ thats a deal breaker

 

[Why_Me]

Aah man the msi z790 pro a wifi d4 would have been amazing if still discounted . Its now 270$

The z790 aorus elite ax looks good too but i have been searching for the audio codec and i havent found any info even in gigabyte manual and website they didnt specify .

What would you pick if you were me i love these kind of suggestions they make things easy

Msi Z690 tomahawk wifi d4
Gigabyte z790 aorus elite ax
Gigabyte Z690 Aorus elite AX
Other boards ( dont limit yourself to these 3 any opinion is highly accepted)

I want your opinion what would you take if you have 260$ for i5 13600k for gaming . Of course you will not get a b660 or an h670

Thanks again man

Gigabyte z790 aorus elite ax

 

[autoblogart]

Gigabyte z790 aorus elite ax

Thanks man i will use your suggestion

One last thing do you know the audio codec used in that z790 aorus elite. i cant find.it i have searched but nothing is indicated

I am expecting something like alc 1220 at least or alc 4080 for that price

 

[Lafong]

Thanks man i will use your suggestion

One last thing do you know the audio codec used in that z790 aorus elite. i cant find.it i have searched but nothing is indicated

I am expecting something like alc 1220 at least or alc 4080 for that price

spec sheet says only this; no version number given; I've never noticed the difference between any Realtec codecs.

1. Realtek® Audio CODEC
2. High Definition Audio
3. 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
   * You can change the functionality of an audio jack using the audio software. To configure 7.1-channel audio, access the audio software for audio settings.
4. Support for S/PDIF Out

 

[autoblogart]

spec sheet says only this; no version number given; I've never noticed the difference between any Realtec codecs.

1. Realtek® Audio CODEC
2. High Definition Audio
3. 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
   * You can change the functionality of an audio jack using the audio software. To configure 7.1-channel audio, access the audio software for audio settings.
4. Support for S/PDIF Out

Do you use front panel jack headphone or usb headphone ?

I have never listened to even alc 897 thats my first build in years . But i have heard that alc 1220 and above make.hearing in gaming amazing . Correct me if i am wrong

One thing im sure about if you use a headphone with usb plug then you are using onboard audio of the headphone but if the headphone is microjack that you plug in pc then its the pc motherboard audio

 

[Lafong]

I haven't use headphones in 15 years.

In my experience with audio generally...........speakers, headphones, and the placebo effect are all much more important than the specific codec.