I just bought a Sabertooth Z97 Mark 1 ... Should I replace with the Maximus VII Hero?

[akin_t]

Hey guys,

I'm building a new computer. I'll be using it for gaming, some photo editing and some MATLAB.

I know full well both motherboards suffice for my needs, but the thing is I really don't intend to install Asus AI Suite 3 (is it possible to install Thermal Radar 2 without the rest of the suite?).

Anyway, is the Sabertooh a waste of money if I don't intend to use the AI Suite? I'm in an NZXT h440, and as a result, all my 6 intake fans are set to 12V (100%).

I currently have the sabertooth in my possession and I'm wondering if I shold get the Hero instead? Hero has an M.2 slot but no Sata Express (neither will be used by me in the near future I guess).

 

[spooky2th]

The Hero looks like it will handle faster memory. And will probably OC better as a result.

 

[akin_t]

The Hero looks like it will handle faster memory. And will probably OC better as a result.

Is there any redeeming qualities for the Sabertooth then? I went with it initially because I didn't want a Black/Red motherboard. But after some reflection ... I realized, I don't intend to use any of the AI Suite 3 utilities. Which renders most of the goodies on the Sabertooth moot (or does it?).

 

[spooky2th]

From the asus web site:

Controls for TPU, EPU, DIGI+ VRM and Fan Xpert can all be found in AI Suite 3, which can also be automated on motherboards with 4-Way Optimization.

 

[junkeymonkey]

my sabertooth to me was a waste of my money ai suite seemed to do more harm than good... and yes u use to be able to just load the rader part without the rest unless that's changed

 

[akin_t]

my sabertooth to me was a waste of my money ai suite seemed to do more harm than good... and yes u use to be able to just load the rader part without the rest unless that's changed

Oh that's a shame. What kind of issues did you run into? I was looking forward to the motherboard for aesthetics and those features should I decide to change my configuration down the line.

But yeah more and more, it's looking like the Hero is a better choice. It has an M.2 slot (this is more realistic port to have over Sata Express in my opinion). Guess I'll be returning it and paying that stocking fee.

 

[junkeymonkey]

well of the 3 we had around here all bought at different times [at least one month apart] with different hardware there all in the trash so.. my buddy who ''was '' a asus fanboy now got a gigabyte.. his son and I went asrock.. they werte all just piss poor boards .. mine lasted the longest my buddies went about 2 weeks of trying to keep it working and his son look at owers and quit wile he was a head [all parts from off tha sabertooth worked fine and stable on the replacement boards-no issues] now these to be fair were am3+ not intel but we all said if this is now what asus is about were done there ya I may have seem 1 of 3 be bad but .....

 

[akin_t]

well of the 3 we had around here all bought at different times [at least one month apart] with different hardware there all in the trash so.. my buddy who ''was '' a asus fanboy now got a gigabyte.. his son and I went asrock.. they werte all just piss poor boards .. mine lasted the longest my buddies went about 2 weeks of trying to keep it working and his son look at owers and quit wile he was a head [all parts from off tha sabertooth worked fine and stable on the replacement boards-no issues] now these to be fair were am3+ not intel but we all said if this is now what asus is about were done there ya I may have seem 1 of 3 be bad but .....

Hmm, well about to head to UPS to return the board. I guess I can do more research and look into other brands for the best board.

I truly don't need all the silly features Asus has included on their boards (BIOS flashback is nice though!). I just want something reliable, stable, and has a decent uefi bios.

Thanks for your input man!

 

[junkeymonkey]

I really could not see getting that bad of run on those boards like we did.. bad luck is one thing but that deal was just bad.. [all items bought from newegg]

and like I said all the parts that were used on the sabertooth boards all worked issue free on the other brands just plug and play ... just look at all the asus boards in these forums .. its alot