Question It’s time for a new build - - - motherboard suggestions ?

[Jay Cantar]

Good day or night- wherever you may be!
(Apologies in advance for the long post)

It’s time for a new build! (Face gives a wide smile and a noticeable squeal ; wallet gives an unmistakable frown and a loud sigh! )

I just upgraded my DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) from Cubase 8 Pro to Cubase 14 Pro, so now it’s time to upgrade my hardware and OS to suit.

My last, (also my 1st), custom build was way back in 2011. At that time, I chose an ASUS P8Z68-V Pro MoBo with an Intel i7-2600k CPU for Cubase 8. Both worked great.
And just like that one, this too, will be a dedicated ATX Tower, built solely for Cubase 14, this time around.

Notes:
1. This is not my day-to-day computer. I have two others to go on-line with, for that kind of stuff.

2. This computer will mainly stay off-line 90% of the time, other than for downloads, registrations, activation's and updates - then off again.

3. No gaming is done on this computer at all – (all my gaming is done on PlayStation).

4. I’ve never needed to do any overclocking for Cubase 8. So, I don't imagine I will have to this time either with 14.

5. No need for a high-end graphics card, but I do like using 3 monitors - for multiple page/screen layouts.
- (Typically, HDMI - using 3 TVs, not monitors). So, I’m anticipating adding a (simple) graphics card for that, as I did in my first build - (also ASUS).

6. In my situation, I don’t’ see any real need for WiFi for this build, offered on many (most) MoBos these days.
- I prefer a LAN port Ethernet direct-wired connection. Many boards show 2.5 Gb/s, but some even show 5G LAN.

7. No need or interest in colors or RGB Schemes. This ATX Tower is hidden underneath my large digital piano, out of sight.

8. Operating System – makes most sense going with Windows 11. (Cubase requires W10 or 11.)

I’m leaning towards the AMD AM5 Socket boards and Ryzen 7000, 8000, & 9000 series CPUs. (7000 series is probably fine.)

Almost all the MoBos I see are gaming boards now. That’s perfectly fine – even great perhaps, but may be overkill for me.
I’m kind of liking the MSI boards the best so far, (but not committed - open to all.)

But quite often when I see, take interest in, and really start investigating/dissecting all specs about the new MoBos to choose from, (like ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, etc.), I start thinking ‘this just might be the one’ - (sound the wedding bells, and send out the invitations Mom!) – and then I read various horror stories of user reviews and other issues.

Now, I know that nothing is perfect, there are different hassles and struggles - different strokes for different folks - and every so often there are lemons and duds, as well as user errors, frustrations and impatience – I get it. Been there, myself. And nothing ever has 100%, 5-Star reviews, no matter what it is.

But ideally, if I can find something that is as steady and as reliable as possible, that would matter much more to me than all the fancy bells and whistles (that I don’t even need, as stated above).

So, are there some MoBos that you might suggest?
And also - equally important - other ones to stay the hell away from, due to 'known/proven issues with x, y, or z ’ to be aware of?

Perhaps you might suggest and share your own particular set-up that’s working well for you - that you’re quite pleased with.


Thank you for all your time reading this.

Jay

(I’ve also posted this on the Cubase/Steinberg Forums)

 

[QyInvoLing]

I cannot give out any useful info except you give out more info.
What CPU do you want to install? You mentioned workstation, so I suggest 9950x? Or if your workload is single-core related, so you just want a 9600x or 9700x?
How "expansive" do you want your motherboard to be? For example, if you want to install 5 M2 SSDs then you can only pick x670e. Do you have any extra PCIe devices (except a graphics card ) to install?
Overclocking is common nowadays as everyone enables EXPO for DDR5 memory, as all memories' frequency and timing shown in the product detail is the safely overclocked result. In a word, you should at least enable EXPO, and this is very common nowadays, every AM5 motherboard supports that.
For graphics card I'll recommend Intel Arc A380, I've been using it to drive my two monitors and it's fine. The third monitor can be connected to the iGPU of AM5 Ryzen CPUs. It's the cheapest brand new card I can get in my region.

 

[CountMike]

Hello!
I also have this same question and I cannot find any proper answers on the internet and also need a solution.

To answer to both of you. You can scarcely find and modern MBs without some LEDs lights and different "bells and whistles" IE "accessories". "Gaming MB" is mostly a marketing trick to shell out more money. Any PC can be used for gaming just at different levels. Most important things are VRM (power section) enough to supply enough smooth power to your chosen CPU and components. One of most important parts is BIOS and it's abilities to to adapt to components and be flexible enough to enable proper setup of CPU, RAM and storage, some adjustments have to be made manually because there is virtually no MB that can set all components to work at their best with every component. Too much CPU and components variety for that-
RAM controller is in the CPU itself and depending on CPU is most responsible for it's function and performance and BIOS is the one that controls it all.
Other than that, I/O ports and their abilities is something to pay attention to. See what you need in terms of PCIe, USB etc. and storage features.

 

[Jay Cantar]

I cannot give out any useful info except you give out more info.
What CPU do you want to install? You mentioned workstation, so I suggest 9950x? Or if your workload is single-core related, so you just want a 9600x or 9700x?
How "expansive" do you want your motherboard to be? For example, if you want to install 5 M2 SSDs then you can only pick x670e. Do you have any extra PCIe devices (except a graphics card ) to install?
Overclocking is common nowadays as everyone enables EXPO for DDR5 memory, as all memories' frequency and timing shown in the product detail is the safely overclocked result. In a word, you should at least enable EXPO, and this is very common nowadays, every AM5 motherboard supports that.
For graphics card I'll recommend Intel Arc A380, I've been using it to drive my two monitors and it's fine. The third monitor can be connected to the iGPU of AM5 Ryzen CPUs. It's the cheapest brand new card I can get in my region.

Hello Q, and thanks for the questions.

I hadn't actually decided on which CPU just yet as I'm still researching them. But the 7000 series seems ok, from what I can see so far - maybe 8000 series. 9000 would be icing on the cake.

As for expansiveness, 2, or at most 3 M.2 SSDs would be plenty.
I do need only 2 PCIex1 Slots, (other than for a graphics card).
Once the system is built to suit, it will be done - with nothing added or upgraded after that, it will be built for this Recording/Editing software program, and that's it.

And thanks for the info about enabling EXPO & DDR5. I'll research that.

I should have posted more - like the details that you've asked for here, but that original post was very long, so I cut it down.

Among the specs stated for Cubase Requirements, was: Graphics Minimum:
Graphics card with native Windows 10 support

Graphics Recommended:
AMD R or RX series (and later);
NVIDIA Series 700 (and later)

I'm assuming the 'R' and 'RX' mean Radeon.

Cubase support mentioned that they've seen less issues wth AMD Radeon, than with Nvidia.

 

[Jay Cantar]

Thanks also to CountMike - for the additional info.

I just recently read about and learned more on VRMs.

I have been looking very closely at my Ins and Outs requirements, ie: USB, and PCIe slots.

M.2s are a new thrill for me to learn about.

Up until now, I have been using 2.5" SSDs.
Before that, the big, older 3.5" HDDs - like WD Black Caviar.

Still have a few of thse around, and will make use of them as 1 of 3 different redundant off-rig storage and back up devices.

 

[QyInvoLing]

Hello Q, and thanks for the questions.

I hadn't actually decided on which CPU just yet as I'm still researching them. But the 7000 series seems ok, from what I can see so far - maybe 8000 series.

As for expansiveness, 2, or at most 3 M.2 SSDs would be plenty.
I do need only 2 PCIex1 Slots, (other than for a graphics card).
Once the system is built to suit, it will be done - with nothing added or upgraded after that, it will be built for this Recording/Editing software program, and that's it.

And thanks for the info about enabling EXPO & DDR5. I'll research that.

I should have posted more - like the details that you've asked for here, but that original post was very long, so I cut it down.

8000 series is completely not recommended, it's a mobile&single-die version 7000 series.

Then, after getting these info, I will recommend GIGABYTE b650e aorus elite x ax ice, it offers 3 M2 slot, 2 PCIex1 slots, 4 SATA slot, debug light, fine LAN+WLAN, enough USB, 4 memory slots. It's VRM can power every AM5 processor, including the most powerful 9950x3d. In China it's only 1199CNY, significantly cheaper than other same-level ATX boards.

 

[Jay Cantar]

Ok, good to know about the 8000. Didn't know.
I had a look at that very Gigabyte board just yesterday. I liked it.

So, the 9000 series seems like the best way to go, if Ii can afford it. I will look into those models, but I have to determine if my workload is indeed single core related or not. Good question. I don't think it is.
(I believe a minimum of 4 CPU cores are recommended.)

I was also just reading about B650 boards a few minutes ago.

 

[QyInvoLing]

Ok, good to know about the 8000. Didn't know.
I had a look at that very Gigabyte board just yesterday. I liked it.
So, the 9000 series seems like the best way to go, if Ii can afford it.

I was also just reading about B650 boards a few minutes ago.

Currently b650=b850≈b650e, x870=b650e uses 4 PCIe lanes to offer a USB4 port, x870e=x670e uses 4 PCIe lanes to offer a USB4 port.

 

[JeffreyP55]

PCIe x1 slots are currently on the chopping block. If you have a PCIe x1card that needs installation, double-check all the needed motherboard slots are present. PCIe x1 ---- PCIe xx Adapters available but I'm sure will hinder performance.

 

[Jay Cantar]

PCIe x1 slots are currently on the chopping block. If you have a PCIe x1card that needs installation, double-check all the needed motherboard slots are present. PCIe x1 ---- PCIe xx Adapters available but I'm sure will hinder performance.

Yes, I noticed that too. I did see some boards that still have 2 PCIex1 slots, (which actually kind of surprised me).

My understanding is that the PCIex16 slots would accommodate PCIex1 cards, no? (I could be wrong on that.)

That said, I would need t make sure I don't use up the 16s if I need them too. Or make sure there's enough 16 slots.
Some boards have 4 16s. Most I see, now have 3 anyways.

 

[Jay Cantar]

And now, after some more research, I'm thinking M.2 NVMe SSDs in PCIex16 slots would do me a whole world of good, verses SATA SSD's using cables.
I see most boards offer 1, 2, or 3 M.2 SATA Slots (flat, face down), as well.
No SATA Cables to deal would be nice, and also provide a more secure connection, I would think.

I'm also reading about 'lanes' and the possible reduction in lanes when combining different items in PCIex16 slots. How one may disable the next one, etc.

 

[JeffreyP55]

And now, after some more research, I'm thinking M.2 NVMe SSDs in PCIex16 slots would do me a whole world of good, verses SATA SSD's using cables.
I see most boards offer 1, 2, or 3 M.2 SATA Slots (flat, face down), as well.
No SATA Cables to deal would be nice, and also provide a more secure connection, I would think.

I'm also reading about 'lanes' and the possible reduction in lanes when combining different items in PCIex16 slots. How one may disable the next one, etc.

Yes, my MB has 4 NVMe slots, One slot is PCIe5. Compromises must be made. Not all will run @ 4x. If I run all four @ 4x it disables the two USB4 40 GBps ports. Other combos depending in your BIOS options. We only get 24 lanes to do all the dirty-work.
I choose to run one drive to run @ 3x and kept the USB4. You will never notice the drive speed loss. CrystalMark64 4x 74,000 Samsung 990x Pro 2TB. 3x divide by 2.

 

[Jay Cantar]

Yes, my MB has 4 NVMe slots, One slot is PCIe5. Compromises must be made. Not all will run @ 4x. If I run all four @ 4x it disables the two USB4 40 GBps ports. Other combos depending in your BIOS options. We only get 24 lanes to do all the dirty-work.
I choose to run one drive to run @ 3x and kept the USB4. You will never notice the drive speed loss. CrystalMark64 4x 74,000 Samsung 990x Pro 2TB. 3x divide by 2.

Hey, thanks for all that info.

So, at least some of it is tweak-able in the BIOS, then.

My simple PCIex1 card would take up (use) very little resources and the simpler type graphics card I would go for, shouldn't hog to much resources either.

 

[CountMike]

Hey, thanks for all that info.

So, at least some of it is tweak-able in the BIOS, then.

My simple PCIex1 card would take up (use) very little resources and the simpler type graphics card I would go for, shouldn't hog to much resources either.

Physical PCIe x1 slots may not be used too much nowadays but doesn't mean that PcIe x1 is dead, some manufacturers install x16 slots but with limited number of lanes, x8, x4 and even x1. They do that so they can sell some MBs for lower or higher price while using same motherboard PCB.

 

[Jay Cantar]

Yup, CountMike.

Exactly what I've discovered in my research and extensive reading for most of last night and afternoon.

Some boards 'may look like' they have 2, 3, or 4 PCIe x 16 slots, but might only have PCIe x 1 configuration - especially in the lower ones near the bottom of the board.

Typically, keeping the top one as 'a true, full 16 lane one', expecting/suggesting a GPU (Card) to go there.

Absolutely the best thing I did for - literally half of yesterday, was learn (way more than I thought I already knew) - about PCIe x1, x 4, x 8, and x16 cards and lanes - and to make sure I check the manual for the prospective board specs before purchase.

Of course, before all that, I half to decide just 'what and how many' of 'this and/or that' I need 'here and there', 1st.

And despite having sore eyes from reading countless website pages and articles, I must say that I'm enjoying the process all over again, as I did in 2011 researching my 1st build.

These 3 articles below and related links to other pages were of tremendous help, (if anyone might like to check them out).
.............................................................................

Can You Plug a PCIe x1 Into an x16 Slot? - Can it Work?

The short answer is yes. You can plug a PCIe x1 card into the PCIe x16 slot. A PCIe x1 card can be plugged into any larger slot and will work fine. Whether

pcguide101.com

(^ Can you plug a PCIex1 into a x16 Slot?)
(Gets better after the 1st part)
............................................................

How to Check How Many PCIe Slots Do I Have? - PC Guide 101

The easiest way to know how many PCIe slots you have is to check on the motherboard manufacturer's website. Another way is to look at the user guide that came

pcguide101.com

(^ How many PCIe Slots do I have?)
...............................................................

How to Check How Many PCIe Lanes Do I Have? - PC Guide 101

The total number of PCIe lanes on your system can range from 30 on an average PC to 128 on workstations.

pcguide101.com

(^ How many PCIe Lanes do I have?)

 

[CountMike]

Yup, CountMike.

Exactly what I've discovered in my research and extensive reading for most of last night and afternoon.

Some boards 'may look like' they have 2, 3, or 4 PCIe x 16 slots, but might only have PCIe x 1 configuration - especially in the lower ones near the bottom of the board.

Typically, keeping the top one as 'a true, full 16 lane one', expecting/suggesting a GPU (Card) to go there.

Absolutely the best thing I did for - literally half of yesterday, was learn (way more than I thought I already knew) - about PCIe x1, x 4, x 8, and x16 cards and lanes - and to make sure I check the manual for the prospective board specs before purchase.

Of course, before all that, I half to decide just 'what and how many' of 'this and/or that' I need 'here and there', 1st.

And despite having sore eyes from reading countless website pages and articles, I must say that I'm enjoying the process all over again, as I did in 2011 researching my 1st build.

These 3 articles below and related links to other pages were of tremendous help, (if anyone might like to check them out).
.............................................................................

Can You Plug a PCIe x1 Into an x16 Slot? - Can it Work?

The short answer is yes. You can plug a PCIe x1 card into the PCIe x16 slot. A PCIe x1 card can be plugged into any larger slot and will work fine. Whether

pcguide101.com

(^ Can you plug a PCIex1 into a x16 Slot?)
(Gets better after the 1st part)
............................................................

How to Check How Many PCIe Slots Do I Have? - PC Guide 101

The easiest way to know how many PCIe slots you have is to check on the motherboard manufacturer's website. Another way is to look at the user guide that came

pcguide101.com

(^ How many PCIe Slots do I have?)
...............................................................

How to Check How Many PCIe Lanes Do I Have? - PC Guide 101

The total number of PCIe lanes on your system can range from 30 on an average PC to 128 on workstations.

pcguide101.com

(^ How many PCIe Lanes do I have?)

Modern consumer grade CPUs typically have 24 PCIe lanes usually distributed like this 16 for GPU PCIe x16 bus/slot. 4 to connect to chipset and 4 to M.2 NVMe slot. If MB has 2 PCIe x16 slots, if you plug in anything in second one, they share those 16 lanes so either one would run at x8 lanes.
The rest of PCIe lanes are provided by chipset of which some have more or less PCIe lanes, newer chipsets usually have more lanes, Compare what is difference between 600 and 800 series chipsets as well as those on B and X chipset MBs. Other differences may include PCIe versions /generation, with x870 most. Those of course have to be divided between all slots connected to chipset including NVME slots.
Chipsets also provide much of I/O functions like SATA, USB etc. with all their variations nad generations. So if you are loking for most of those, you can find them only in MBs with x870 chipset.

 

[Jay Cantar]

Hey, good timing CountMike,

I have just been looking - ok, more like 'scouring' - all things 'X870' and 'X870E' Series Chipset Boards.

I had previously been looking at the B650 and B850 series as well, but as I've learned more and now understand about lanes, and lane sharing (and how using some devices in some slots will even disable/ cancel the option to use others, if one device or drive is installed here or there in particular), I have moved up to and am now considering the 'X870' bunch for those very issues.