[Last Minute Decision]MSI Mobo Opinion

[Majojesu]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($245.80 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($38.22 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($138.54 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Low Voltage Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($87.38 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($119.08 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($376.90 @ Amazon)
Case: Aerocool StrikeX-GT Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($98.31 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 750W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($102.30 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($15.28 @ Newegg)
Total: $1280.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-11 23:58 EST-0500

This is my current build so far.

I've seen looking at other people's builds just for curiosity and fun and I stumbled upon the MSI G45 and G5 Gaming Motherboards. I know the Gigabyte I have now is around that color but the MSI just have the look to them. Anybody have opinions on MSI G45 vs G5 Gaming vs the current Gigabyte I have now?

 

[damric]

Even the heatsinks look like dragons. I'm sold.

 

[vegettonox]

MSI has gotten fairly good over the last few years, I generally would stick with Gigabyte or Asus motherboards.

 

[jossrik]

I for one like MSI motherboards, I've had many many over the years, used to use them almost exclusively. They *all* gave me problems, but they never failed to work. Now I like Gigabyte best, but MSI is definitely up there. It's really a personal preference than anything else.

 

[Majojesu]

I was torn between the current Gigabyte one and the Asus Z97-A but a lot of people told me to go with the Gigabyte one cause of price/features.

 

[damric]

What features? Serious question here. What features on a mobo are important to you? Can't think of any? Then dragon heat sinks win.

 

[Majojesu]

SLI obviously. The MSI mobos with the Sound Booster stuff really got my attention. Being a FPS gamer, it seemed natural to have something of that nature.

 

[damric]

I will say that the built-in amp on the dragon is nice for high-end headphones. My ears have never felt such pleasure (except that time that girl with the incredible tongue).

 

[Majojesu]

I guess that means I'm sold on a MSI mobo? But which one?

 

[damric]

I guess that means I'm sold on a MSI mobo? But which one?

Z97 with the dragon heatsinks, of course.

It should have the realtek alc1150 for audio and amplifier. Just double check.

 

[Majojesu]

There's a G45 and G5 Gaming that I was looking at. G5 is ~$30 more.

 

[damric]

LMAO there are 10 different MSI Z97 Gaming mobos to choose!

http://us.msi.com/product/mb/#?category=Socket 1150&category_no=1062

EDIT: I checked and the G45 has both the ALC1150 and the amplifier. Pretty sure they all do though.

 

[vegettonox]

Does anyone remember the dragon soyo motherboards, god I miss that brand, they were amazing.