Motherboard tier list: Z97 chipset

[zeyuanfu]

IMO, the Maximus VII Hero isn`t really worth 200$. Sure, it has lights and SupremeFX, but the Z97-A has almost all the features it has for 60$ less.

 

[Zack Ditan]

Hello. Need your help. I was thinking of selling my B85 Pro gamer to get better Z97 board. What do you prefer for me? I need a cheap one seems I'm on budget. Tier one b or tier 2 might do. Price range will be 120-130$ if possible. I need your help.

I'll pair it with 4690k

 

[zeyuanfu]

The B85 Pro Gamer is already a good board.

 

[Zack Ditan]

The B85 Pro Gamer is already a good board.

I don't know if it will last long. and Will overclocking work on B85 Pro Gamer?

Out of topic question.
Does overclocking decreases lifespan of your components? Specially the Mobo and CPU?

 

[zeyuanfu]

The 8-series chipset is still a quite new one, and it's not old yet. You should be able to overclock: http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/review-asus-b85-pro-gamer-motherboard-makes-affordable-gaming-diy-systems-possible/results-power-consumption-overclocking-conclusion-1

If you overclock the CPU too much, you could fry it, but I would suggest around 4.5-5.7 GHz if you're capable. If you get BSODs or your computer crashes during benchmarks, though, reduce your overclock by a bit.

 

[tiny voices]

The 8-series chipset is still a quite new one, and it's not old yet. You should be able to overclock: http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/review-asus-b85-pro-gamer-motherboard-makes-affordable-gaming-diy-systems-possible/results-power-consumption-overclocking-conclusion-1

If you overclock the CPU too much, you could fry it, but I would suggest around 4.5-5.7 GHz if you're capable. If you get BSODs or your computer crashes during benchmarks, though, reduce your overclock by a bit.

5.7? WHAT? That's well beyond impossible. even 4.5 is a big overclock for a 4590k. 5ghz would be likely impossible, let alone 5.7

 

[zeyuanfu]

Sorry about that, it was a typo. I meant 4.7 GHz. The 4690K comes clocked at 3.5 GHz, so a 1 GHz overclock shouldn`t be too difficult with the right cooling.

 

[tiny voices]

Depends on the chip itself alot as well. Some get to 4.5 easy on no voltage, some barely make it on 1.275v.

 

[Zack Ditan]

Overclocking it to 4.3-4.4 would be enough for me.

Cause I plan to keep my PC as long as possible. I better not overclock if it decreases lifespan of it. 🙁

 

[tiny voices]

Overclocking doesn;t decrease the lifespan if done properly.

 

[MeteorsRaining]

Apologies for such a late reply, I've been away since the past 10 days.

Anyways, as tiny voices said, OCing will not decrease the lifespan, provided you do it properly and don't expect wonders before testing out your chip

 

[Joshua Bernhardo]

Going to buy Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 5 for my build. I think Gigabyte is a good brand for mobo it has less RMA rate and less issues than any other brands. Thank you for this post.

 

[MeteorsRaining]

A good choice, glad this list could help

 

[Brokkensteel]

i also need some help. in my build i was planning to use the gigabyte Z97x gaming 5. i got emailed from the store to ask if i didnt want to change it for the ASUS Z97 PRO GAMER. should i trade? why or why not? the asus seems really nice. i saw some reviews and that smart auto overclocker seems really awesome since im a bit new to the overclock scene and im going with a K processor, plus the asus interface seems more user friendly with their "control center all-in-one". also its asus. they have a good QC right? i really could use some help. or is any of the 2 a good choice? thanks guys

ps: the price isnt an issue because they are priced the same here

 

[zeyuanfu]

I would get the Asus board as it has Intel LAN and SupremeFX audio.

 

[Brokkensteel]

I would get the Asus board as it has Intel LAN and SupremeFX audio.

just called the store. the main issue would be the Gigabyte taking way longer to arrive so i went with the ASUS. seems a great card, maybe even better than the Gigabyte according to some reviews. and yes, that supreme FX and intel lan are something to look at. 😉 thanks

 

[zeyuanfu]

No problem

 

[karwingz7]

Has anyone had any issues with the ASRock Z97 extreme4? Specifically there seems to be lots of findings of the pc not booting up after unplugging or turning the psu off once you plug it back in and switch it on. The issue can be read in more detail here: http://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/comments/2jrt1b/psarequest_possible_reoccurring_problem_with_the/

 

[MeteorsRaining]

Has anyone had any issues with the ASRock Z97 extreme4? Specifically there seems to be lots of findings of the pc not booting up after unplugging or turning the psu off once you plug it back in and switch it on. The issue can be read in more detail here: http://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/comments/2jrt1b/psarequest_possible_reoccurring_problem_with_the/

I personally own one and haven't had any issues with it yet. Tried doing what you have described and it still runs alright, guess I am lucky to not have an issue.

 

[RelicLTD]

Hey this a great thread! I am starting my first build and have been mulling over things carefully.

I have narrowed it down to a few boards:

Gigabyte UGA-Z97X-UD3H-BK : $140.00
ASUS z97-Pro Gamer: $160.00
Gigabyte Gaming 5 or 7 : Both around ~140.00 at the moment.

What would you suggest?

 

[zeyuanfu]

I would either get the UD3H-BK or the Pro Gamer. Where are you located and what's your budget for the board?

 

[RelicLTD]

I would either get the UD3H-BK or the Pro Gamer. Where are you located and what's your budget for the board?

I have up to $200. I have a friend who can pick up my parts at a Microcenter, which will save me some money. If I grab a bundle with a mobo it will be 40$ off. I called the microcenter today and unfortunately they don't have either of those boards in stock. I'm debating just going for the z97 Pro+wifi. I need the wifi at somepoint, and it seems other than a few gamer specific features it's almost the same board.

Thoughts?

 

[zeyuanfu]

I would bundle this board with the 4690K to get a 40$ discount:http://www.microcenter.com/product/432988/GA-Z97X-Gaming_7_LGA_1150_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

Plus, it has a 20$ mail-in rebate.

As for the Wi-Fi, something like this would be my choice, with support for all the latest wireless technologies:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $29.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-14 07:53 EST-0500

 

[MeteorsRaining]

RelicLTD, Gigabyte Gaming 7 would be a great buy at $140, if you can grab one. The deal which zeyuanfu has stated is a great one as well. Don't bother much about inbuilt WiFi if other boards without one are going for lesser. You can get a WiFi adapter for as cheaply as $10.

 

[Brokkensteel]

Hey this a great thread! I am starting my first build and have been mulling over things carefully.

I have narrowed it down to a few boards:

Gigabyte UGA-Z97X-UD3H-BK : $140.00
ASUS z97-Pro Gamer: $160.00
Gigabyte Gaming 5 or 7 : Both around ~140.00 at the moment.

What would you suggest?

i can personally recommend the asus z97 pro-gamer.. the board is great. i was surprised. for the good