Msi Z97 G45 vs Asus Maximus Vii Ranger

[tomoxilin]

I am planning on an upcoming build and i was wondering if it is worth putting in a little more cash where i would skimp somewhere else to get the more expensive Ranger over the G45?

What are their differences and are the hugely detrimental to the performance of my build?

And finally i would like to know about their BIOS/UEFI?

 

[Suztera]

Asus Ranger will have a slightly better quality materials used. I like their method of USB BIOS update. Performance wise probably no difference except for overlocking.
Their BIOS screen shots can be found here: http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/motherboards/2014/05/11/z97-motherboard-group-tests/3
Another link: http://www.vortez.net/articles_pages/asus_maximus_vii_ranger_review,6.html

 

[Onus]

I believe the G45 is the bottom of MSI's line. As such, its VRMs may be weak. The Asus will definitely be the better board.

 

[Dylzan]

I'm pretty sure that if you were to get the Gaming 5 or Gaming 7 from MSI instead, the build quality and materials would be pretty similar to the Asus ROG Ranger.

 

[Onus]

^Agreed. I have a Z77A-GD65 Gaming board, and that one is top-quality. I got it for a review, and during my tests I used an IR thermometer on its VRMs; I never saw over 38C.

 

[tomoxilin]

thanks for all the speedy answers. So what your saying is either get the ranger or the Msi gaming 5 for like $20 cheaper?

 

[6R1M01R3]

thanks for all the speedy answers. So what your saying is either get the ranger or the Msi gaming 5 for like $20 cheaper?

Not sure, but the ranger would be about the same price of the gene, but different form factor. The MSI gaming 7 is still cheaper than those 2.