New motherboard for gaming?

[lemming9]

I'm thinking either the Asus Maximus VI Formula or Gigabyte Z87X-UD4H
The Gigabyte is about 30% cheaper but both seem reasonable.

The only possible relevant difference I see is the Asus quotes a slightly better audio with 120dB SNR where the Gigabyte has 110dB SNR. The audio will be output to speakers via HDMI so a soundcard doesn't matter in that instance, but I do use headphone output too so high quality audio would be nice, but I'm not sure how significant this difference is.

Are there any other pros/cons of either or are they much the same? Given they are in slightly different price brackets I'm hoping there is more to the Asus motherboard for gaming use.

Thanks.

 

[biohazrdfear]

Are you going to be overclocking? If no, get the cheaper board. If yes, get the more expensive board. Because you can buy a $50 motherboard and play the same games as someone with a $400 motherboard. It matters if you're overclocking.

 

[ubercake]

Either would be great. The ROG boards are built for higher overclocks.

If you're not an extreme overclocker, and you just want a good gaming board, the Gigabyte is SLI ready just as is the Asus. You know there's a difference in the sound, but I don't think it's worth the cost.

Arguably, the best deal out there for a dual-SLI Z87 board is the Asus Z87-A ($140), but this will take you down another notch in the sound department.

 

[lemming9]

Are you going to be overclocking? If no, get the cheaper board. If yes, get the more expensive board. Because you can buy a $50 motherboard and play the same games as someone with a $400 motherboard. It matters if you're overclocking.

I'm not sure. Since the GPU primarily handles game processing would there be some benefit to overclocking?

 

[biohazrdfear]

Are you going to be overclocking? If no, get the cheaper board. If yes, get the more expensive board. Because you can buy a $50 motherboard and play the same games as someone with a $400 motherboard. It matters if you're overclocking.

I'm not sure. Since the GPU primarily handles game processing would there be some benefit to overclocking?

There would be a benefit in overclocking the graphics card, but you don't need a high end motherboard to overclock the graphics card. You would need a motherboard better for overclocking if you wanted to overclock your CPU and RAM.

 

[lemming9]

Either would be great. The ROG boards are built for higher overclocks.

If you're not an extreme overclocker, and you just want a good gaming board, the Gigabyte is SLI ready just as is the Asus. You know there's a difference in the sound, but I don't think it's worth the cost.

Arguably, the best deal out there for a dual-SLI Z87 board is the Asus Z87-A ($140), but this will take you down another notch in the sound department.

Thanks for the recommendation but I'd probably like to keep the slightly better audio for the headphone out even though again I don't know how much of a difference it would be.
I was actually briefly considering the Asus Deluxe/Quad as it was similarly priced and had 2 Thunderbolt ports which seemed unique but I didn't know how I would use them for gaming as the GPU would have the needed outputs anyway so the Asus Maximus VI / Gigabyte Z87X-UD4H looked the same at everything else.
I'd only overclock if it's of benefit to gaming and since games are more GPU dependent it will probably not be something I do much.

Aside from overclocking, is there anything else worth considering?

 

[lemming9]

Are you going to be overclocking? If no, get the cheaper board. If yes, get the more expensive board. Because you can buy a $50 motherboard and play the same games as someone with a $400 motherboard. It matters if you're overclocking.

I'm not sure. Since the GPU primarily handles game processing would there be some benefit to overclocking?

There would be a benefit in overclocking the graphics card, but you don't need a high end motherboard to overclock the graphics card. You would need a motherboard better for overclocking if you wanted to overclock your CPU and RAM.

Thanks, but would overclocking the CPU and RAM help if it's mostly my GPU processing the games?

 

[biohazrdfear]

I mean it would help, but exactly how much overclocking do you plan on doing? Because you won't see a huge FPS leap if you don't overclock the HECK outta' your CPU and RAM. I'm taking about ALOT.

 

[ubercake]

...

Thanks for the recommendation but I'd probably like to keep the slightly better audio for the headphone out even though again I don't know how much of a difference it would be.
I was actually briefly considering the Asus Deluxe/Quad as it was similarly priced and had 2 Thunderbolt ports which seemed unique but I didn't know how I would use them for gaming as the GPU would have the needed outputs anyway so the Asus Maximus VI / Gigabyte Z87X-UD4H looked the same at everything else.
I'd only overclock if it's of benefit to gaming and since games are more GPU dependent it will probably not be something I do much.

Aside from overclocking, is there anything else worth considering?

The sound you already covered, but I would say there is no on-board sound better than a good sound card.

There are a couple more SATA III ports and wireless LAN on the Asus ROG motherboard. For multi-player gaming I like a hardwired connection personally. Also, if you need more than 8 SATA connections, you might choose the Asus board.

You get two more USB 2.0 connections on the Gigabyte board.

Do you need 10 SATA connections and built-in wireless as well as better sound? If so, get the Asus. If you don't, get the Gigabyte.

On the other hand, over the years based on my personal experience (and just to confuse you a bit more), nothing beats Asus quality when it comes to motherboards.

Regarding thunderbolt, I'm not sure we're to the point where thunderbolt is yet a practical option.

Personally, since you won't need big overclocks and on-board sound doesn't beat a good add-in card, I'd go for the Z87-A and pick up a good add-in audio card.

 

[sincreator]

This could be a third option: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MSI/Z87-GD65_GAMING/15.html Great audio, great overclocking, and a killer nic network card. Seems to be in your price range.

 

[lemming9]

I mean it would help, but exactly how much overclocking do you plan on doing? Because you won't see a huge FPS leap if you don't overclock the HECK outta' your CPU and RAM. I'm taking about ALOT.

I don't think I would overclock a lot as I'm already hitting 60FPS with max settings on demanding games on my current board and GPU. The next step up will likely need a 2nd GPU rather than an OC. Having said that, a good OC could probably help in occasional non-game related tasks.

 

[biohazrdfear]

I mean it would help, but exactly how much overclocking do you plan on doing? Because you won't see a huge FPS leap if you don't overclock the HECK outta' your CPU and RAM. I'm taking about ALOT.

I don't think I would overclock a lot as I'm already hitting 60FPS with max settings on demanding games on my current board and GPU. The next step up will likely need a 2nd GPU rather than an OC. Having said that, a good OC could probably help in occasional non-game related tasks.

There was one instance where I was running two Radeon 6970s and didn't overclock a thing...Go with whatever your heart desires...but I just see no point in getting a mega-overclocking board like a Maximus. I'd go with an ASRock Extreme board. Costs under 150$ and it does just the trick.

 

[lemming9]

...

Thanks for the recommendation but I'd probably like to keep the slightly better audio for the headphone out even though again I don't know how much of a difference it would be.
I was actually briefly considering the Asus Deluxe/Quad as it was similarly priced and had 2 Thunderbolt ports which seemed unique but I didn't know how I would use them for gaming as the GPU would have the needed outputs anyway so the Asus Maximus VI / Gigabyte Z87X-UD4H looked the same at everything else.
I'd only overclock if it's of benefit to gaming and since games are more GPU dependent it will probably not be something I do much.

Aside from overclocking, is there anything else worth considering?

The sound you already covered, but I would say there is no on-board sound better than a good sound card.

There are a couple more SATA III ports and wireless LAN on the Asus ROG motherboard. For multi-player gaming I like a hardwired connection personally. Also, if you need more than 8 SATA connections, you might choose the Asus board.

You get two more USB 2.0 connections on the Gigabyte board.

Do you need 10 SATA connections and built-in wireless as well as better sound? If so, get the Asus. If you don't, get the Gigabyte.

On the other hand, over the years based on my personal experience (and just to confuse you a bit more), nothing beats Asus quality when it comes to motherboards.

Regarding thunderbolt, I'm not sure we're to the point where thunderbolt is yet a practical option.

Personally, since you won't need big overclocks and on-board sound doesn't beat a good add-in card, I'd go for the Z87-A and pick up a good add-in audio card.

That's a lot of decent info you provided, thanks.

In relation to the Asus Deluxe/Quad, even though the board was actually cheaper at one point I couldn't see where I'd ever use the Thunderbolt so thought the ROG features of the Asus Formula might be a better option.

I've also found Asus to have a decent motherboard quality, hence the inclusion of the Asus ROG here, even though it has a lot of features that are probably above what is strictly necessary. I'd also likely settle for whatever audio is on the Asus ROG/Gigabyte rather than getting a separate audio card as 110/120dB SNR should be close enough to comparable add-in audio cards. The Z87-A and say the Xonar STX or even the Creative Z would be more than the Gigabyte and approach the cost of the Asus ROG making the extra motherboard features a bonus.

Another thing I've seen on this Asus is that it has is 2 extra fan headers over the Gigabyte. One of the reasons I'm considering an upgrade is because I currently have a GPU that is known to run hot so good airflow may be a concern especially if I get a second card later on for 4K. The case I have could potentially use all the fan headers but I think this also depends on what CPU cooler is attached. If the CPU is liquid cooled do liquid coolers need extra fan headers for the pump and fans? I assume the liquid coolers fans also act as a case fan in such a setup.

 

[lemming9]

This could be a third option: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MSI/Z87-GD65_GAMING/15.html Great audio, great overclocking, and a killer nic network card. Seems to be in your price range.

This almost seems comparable to the Formula in terms of specs. Looks like another good option. Thanks

 

[lemming9]

I mean it would help, but exactly how much overclocking do you plan on doing? Because you won't see a huge FPS leap if you don't overclock the HECK outta' your CPU and RAM. I'm taking about ALOT.

I don't think I would overclock a lot as I'm already hitting 60FPS with max settings on demanding games on my current board and GPU. The next step up will likely need a 2nd GPU rather than an OC. Having said that, a good OC could probably help in occasional non-game related tasks.

There was one instance where I was running two Radeon 6970s and didn't overclock a thing...Go with whatever your heart desires...but I just see no point in getting a mega-overclocking board like a Maximus. I'd go with an ASRock Extreme board. Costs under 150$ and it does just the trick.

Thanks, that's sensible advice. But even with the Formula I'm more interested in the other features of the board rather than it's overclocking potential. Overclocking is probably the last thing I'm thinking about. Like you I'd prefer to go with a crossfire setup for the increased boost in gaming which will be necessary anyway for 4K gaming hopefully nearer to next year when display prices become reasonable.

 

[biohazrdfear]

I mean it would help, but exactly how much overclocking do you plan on doing? Because you won't see a huge FPS leap if you don't overclock the HECK outta' your CPU and RAM. I'm taking about ALOT.

I don't think I would overclock a lot as I'm already hitting 60FPS with max settings on demanding games on my current board and GPU. The next step up will likely need a 2nd GPU rather than an OC. Having said that, a good OC could probably help in occasional non-game related tasks.

There was one instance where I was running two Radeon 6970s and didn't overclock a thing...Go with whatever your heart desires...but I just see no point in getting a mega-overclocking board like a Maximus. I'd go with an ASRock Extreme board. Costs under 150$ and it does just the trick.

Thanks, that's sensible advice. But even with the Formula I'm more interested in the other features of the board rather than it's overclocking potential. Overclocking is probably the last thing I'm thinking about. Like you I'd prefer to go with a crossfire setup for the increased boost in gaming which will be necessary anyway for 4K gaming hopefully nearer to next year when display prices become reasonable.

Now that we've broken that barrier, what other features are you wanting? Features within the bios or physical features? Physical features being like, two or four PCI-E slots, etc.

 

[lemming9]

I mean it would help, but exactly how much overclocking do you plan on doing? Because you won't see a huge FPS leap if you don't overclock the HECK outta' your CPU and RAM. I'm taking about ALOT.

I don't think I would overclock a lot as I'm already hitting 60FPS with max settings on demanding games on my current board and GPU. The next step up will likely need a 2nd GPU rather than an OC. Having said that, a good OC could probably help in occasional non-game related tasks.

There was one instance where I was running two Radeon 6970s and didn't overclock a thing...Go with whatever your heart desires...but I just see no point in getting a mega-overclocking board like a Maximus. I'd go with an ASRock Extreme board. Costs under 150$ and it does just the trick.

Thanks, that's sensible advice. But even with the Formula I'm more interested in the other features of the board rather than it's overclocking potential. Overclocking is probably the last thing I'm thinking about. Like you I'd prefer to go with a crossfire setup for the increased boost in gaming which will be necessary anyway for 4K gaming hopefully nearer to next year when display prices become reasonable.

Now that we've broken that barrier, what other features are you wanting? Features within the bios or physical features? Physical features being like, two or four PCI-E slots, etc.

I wouldn't say I'm looking for anything specific. Most Z87 motherboards are similar in terms of performance so I'm mainly looking for a good quality board that will last the foreseeable future. 2 GPU's slots would suffice, adequate cooling seems like it would be important in the future, decent audio to save on an extra soundcard, stable user friendly bios with some potential for OC as necessary. I figured the two boards I mentioned fit into that description so I mentioned them, but other opinions are always welcome.

 

[sincreator]

Here is the cheapest price I could find on the MSI board I recommended. It has won a ton a of awards, including best in class at computex. You are right, it is very similar to the formula board. Just a way better price, lol. If you look around the reviews are stellar as well.

http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=84072&vpn=Z87%2DGD65%20Gaming&manufacture=MSI%2FMicroStar&promoid=1263


Here is the features list:

• Supports 4th Gen Intel® Core™ / Pentium® / Celeron® processors for LGA 1150 socket
• Supports DDR3-3000(OC) Memory
• USB 3.0 + SATA 6Gb/s
• Audio Boost: Reward Your Ears with True Quality
• Killer Ethernet: Kill Your Lag
• Military Class 4: Top Quality & Stability
• OC Genie 4: Overclock in 1 Second
• Click BIOS 4: Easily Fine-tune Your System
• PCI Express Gen 3: World's 1st PCI Express Gen 3 Motherboard Brand
• Multi-GPU: NVIDIA SLI & AMD CrossFire Support
• Sound Blaster Cinema: Realistic Surround Sound Experience
• Gaming Device Port: Optimized with Triple Gold-plating for High Polling Rate Gaming Devices
• Total Fan Control: Optimize All Fan Speed As You Wish
• Lucid Virtu MVP 2.0: Uncompromised Game Response Performance
• Super Charger: Quickly Charge your iPad/iPhone/smartphones even under S0/S1/S3/S4/S5 mode




LET THE GAMES BEGIN



MSI GAMING motherboards are designed to provide gamers with best-in-class features and technology. Backed by the imposing looks of MSI's Dragon, each motherboard is an engineering masterpiece tailored to gaming perfection.





THE BEST GAMING WEAPONS AT HAND

• The highest frag and the lowest lag with Killer™ E2200 Game Networking
• Crystal clear sound with Audio Boost
• Top quality audio solution with Sound Blaster Cinema
• Gaming device port
• Superb graphics with VGA Boost
• Blazing fast booting with Super RAID
• Gaming Device Port
• Military Class 4 Components
• OC Genie 4 & Click BIOS 4
• Optimized for multiple graphics cards
• Supports DDR3-3000 memory for super fast loading

 

[lemming9]

Here is the cheapest price I could find on the MSI board I recommended. It has won a ton a of awards, including best in class at computex. You are right, it is very similar to the formula board. Just a way better price, lol. If you look around the reviews are stellar as well.

http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=84072&vpn=Z87%2DGD65%20Gaming&manufacture=MSI%2FMicroStar&promoid=1263


Here is the features list:

• Supports 4th Gen Intel® Core™ / Pentium® / Celeron® processors for LGA 1150 socket
• Supports DDR3-3000(OC) Memory
• USB 3.0 + SATA 6Gb/s
• Audio Boost: Reward Your Ears with True Quality
• Killer Ethernet: Kill Your Lag
• Military Class 4: Top Quality & Stability
• OC Genie 4: Overclock in 1 Second
• Click BIOS 4: Easily Fine-tune Your System
• PCI Express Gen 3: World's 1st PCI Express Gen 3 Motherboard Brand
• Multi-GPU: NVIDIA SLI & AMD CrossFire Support
• Sound Blaster Cinema: Realistic Surround Sound Experience
• Gaming Device Port: Optimized with Triple Gold-plating for High Polling Rate Gaming Devices
• Total Fan Control: Optimize All Fan Speed As You Wish
• Lucid Virtu MVP 2.0: Uncompromised Game Response Performance
• Super Charger: Quickly Charge your iPad/iPhone/smartphones even under S0/S1/S3/S4/S5 mode




LET THE GAMES BEGIN



MSI GAMING motherboards are designed to provide gamers with best-in-class features and technology. Backed by the imposing looks of MSI's Dragon, each motherboard is an engineering masterpiece tailored to gaming perfection.





THE BEST GAMING WEAPONS AT HAND

• The highest frag and the lowest lag with Killer™ E2200 Game Networking
• Crystal clear sound with Audio Boost
• Top quality audio solution with Sound Blaster Cinema
• Gaming device port
• Superb graphics with VGA Boost
• Blazing fast booting with Super RAID
• Gaming Device Port
• Military Class 4 Components
• OC Genie 4 & Click BIOS 4
• Optimized for multiple graphics cards
• Supports DDR3-3000 memory for super fast loading

Thanks again for reminding me of the MSI GD65. I actually was comparing the MSI and the Asus last year but hesitated as I had not settled on a GPU. Another look at these 2 boards shows that they are specifically built with gaming in mind and have many of the same features that some of the others don't have so I guess I was on the right track last time. I've got a new GPU now so the build is mainly around complementing that so I'll probably pick one of these two boards.

Thanks again to everyone for their opinion.