Nice budget gaming motherboard?

[creopaws]

Hello, heres my build. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/X9KYFT I need a decent mobo for $80 max. It needs to be able to hold 32gb ram, 1600mhz (or higher), crossfire or SLI capable, whichever you think is best. I'd like it to have no problems with overclocking (not heavy oc). I'd like it to have no heating problems, or any other issues. Must have 1 USB 3.0.

 

[Kenneth Barker]

You just described much more expensive Mobos. If you are looking at $80 max... you may need to aim your sights significantly lower. You can't expect all the features and benefits of a $300 mobo out of $80.

 

[creopaws]

Ok, then 1 usb 3.0, 32gb ram max, 1600mhz, and no sli or crossfire. Still dont want issues with heating or ocing if Im forced too.

 

[Joseph DeGarmo]

For your needs, this is the cheapest I could find. Nothing too shabby, but is capable of moderate overclocking. However, the i5-4460 is non-overclockable. You'll need an i5-4690k to overclock.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Motherboard: ASRock Z97 EXTREME4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($93.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $93.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-09-10 14:36 EDT-0400

 

[Kenneth Barker]

The crossfire and SLI were not the problem. Its the heating and OCing that is going to be your problem. Cheap Mobos are terrible with OCing because they use cheaper, less stable components. OCing well requires good power delivery and strong, durable, and capable components so you can OC, and have good temps.

Cheap mobos just don't relaly have the OCing ability. I would look into the used market if you are looking for these things and only have $80. Picking up a used mobo in the mid to high range might be doable for $80 if you find the right seller.

 

[80-watt Hamster]

It's not SLI, but will do Crossfire as well as meets your other requirements:
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-z97mpro4

 

[Joseph DeGarmo]

For a non-SLI build, this is a solid motherboard.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Motherboard: ASRock Z97M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($77.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $77.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-09-10 14:38 EDT-0400

 

[creopaws]

I don not overclock 99% of the time. The only time I would ever oc, is an emergency(gpu bottle necking, for an example). Im only doing gaming, so if I buy the right parts I shouldn't have to. I was looking at the one 80 watt hamster linked, and a h97 Anniversary edition. Motherboards are most of the time the hardest decision for me to make. I understand I cant really go cheap on a mobo, like I said, if I have to ill raise my budget a bit. So, out of the ones linked, which can all of you guys agree on would be the best, for my needs? I may upgrade to an i7 in a couple years, if games become a lot more cpu demanding. Also, if you guys want to make any adjustments, feel free. Ill move my budget up to $650. Also, I just want 1080p medium - high 45+fps in games like ARK, Titanfall, Crysis 3, Tombraider, AC4, BF4, and The Witcher 3. I knwo I probably wont get the fps I want in The Witcher 3, but atleast 30 for that game.

 

[creopaws]

Also, does Micro ATX limit me in any way? Performance or upgrading wise?

 

[Joseph DeGarmo]

If you need overclocking later on, then all you really need is an i5-4690k and a decent mid-range Z97 motherboard. A mid-range GPU would be good enough as well.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler (Purchased For $0.00)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-Gaming 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($126.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($45.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.78 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 950 2GB Video Card ($149.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Rosewill Galaxy-02 ATX Mid Tower Case (Purchased For $0.00)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($55.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $656.53
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-09-10 14:57 EDT-0400