Noob does Noob things - mATX confusion and why I'm a goose.

[weaponfx]

I've spent many hours coming up with my perfect build AT THE PERFECT PRICE!

However I noticed last second that the case I had my heart set on was called an mATX case... so more research later and my perfect ATX build was no longer perfect (what a goose right?)

But this led me to wanting to know more about mini/micro builds and I have now decided that I don't need the size benefits that an ATX board has (more slots for more stuff) and I now want to go mATX build so my research on mobo' has to start again.

Info the experts need:
Mainly a gaming pc with some hobby video/photo editing in it's future.
- 16GB ram is enough for what I do
- 1 GPU is all I'll ever want

Build components that I already have:
- 120GB SSD & 1TB SSHD
- Gigabyte 660ti windforce (will upgrade to 980 when cheaper)
- Coolmaster 650w PSU (will upgrade to 800-1000w when I get a new GPU)
- LG DVD drive

Build components that I will be buying:
http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/WTY8Bm

Now the all important question from this Noob of Noobs...

GIGABYTE GA-Z170M-D3H (rev. 1.0) Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
or
ASUS Z170M-PLUS Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

Comparison link for both boards

At first glance the Gigabyte seems to have more of the important stuff eg: Fan connectors, Audio jacks, PCI slots and sATA Express but I seriously don't know mobo' enough to understand the imporatnt differences and all the other forum pages or sites I've read talk about them in a way a semi novice finds hard to understand.

Any advice/assistance will be greatly appreciated on which mobo to go or if I'm better off going with my original ATX idea:

http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/MxgKmG

Thanks everyone, your amazing knowledge is a God send!

 

[scout_03]

did you check this case http://cplonline.com.au/cougar-mx300-black-mid-tower-case.html for memory check these one if they will wotk with motherboard http://www.scorptec.com.au/product/Memory/DDR4/60083-BLS2K4G4D240FSA

 

[weaponfx]

did you check this case http://cplonline.com.au/cougar-mx300-black-mid-tower-case.html for memory check these one if they will wotk with motherboard http://www.scorptec.com.au/product/Memory/DDR4/60083-BLS2K4G4D240FSA

Thanks for the links

I'm pretty set on the case I'm after but have other small form factor one's as backups in case I change my mind.

That Ram is 8gb for $120, I prefer the Crucial 2x8gb I've chosen in my parts list for for $145 inc. postage.

I'm really just after opions on the 2 mobo' listed above or the idea of going a full ATX set-up vs Micro ATX.

 

[scout_03]

i usualy use asus board the other point you have to look is how the warranty is handle for a rma where you live .

 

[madmatt30]

That bitfenix case in your build isn't a matx case - it's a mid towerc atx - it will take a full size board or a matx board.

 

[weaponfx]

That bitfenix case in your build isn't a matx case - it's a mid towerc atx - it will take a full size board or a matx board.

Correct, that was my original full ATX build as stated in my post (see below quote)

....or if I'm better off going with my original ATX idea:

http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/MxgKmG

If you look at the first part picker link in my post it shows my idea for a mATX using a Deepcool Steamcastle mATX case... (see quote below)

Build components that I will be buying:
http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/WTY8Bm

Now the all important question from this Noob of Noobs...

GIGABYTE GA-Z170M-D3H (rev. 1.0) Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
or
ASUS Z170M-PLUS Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

So the case is correct for either of the above mentioned boards, what I'm just trying to figure out is which one would be a better buy than the other....