Please help me pick a MoBo for AMD AM3+ build

[Pacorocko]

I'm going to upgrade/build a new PC. I'm keeping some parts from my old PC but buying mostly new. The one component I've been stuck on for about 2 weeks now is the stupid motherboard. I know i'm overthinking it, but I don't want to regret it since I don't plan on any major upgrading again for at least 5+ years. I'm more of a console gamer, so gaming isn't too important to me, but I do want it to handle decently if I do decide to play something on here. Also, i've never really had a need to OC any of my previous builds, so I don't think it's too important to me either, but I'd be willing to try if I get bored and/or adventurous.

I thought I had my mind set on just picking a board out of the 990FX lot, but now i'm having second thoughts about needing something that high end, but I do want to future proof to a certain extent. The only feature I truly require is onboard USB 3.0 headers for the ports on the front of my case. Absence of that is a deal breaker.

Here's my build, minus a Mobo:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9D4p4D

Help guide me... I want to stay right around $500, but that's not a concrete ceiling.

Should I go with something like maybe the Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 or the Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3? Or is the Asrock better? Should I save and just buy something cheaper?

Also... if you see anything that I could improve on my build, i'm open to suggestions.

Aaaargh...

 

[Christiaan Lourens]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/MgFZK8

added a CPU cooler also.

Nice going on WD Caviar black! Got my new WD Black delivered yesterday

I'll say go for the 990FX series, people often underestimate the importance of a really good motherboard and those people often pay the price.

 

[Pacorocko]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/MgFZK8

added a CPU cooler also.

Nice going on WD Caviar black! Got my new WD Black delivered yesterday

I'll say go for the 990FX series, people often underestimate the importance of a really good motherboard and those people often pay the price.

Thanks for your response. I think i'll take your advice on sticking with the 990FX. Your brain and my gut are telling me the same thing on this one. That's good enough for me.

I'm ever-so-slightly hesitant about Gigabyte because of past experiences (some good, some bad), but i also spent alot less money on those boards... The reviews seem solid on this one though. Any particular benefit of the UD3 (assumed rev. 4.0) over say the Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 if they're at the same price point? I've never used an Asus board, but i've always heard good things. Also, there's an ASRock Extreme3 in the same neighborhood. Also not familiar. There's an MSI, but i've heard nothing but negatives about their boards.

Is it a case of you can't really go wrong?

 

[Pacorocko]

Scratch that last one... Extreme3 doesn't seem to have a front side USB 3.0 header. The Extreme6 does... but it's like $30 more. Again... willing if it's worth it. Does look fancy...

 

[Christiaan Lourens]

Go for the ASUS, I only use ASUS motherboards.