What motherboard to use for my build?

[TheHogDog]

http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/fVfM23

My current final build. (No clue what 4690k is cheaper than 4670k on amazon) but...

I've been recommended various motherboards:

Asus Z97-P ATX LGA1150 Motherboard

MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard

Gigabyte GA-Z87X-SLI Motherboard

Any of these motherboards or any other motherboard?

I mainly don't see many reviews on these so I don't know which one is good or if there are any problems with these MBs... anyone can give me some final advice before I start throwing everything into my basket.

 

[Suztera]

This is a list of Z97 motherboards put into tiers.
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-2383187/motherboard-tier-list-z97-chipset.html

Most motherboards are decent for basic use. If you looking to overclock consider the higher tiers motherboards.

 

[TheHogDog]

I'm looking to do slight slight overclock but not going to go to test all the limits etc... just want to get some performance worth that's all.

Would one of the three motherboards that I have mentioned be adequate?

 

[Suztera]

The MSI Z97 PC MATE motherboard would be fine for you

 

[TheHogDog]

I hope so, I'll buy that MB then.

Thank you.

 

[dark_lord69]

Chipsets determine what features your motherboard is capable of.
"Z97 has SATA Express, and M.2 capabilities, other than that, its is identical to the Z87 chipset." -Quoted from hapkiman

The best way to choose a motherboard.
Decide what features you want/can't do without. Find a chipset that is capable of those features. Then pick a manufacturer.
Example: If you need 2 PCIe slots because you have 2 video cards ready to go or plan on upgrading to two video cards then you will want SLI/Crossfire functionality. If you have multiple USB 3.0 external hard drives you will need a port for each one of those.

The reality is that many people over buy what they need in terms of motherboard. I believe mine was just over $60.
Personally I like the ATX size boards as apposed to the mATX but mATX boards are cheaper. They just tend to have less room to add extra add in cards and drives.

Those are great choices for motherboards. All 3 brands are excellent but I prefer msi and Gigabyte.

Advice: You can save plenty if you know you don't plan on doing SLI or Crossfire. (Mine has the appropriate slots but one is too slow for a second video card which I was fine with because I've always had the mentality that if you can't do it with 1 video card then it might be time for a new/better one.)
Advice #2: If you want the best of the best features, upgrade-ability and speed. The x99 chipset is the current flagship set but it will not come cheap. Also, with that chipset you must use certain CPU's and the one you picked would not work. The CPU's that are compatible with that chipset are also fairly expensive. (Socket LGA 2011-v2 based processors)

Honestly Z97 is a good choice. You just need to decide what features you want and make sure the board you want has them. Lastly the only other factor is brand which MSI, Gigabyte and ASUS are great brands.

 

[TheHogDog]

Ok thanks!

 

[sora]

OP, I'd personally go for the ASUS Z97 motherboard as they have great customer support.