Z170 Motherboard Selection

[NoahBE1998]

I am upgrading to the i7 6700k for Christmas, (could have gone with the i7 5820k for a bit more, but I mainly game and don't need the extra cores) and I am currently trying to select a motherboard. I have my choices narrowed down to the MSI Z170A Gaming M7 and the ASUS Maximus Hero VIII. I have had a bad time with ASUS to be honest. I had ordered the Maximus Hero VII to use with my i5 4690k, but I had a bad board, leaving me repeatedly trying to fix the problem until I had "repaired" the board so many times the sent me a refurbished one, that still is a little buggy. I even lost an extra $220.00 because their so called " hold" was a transaction they keep "investigating" every time I call. I have researched ASUS and according to the BBB I am not the only one with this problem.

Any way, I have narrowed choices. People continuously say ASUS is good so I am giving them another shot. Please no bias here! I am comparing the boards not the company - so which is the better?

 

[Tradesman1]

I've got the Hero, paired with a 6600K, I run a number of sets of DRAM in it up through 32GB of 3200 Tri Zs, numerous GPUs up through 980 SLI or 290X XFire, half a dozen differen tCPU coolers thus far and love it (wanting to pick up a pair of 980Ti's later this month. As far as MSI, I don't build on them due to the poor QC

 

[NoahBE1998]

I have an edit. I am reconsidering the i7 5820k. Should I go for it? I mostly game, but when I go to college next year I may need it for certain applications. What is the best choice? Which is better at gaming + editing? Am I to understand that the i7 5820k outshines or trades blows with the 6700k in gaming - I do not know if at stock speed - and is better for computer science related work?

Please reply ASAP, I am able to return the i7 6700k, but not for long!

 

[Tradesman1]

If it fits with the budget I'd go the 5820K have you decided on a X99 mobo for it

 

[NoahBE1998]

No not yet. I am trying to find a well rated board, preferably black and red color scheme. I really don't know what to choice, I have heard allot about ASUS' X99-A but I very much dislike the color scheme. Any recommendations?

 

[Tradesman1]

Budget? I like the X99-A, for red and black and a very good mobo, might look at the Rock's Fatal1ty X99X Killer, just a sec....here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157540

 

[NoahBE1998]

I am looking to spend no more than I would on say the Maximus Hero VIII. Also, how well does the i7 6700k perform in CPU intensive tasks other than gaming? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFNhlq2b518 I watched this and it seems the i7 6700k has a better IPC. I am really torn. Do you or anyone else no what the performance difference will be and whether or not I should get the 5820k or 6700k?