Z370 motherboard for overclocking

[mrfungi]

Hello everyone.

I am upgrading to an i5-8600k in the next few days as I'm retiring my 4690k due to my old faithful ASrock z97 pro4 motherboard reaching its final stages, gasping on its final breaths.

I have decided to take on a new build so I ordered the ASUS Z370 Prime-A motherboard (https://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-Intel-Socket-Chipset-Motherboard/dp/B0764H6HC8/) because from what I researched it would suit me perfectly for what I intend to do with my new processor, which is overclocking and gaming+general usage. Overclocking wise I'm aiming for 4.7-4.8ghz, though will go higher if need be when I upgrade my GPU in the future. The power phases on the board and, according to reviews, its overclocking ability for the price I have bought it for, £145, sits well.

Reading other reviews, however, my head has been turned by some boards and I wouldn't mind spending an extra £40 or more in acquiring a better board if the particulars would justify forking out the extra cash. I've heard that the overclocking ability doesn't differ that much amongst the Z370 boards within the £140-£200 range. But I'm wondering if there is a better brand of Z370 motherboard that I've overlooked/completely missed that would be better for my needs than the ASUS board I ordered.

I'd like to make sure that I've got the right board for me as I don't intend on replacing this motherboard for the next 2 or 3 years.

To summarise:

Are there boards out there, regardless of brand, between the £140-£200 range that are better for my needs than the ASUS Z370 Prime-A I have ordered for £145?

Regarding my own cooling for overclocking, I currently have the Corsair 760T Arctic White case w/ 2x140mm front fans and 1x140mm rear exhaust fan, as well as the Corsair H110i Liquid Cooler and its 2x140mm radiator fans. Rig is powered by Corsair 650M PSU.

Many thanks,


MrFungi

 

[Zerk2012]

The Z97 pro 4 was a very budget board (4+2 power phase) not really very good for longevity when overclocking but I would reconsider your choice.

https://www.xtremegaminerd.com/asus-prime-z370-a-vs-asrock-z370-extreme4/

Pros of Asus Prime Z370-A
✅ It has much better bios and has easy interface both in Bios and AI suite software to overclock CPU and Memory
AI suite is a joke and can be very buggy (you can do the same thing in the BIOS of most boards)
VRM
8+2 Power phase design


Pros of ASRock Z370 Extreme4
✅ Has more Power phases which means better stability in overclocking
VRM
12+1 Power phase design



I have used this Asrock board in 2 builds and had 0 problems and it would of served you well.

For future reference ask then order.

Budget Asus boards are just that unless you pay out the () for their higher end boards you can do better in the same price range and usually buy a better board without their gimmick software for a lower price. I do not buy or recommend the at one time good company Asus boards for this reason.

I would put the Z370 Extreme4 up against ANY board Asus makes (their top of the line) and using the same processor (as the luck of the draw matters when overclocking} and get the same stable overclock or at least as close to 0.1/ 0.2 of it for a lot less money.

Now the Asus fan boys can rant if they wish.

 

[mrfungi]

Think I was very lucky with the z97 board I had as whatever I threw at it, it took like a champ. Other builds I've made with ASRock boards I've also been very happy with. I love ASRock's BIOS too: easy to use with enough to tinker with.

I've just looked up the Extreme4 and comparisons to the ASUS board and its reviews: it seems better than the ASUS board I've ordered for what I want it to do. Completely overlooked this board.

Think I'm going to cancel my ASUS order and opt for the ASRock Extreme4 board instead.


Thanks!