Motherboard Suggestions

[NotAnalGrap]

So, I'm going to be moving from Ivy Bridge to Haswell shortly and will need a new motherboard.
I'm thinking it make sense to go with the Z97 chipset since it is the latest and greatest, etc.

I've got my eyes on this bad boy, but am open to other less pricey suggestions:

http://www.microcenter.com/product/433187/Sabertooth_Z97_LGA1150_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

 

[OfftheRails]

I've had absolutely no trouble with this bad boy:

http://www.microcenter.com/product/433129/Z97-G45_PC_Gaming_Socket_LGA_1150_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

 

[sixer9682]

Sabertooth is a solid choice and very good performer, you can't go wrong with that at all. That said, I'd look for a combo deal when the 4970K is released shortly with that motherboard. Good choice.

 

[Bungied2theTree]

They look like great boards to me. Though I've never used Intel in a Build

 

[Snakebabies]

I know you are leaning to the z97 chipset..http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/MAXIMUS_VI_HERO/ ..this puppy has just enough, and not too many extras (of crap I wont use or dont need) and the price was right.

 

[NotAnalGrap]

Thanks snake! Good suggestion as well.

 

[Ghstops6]

Any particular reason for the jump? The Haswell really hasn't wowed me enough to justify the cost. And the performance gains are nominal at best. Truthfully, I'd recommend skipping this generation and wait until the chipset matures (successor to the Z9x series) and DDR4 is rampant. That's my plan at least in the near term.

 

[NotAnalGrap]

I'm going from an 3rd gen i5 to a 4th gen i7. Only reason for the generation jump is the great CPU deal I'm getting on the i7.

 

[Ghstops6]

Even that's a tough sell for me but because you're Doc, I'll help out

I'd say go for the Sabertooth but that's me personally. However also on micro center, there is the successor to Snakebabies suggestion, the Asus Maximus VII Hero for 229.00. A bit cheaper than the sabertooth at 249.00. I like red and black, but I also like the TUF armor of the sabertooth... So many suggestions...

I imagine you're planning on over clocking?

 

[NotAnalGrap]

Even that's a tough sell for me but because you're Doc, I'll help out

I'd say go for the Sabertooth but that's me personally. However also on micro center, there is the successor to Snakebabies suggestion, the Asus Maximus VII Hero for 229.00. A bit cheaper than the sabertooth at 249.00. I like red and black, but I also like the TUF armor of the sabertooth... So many suggestions...

I imagine you're planning on over clocking?

Hells yeah! Probably going to shoot for 4.4 GHZ.

 

[Ghstops6]

Hells yeah! Probably going to shoot for 4.4 GHZ.

Should be able to hit that easily with any board. I would check out the guides for Haswell CPUs. I know over clock.net has a guide along with a table of average overclocks and voltages. I'll post the link when I get home.

Edit: keep in mind, the chip has the same TIM as the 3xxx chips, so you may get similar overclocking potential.

 

[JWR046]

I have the evga z87 FTW and it has been good. I have a good case running on h20 at 4.2 ghz. Can get to 4.4-4.5 but have not messed with it again. The haswell chips run hot. 4770k 29c idle, 56c gaming ,and 65c prime 100 test. That is not bad but my 2700k ran 4.5 gz on air same case.


http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=141-HW-E877-KR

 

[NotAnalGrap]

Thanks JW. Definitely going to need your help with understanding sysprep.