Is there a go to mATX Z170 mb?

[bbhaag]

I'm putting together a new build and need some advice on a mb. I'm going with the matx form because I like the size. Do you guys have any recommendations/experience with some matx z170 boards?

Parts I've bought so far are a MSI rx480 4gb, i7-6700k, Pixio 1440p display, and a CRYORIG M9i cooler.

I of course want all the latest features that the z170 platform has too offer. If you guys have any questions just let me know. Went on season layoff today so I'll be checking in regularly! haha

 

[vailr]

Two picks:
GIGABYTE G1 Gaming GA-Z170MX-Gaming 5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128844
ASUS MAXIMUS VIII GENE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132569
More choices:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&N=100007627 600567584 600009017 600567581
Note: I would only recommend among those boards which include Realtek ALC1150 audio, and not choose ones with one of the lower quality Realtek audio chips.

 

[bbhaag]

Thanks for the suggestions. I've been looking hard at the Gigabyte board. Even before I created this thread it was in my top 3. Unfortunately the Asus is out. Never again.....

Does anyone have any hands on experience with the ASRock Z170M OC? The reviews look great and the layout is nice but I have some reservations about a board geared toward enthusiasts.

 

[biostud]

Asrock usually has good price performance.

 

[YBS1]

Not that particular model, but my ASRock Fatality mini-itx Z170 board has been great. As was my FM2+ board from them, not a bad thing to say. I think until they disappoint me they may be my go to vendor for a while.

 

[repoman0]

I have the ASRock Z170M-Extreme4 in my system. It's not the same one you're looking at but I've been really happy with it.

Although, I upgraded in part to get better onboard sound and then sell my external DAC to fund part of the upgrade. Doing an A/B comparison, it was still night and day between the ALC1150 and external DAC, so I ended up keeping it. Not sure if it was just this implementation or what, and who knows if it would be noticeable without the A/B comparison.

 

[bbhaag]

Thanks for the suggestions and insight guys. I went ahead and bit the bullet on the ASRock Z170M-Extreme4. Should be here in few days from Newegg.

Repoman0 since you have the same board any suggestions on ram? I'm thinking 2x8gb but I still up in the air on speed/specs. Also what BIOS are you using?

 

[MadOver]

Thanks for the suggestions and insight guys. I went ahead and bit the bullet on the ASRock Z170M-Extreme4. Should be here in few days from Newegg.

Repoman0 since you have the same board any suggestions on ram? I'm thinking 2x8gb but I still up in the air on speed/specs. Also what BIOS are you using?

Good stuff.
The M OC-Formula seen great reviews, I'm also curious about that one.