Need help choosing a Skylake mobo

[Pilsner73]

Looking to build a new computer to replace my 8 year old unit and need help selecting a motherboard on the new lga1151 skylake processor line. I'm wanting to build this month or next unless there is a reason to wait a bit longer. I'm a gamer but not into OC, i do like future proof and am willing to spend a bit more for reliability and features. Doing some research somethings I'd like to have

USB 3.1 ports, sata express, good internal sound, gigabit lan, m2 support, and possibly support for dual video cards. I have used Asus mainly but if there is a company that makes rock solid motherboards as good or better let me know.

Thanks!

 

[nerp]

ASUS H170 PRO GAMING would foot the bill. Affordable non-overclocking Skylake board with all the features you mention. I have one and it's great.

 

[waltchan]

I'm a gamer but not into OC, i do like future proof and am willing to spend a bit more for reliability and features. Doing some research somethings I'd like to have.

In my PC repair experience, Gigabyte wins the title for future-proof and reliability (like 78LMT-USB3 AM3). Long-term support is much better. Gigabyte continues to the largest-supplier of LGA775 boards (G41MT-SP2T still remains in production), while Asus got out in 2011. Problem I found with Asus is they like to discontinue boards after a few months, and there's little or no after-support after that (Asus H81M-Plus, B85 Vanguard, and Z97 Gryphon boards come into my mind, all discontinued since mid-2015). Finding replacement, used Asus boards can be hard sometimes and overpriced on eBay due to fewer quantities.

 

[Deders]

Asus themselves consider U2 to be more future proof than M.2, leading them to prioritize this over a 2nd M2 slot on some of their most recent boards. I don't know if other companies share is belief but it might be worth consideration if you can find any information on future SSD interfaces.

 

[CorsairDemon]

I've posted this before, but I'm a huge fan of the MSI Z170A Mx Gaming series. I have the M3 and absolutely love it. The software is a fun tool too. I haven't used the onboard audio because I use a USB headset, but it's apparently a grand feature of their boards in the area. Check em out.

 

[clamum]

I'm in the same boat as the OP too. Looking to upgrade my i5-750 rig built in 2009/2010 (I don't remember which) and I'm thinking of going Skylake. I also am a gamer, though not hardcore, and I don't really care about overclocking. Seems like the H170 boards would be best then?

 

[CorsairDemon]

H170 is a good starter. Since OC isn't important. Keeps the price down while having some decent features.

 

[nerp]

I chose an H170 based on the same concerns. I wanted the latest generation, a bit of upgrade potential, DDR4, M.2 slots, USB 3.1 and DisplayPort. Only the H170 boards seemed to have it all.

 

[escrow4]

Gigabyte/Asrock (I have typically used those the most) and full ATX if you want the lot with multiple slots. I don't recommend spending (wasting) money on top shelf mobos, but if you want it all you want Z170. That or H170, Asrock's Fatality H170 Gaming:

http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Fatal1ty H170 Performance/

Has all that.

 

[bonehead123]

I've been using a Gigabyte G1 Gaming 7 for a while now and really like it. It has all the features you listed, as well as USB type C, dual gb ethernet, dual m2 slots, and a few others too. Yes it is a higher-end board, but like with alot of things, you only get what you pay for....

I don't game, but I do overclock alot because I demand top performance from my pc's at all times (if it aint fast, its last- on my list ), and I see no reason that I would need to upgrade for at least a year or 2

 

[clamum]

So I've picked up a new video card and PSU (slowly getting parts together, when they're on sale) and I'm close to getting the remaining mobo/RAM/processor.

What do you guys think of USB Type-C? Is it worth getting a board with that option? My first instinct was "Yes" but I'm not sure how widespread it'll be, or even if there's a real point to it besides not having the flip the connector around when you go to plug it in and it's backwards.

Similarly, what about USB 3.1? Worth it? How many things out there even require 3.1? I know the Oculus Rift requires 3x 3.0 ports and 1x 2.0 port, but that's just 3.0.

For reference, I've had my current PC since 2009/2010 and honestly it still runs pretty dang great for me, all things considered. So I'm probably going to have this 6600k Skylake rig for quite a few years, I'm thinking, and that's why I'm wondering about opting for USB 3.1 or Type-C. I'm just spoiling myself because I usually don't have a very high-end system, even when putting a new one together.

 

[UsandThem]

So I've picked up a new video card and PSU (slowly getting parts together, when they're on sale) and I'm close to getting the remaining mobo/RAM/processor.

What do you guys think of USB Type-C? Is it worth getting a board with that option? My first instinct was "Yes" but I'm not sure how widespread it'll be, or even if there's a real point to it besides not having the flip the connector around when you go to plug it in and it's backwards.

Similarly, what about USB 3.1? Worth it? How many things out there even require 3.1? I know the Oculus Rift requires 3x 3.0 ports and 1x 2.0 port, but that's just 3.0.

For reference, I've had my current PC since 2009/2010 and honestly it still runs pretty dang great for me, all things considered. So I'm probably going to have this 6600k Skylake rig for quite a few years, I'm thinking, and that's why I'm wondering about opting for USB 3.1 or Type-C. I'm just spoiling myself because I usually don't have a very high-end system, even when putting a new one together.

USB 3.1 (Type A and C) will both be great once peripherals come out for it over the next couple of years.

Right now, there's not much out there. I bought a USB 3.1 SSD enclosure and it only works reliably on USB 3.0 ports.

I'm just going to let more products show up before giving it another try to let some issues work themselves out.

The good thing is they already sell USB 3.1 add-in cards (under $30), so it will be easy to add if you get a motherboard that doesn't have any.

 

[nerp]

IMHO, it's worth getting USB 3.1 and Type C. You won't have to worry about not having it down the road. Chances are your next phone and laptop will have just type C. You'll find it useful down the road.

 

[Deders]

Same, only my phone and my Samsung T3 external USB uses it. I like that you don't need an intermediate understanding in quantum physics to operate it, unlike previous gens. but I've had limited success actually getting devices to work from my computer's port, using various cables

I may need to change a BIOS setting to allow for phone/tablet charging, but for now these devices only seem to work from standard USB3 ports.

Also some type C cables have been found to not have the right components to regulate power, causing damage to some hardware. Apparently Amazon are checking that every type C cable sold directly from them is safe.

 

[nerp]

Those are junk cables sold by the same people who sell server pulled HDs as "new" on amazon. That's why when I shop on Amazon, I always make sure the seller is Amazon ONLY. The site is polluted with garbage and knockoffs. Just look for Touchpad replacements for Macbooks. They say "by Apple" but if you look closely, they're all knockoffs. There is no such thing as a genuine "new" apple touchpad for sale anywhere in the world. If it's "new" and genuine, it's used. Period. If it's actually new, it's a knockoff. Period.

 

[PhIlLy ChEeSe]

In my PC repair experience, Gigabyte wins the title for future-proof and reliability (like 78LMT-USB3 AM3). Long-term support is much better. Gigabyte continues to the largest-supplier of LGA775 boards (G41MT-SP2T still remains in production), while Asus got out in 2011. Problem I found with Asus is they like to discontinue boards after a few months, and there's little or no after-support after that (Asus H81M-Plus, B85 Vanguard, and Z97 Gryphon boards come into my mind, all discontinued since mid-2015). Finding replacement, used Asus boards can be hard sometimes and overpriced on eBay due to fewer quantities.

Long term as in BETA BIOS, yeah cutting edge stuff considering I don't like to spend and be the crash test dummie all in one.

 

[clamum]

Thanks for the assistance guys. I'm thinkin I'll go for the USB 3.1 and Type-C. Now to narrow down the motherboard, haha. It looks like I'll just go with the H170 chipset since I'm not interested in overclocking anymore.

 

[nerp]

H170 is great because you basically can get everything the top end OC boards offer without the extra stuff that you don't need.

 

[Pilsner73]

Just to update this thread. I finally pulled the trigger on an Asus Z170 Pro (not pro gaming) which is overkill for my needs but I found a good price today on it and I liked the features for future proofing including Intel 3.1 usb.

Thanks to everyone who responded.

 

[nerp]

Enjoy the board. You made a good choice.

 

[Pilsner73]

Enjoy the board. You made a good choice.

Thanks, I did check out h170 base boards from Asus and others manufacturers but just kept thinking I want something to last and even though I don't plan to OC, I may someday use sli/crossfire and like the extra capabilities of the z170 chipset.