Recommendations for Z77 Motherboard

[CurseTheSky]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to pair a motherboard with the rig in my signature, plus an i7 3770K.

I prefer ASUS or Gigabyte, but will consider others. I'm looking for the best bang for the buck in terms of features; not overly concerned about overclocking at this point.

Any suggestions, and why do you recommend it?

Thanks!

 

[dma0991]

ASRock Z77 Extreme4
ASUS P8Z77-V LK
MSI Z77A-G45

The boards I've listed have pretty much every feature that you might need for a regular desktop and overclock is definitely possible. Of the 3, ASRock's board have quite a lot of features for what you're paying.

 

[JonBlack]

Most will tell you that if you want bang-for-the-buck to go with ASRock.

Between the two you have listed, usually you'll get more bang-for-the-buck with Gigabyte than Asus.

What price range are you looking at?

 

[CurseTheSky]

Probably looking in the $150ish price range. I'd prefer to avoid spending $200+ unless there are some really nice features that I'd be missing out on.

As long as it has 2x internal USB3 headers (for 4 front ports total), at least two PCI-E x16 slots (x8/x8 is fine), eSATA and optical audio on the back, and decent durability I'd be happy. I think my days of paying $250+ for crazy power phase circuitry and whatnot are done.

A back panel CMOS reset button and on-board power / reset buttons are always a plus, but not a deal breaker.

Edit:

I can deal without rear eSATA, but I'm confused: does the P8Z77-V LK support 2x front USB 3.0 ports, or 4x front USB 3.0 ports?

 

[dma0991]

I can deal without rear eSATA, but I'm confused: does the P8Z77-V LK support 2x front USB 3.0 ports, or 4x front USB 3.0 ports?

It will support 2 USB 3.0 ports from a single USB 3.0 header. Motherboard that supports 4 USB 3.0 ports (2 USB 3.0 header) that I've seen so far are from Gigabyte but they are of course the pricier and higher end models.

 

[JonBlack]

I think the (2x USB 3.0) is a no-go at $150 or probably $200.

If you can live with one USB 3.0 header, then this motherboard has eSATA, power & CMOS button on motherboard with LED, PCI-E x16 slots (x16/x8). You can catch it with free shipping if you aren't in a hurry.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128544

 

[CurseTheSky]

I think the (2x USB 3.0) is a no-go at $150 or probably $200.

If you can live with one USB 3.0 header, then this motherboard has eSATA, power & CMOS button on motherboard with LED, PCI-E x16 slots (x16/x8). You can catch it with free shipping if you aren't in a hurry.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128544

I decided to go with that one. Looked like a lot of bang for the buck.

Thanks guys!

 

[lehtv]

Asrock Z77 Extreme4 $140

 

[JonBlack]

I decided to go with that one. Looked like a lot of bang for the buck.

Thanks guys!

I think you made a wise choice!