Your thoughts on getting a just-right-for-today, not-futureproofed board

[sharksfin]

I have this crazy idea which I call anti-futureproofing. I wonder what you think of it....

http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/mother...a8&page=1&qq=1 says the cheapest compatible mobo for my CPU, an Intel Core i3-6100, is $41.38, the Gigabyte GA-H110M-A.

On the other hand, the cheapest Z170 mobo is twice the price: $83 for ASRock Z170 Pro4S. (Someone whose hardware opinion I respect suggested I get a Z170 board, even though she knows the i3 CPU can't be overclocked. She says the Z170 has more I/O lanes that I may need.)

Here's my plan. Let's say in 3 years, I grow discontent with my current $41.38 mobo. Perhaps 3 years from now (2019), the currently-price $83 Pro4S would be selling for $40. Please know I'm not limiting myself to this Pro4S model in 2019; I just name it as an example. For all I know the Pro4S in 2019 will be either discontinued or exorbitantly priced on ebay. What I'm trying to figure out is whether, in 2019, there would be a board similiar to or better than the Pro4S that is $40 or cheaper.

I call this anti-futureproofing. I'm buying just enough for my needs today. If ever I outgrow my current build, or when future games require better specs, then that's when I'll buy better specs. I would think that tech items (i.e., pc components) are always dropping in price, so there's no reason to spend so much money today, when you can get it at a fraction later on, when you need it.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I think you're pretty spot on. I recommend people buy for their needs now. There really isn't any such thing as future proofing.

 

[VirtualLarry]

The Pro4S is an excellent board, it currently has the best rating for a Z170 board at Newegg, and you CAN overclock your i3 with it. (Assuming that you can get a hold of the ver 3.00 BIOS for it.)

 

[TStep]

I buy only what I need and it's likely used in the world of mobo/cpu/memory. Most of the time I ride a couple of gens back.

 

[PhIlLy ChEeSe]

I like it, my issue tomorrow always comes(LOL!). It probably has the M-sata, I think it would last you a while taken care of. Can't go wrong with a board for less then $100, my 2 cents.

 

[bigboxes]

Can't go wrong with a board for less then $100, my 2 cents.

I've gone wrong plenty of times with a board < $100. Price is not the issue. Lack of research is.

 

[myocardia]

Just know this. The ASRock Z170 Pro4S is nowhere near as good of a motherboard as the only slightly more expensive ASRock Z170 Pro4. The Pro4, no S, has both a much better quality audio chip, and a much better quality LAN chip. The Pro4S does not have an absolutely horrid audio chip, nor is its LAN chip horrid, but for the few extra dollars, the Pro4 sans the S is the much higher quality board.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Just know this. The ASRock Z170 Pro4S is nowhere near as good of a motherboard as the only slightly more expensive ASRock Z170 Pro4. The Pro4, no S, has both a much better quality audio chip, and a much better quality LAN chip. The Pro4S does not have an absolutely horrid audio chip, nor is its LAN chip horrid, but for the few extra dollars, the Pro4 sans the S is the much higher quality board.

I'm surprised to hear that the LAN chipset in the Pro4S isn't good. It's Intel - how is that not good?

I use HDMI out on my video card (7950 3GB), so I could really care less about whether the on-board is any good. Haven't used an analog speaker-out jack in quite some time.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

There really isn't any such thing as future proofing.

this

 

[WackyWRZ]

Just know this. The ASRock Z170 Pro4S is nowhere near as good of a motherboard as the only slightly more expensive ASRock Z170 Pro4. The Pro4, no S, has both a much better quality audio chip, and a much better quality LAN chip. The Pro4S does not have an absolutely horrid audio chip, nor is its LAN chip horrid, but for the few extra dollars, the Pro4 sans the S is the much higher quality board.

Both have ALC892 audio and I219V LAN... Looks like they are identical chipsets according to ASRock website.

Pro4 has better caps and more heatsink around the VRM area. Definitely not an area to skimp on.