Which z77 motherboard?

[noodles002]

Hi,

I did ask about this in my proposed build thread but received no replies.

I've now purchased a 3570K processor, i'm on the verge of purchasing the motherboard but would appreciate some advice.

I was initially going to go with an ASUS A8VZ77-V Pro; however the cost and their reputation for customer service is putting me off.

What i'm looking for in a motherboard:

• 2 PCI slots
• Decent overclocking support
• Good onboard fan controllers
• Lucid MVP
• Decent onboard sound but can also simultaneously support a discrete sound card.
• Decent onboard video support (I know that the GPU is in the processor - I need it to output to dual monitors (preferably triple)), I do intend to get a decent GPU later when prices come down (I rarely game these days)
• Reliable
• ATX Size
• Reasonable number of USB3 connectors
• Intel gigabit lan controller

I think i've pretty much covered what I want.
I would appreciate any suggestions.

For info, I intend to put it in a Fractal Design R4.

[Samwood]

I just bought the ASUS A8VZ77-V, great board. The 'Pro' has two x16 PCIE 3.0 lanes (where as the standard has x16/x0 or x8/x8 lanes) and has an upgraded wifi card (2 antennas allowing higher transfer rates). Apart from that there isnt a huge difference between the 2.

Edit: The only other alternative that might fit your criteria are the Gigabyte Z77 boards. They're pretty much the same as the Asus, but no onboard wireless and no fan controller (but they're cheaper).

[dave87]

I went for the P8Z77-V (non Pro/Deluxe) and it is fine

[csgohan4]

MSI is a good brand and if you but through SCAN they will pick up the RMA, go for the Z77 GD65, good balance of cost and features

[noodles002]

Thanks for the input.
I've just realised that I will need 2 internal usb3 headers so that rules out the standard P8Z77-V.
I haven't found an MSI Z77 board with PCI so that's out.
The P8Z77-V Pro still feels overpriced.
As long as other boards have decent fan controllers I can live without the ASUS ones.
On reflection i'm unlikely to use SLI or Crossfire.

[Samwood]

Asus is the only board (that I know of) that has the detailed fan controlls on the board. If you want a cheaper board you'll need to get front bay a fan controller

[noodles002]

Thanks, I've probably wasted too much time on this decision, i've decided to go with the P8Z77-V Pro.

[MoneyShot239]

Anybody recommend the Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H?

I don't suppose that there is too much difference with the Asus.

[Agent]

Anybody recommend the Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H?

I don't suppose that there is too much difference with the Asus.

Yes, it's awesome.

I recently helped a mate build his PC on this board. Nothing but a positive experience.

I'm a fan of Gigabyte stuff in general, but the new UEFI BIOS on this was awesome. Gigabyte also has actual UK support, which is another reason for me to buy from them

[Dareos]

Anybody recommend the Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H?

I don't suppose that there is too much difference with the Asus.

Bought one, love it, very easy to install, its nice and clear and as Agent has said, some of the features are just lovely. Also read recently that Gigabyte are the most reliable motherboard manufacturer around, just cant remember where I read it, may even have been on here.

[Agent]

The Gigabyte boards have a 3 year warranty vs 2 year for ASUS too.

[csgohan4]

Asus has poor turnover of their RMA items, check out scan to see if have a return to base policy on their MB's

[cptwhite_uk]

Pics of my GA-Z77X-UD3H install can be seen here from last week:

How I built my new rig - mistakes and all (inc. pics!)

But suffice to say another positive experience.

[ik9000]

good review of gigabyte z77-UD5H here: http://www.anandtech.com/show/6108/g...titive-pricing

[shaz]

MSI is a good brand and if you but through SCAN they will pick up the RMA, go for the Z77 GD65, good balance of cost and features

[ik9000]

MSI is a good brand and if you but through SCAN they will pick up the RMA, go for the Z77 GD65, good balance of cost and features

MSI is a good brand and if you but through SCAN they will pick up the RMA, go for the Z77 GD65, good balance of cost and features

De ja vu! I think that cat just went backwards....