Best mobo for i7 4790k.../ how do you decide on a mobo?

[Dwevan]

So I'm looking to build a new pc and I've decided most of the parts already, well all of them except the mobo. Ill be getting the new i7 4790k (might as well wait a bit for it...) and was wondering which mobo you guys thought is the best from a features to price standpoint - I'm thinking of max budget of £130 for mobo, looking for mobo with SLI support and overclocking support but no too worried about sound... will be mainly using build for gaming with some video rendering/editing and music composition.... also, would like Wifi to be included but not a deal breaker...
So... so far I'm looking mainly between asus z97-a and MAXIMUS VII RANGER or maybe SABERTOOTH MARK 2 or a similar board from MSI or gigabyte....

just basically, how do you go about deciding which motherboard to get for your system?

Thanks guys!

[Programming_Lif]

So what I usually do is follow this checklist:
1. Does the motherboard look good and does it match my case if the case has a window - Green does not go well with bright red.
2. Can it accommodate my USB port usage. For me, the more the better.
3. Does sound quality matter. For me and probably you, not so much but for others they may want to go for a board which has the best quality sound without spending a fortune on a sound card.
4. Does it have enough expansion slots for my own use? It probably does for all ATX boards. mATX, mITX not so much. The more expansion slots the better for video editing and maybe gaming. Depends how much you do (but of course dependent on the CPU).
5. How much RAM do I need. For a typical gamer, i only really need 8GB but how do you want to set it out? 2x4GB? 4x2GB? Make sure the mobo allows for that many slots.
6. Will it be futureproof? Now, I have kept a 2003 standard motherboard on my downstairs computer (that's just for general browsing) and it has last 11 years. I mean, make sure you get a motherboard you know will last for at least 2-3 years. I know 11 years is a bit much but I can't be bothered changing it.
7. Does it have good reviews. Check around, see professionals review the mobos you like.

Now looking at both boards you linked... it really depends on your needs. Also it frankly doesn't matter whether you go for MSI, Gigabyte or Asus. All the boards do have roughly the same specs if you're talking high end ones If you need a tonne of USB ports, go with the Sabertooth and for the more features to price, go with the Maximus VII Ranger. All in all, it just matters on what you want, your absolute needs and aesthetics.
Now loo

[kalniel]

just basically, how do you go about deciding which motherboard to get for your system?

1) Reliability
2) Presence of any must-have features
3) Ease of use and nice-to-have features
4) Manufacturer support/returns system
5) Price

So as you can see, each manufacturer is offering quite different things according to those criteria, and it's on a model by model basis given the vast differences within a range, let alone between different generations. So there's no quick rule, just have to examine each model within budget and take them on their individual merits (which will be different for me than for you).

[MrJim]

1) Reliability
2) Presence of any must-have features
3) Ease of use and nice-to-have features
4) Manufacturer support/returns system
5) Price

So as you can see, each manufacturer is offering quite different things according to those criteria, and it's on a model by model basis given the vast differences within a range, let alone between different generations. So there's no quick rule, just have to examine each model within budget and take them on their individual merits (which will be different for me than for you).

I think my priorities are pretty much the same as Kalniel's - although maybe price would be a bit higher up the list

Aesthetics don't matter to me in the least - I'm old enough to remember when you could have a motherboard in any colour you like, as long as it was green

I guess everyone has slightly different criteria with which they decide on a motherboard.

[codgurl1101]

1) Reliability
2) Presence of any must-have features
3) Ease of use and nice-to-have features
4) Manufacturer support/returns system
5) Price

Good list. This guy's site may help you further, it helped me. squidoo.com/Motherboards-Intel

To answer your question, I'd recommend the maximus. It's a good brand, and it follows all the pointers the people have have said.

[sgtfluffybutt]

I'm hearing the extreme 4 is pretty great value for money

[heinsmit]

I was looking at the extreme 4 but am settling on an Asus Z97-Pro. Power consumption and temperature made the difference for me rather than features. The asrock has a great feature set.

[Zhaix]

I like to mostly look at the price, the special features and the aesthetics of the mobo if it's a windowed case being used. Having a good warranty is also important.

[shamus21]

I would go for this one should cover all the options for a few years. Gigabyte Z97X-UD3H-BK

[PowerPie5000]

I'm hearing the extreme 4 is pretty great value for money

The Asrock Z97 Extreme4 board is what i chose in the end (over the MSI Gaming 5 which was my other choice in the price range). Cost me £109.99 posted and worth every penny! Main reasons i bought it:

1. Quality 12 phase power design which is ideal for overclocking.

2. Excellent onboard audio with headphone amp, nichicon caps, EMI shielding etc... It's so good that i didn't bother carrying over the Asus Xonar from my previous build.

3. Good hardware based Intel NIC which many people seem to prefer over the Killer NIC.

4. SLI & Crossfire support without gimping the second GPU PCIe slot to x4 (as with a few cheaper boards).

5. The price and other features that i may or may not use


It's a solid board that receives good reviews.

I was looking at the extreme 4 but am settling on an Asus Z97-Pro. Power consumption and temperature made the difference for me rather than features. The asrock has a great feature set.

I wouldn't worry too much about power consumption when it comes to motherboards. There will only be a few watts difference between different Z87/Z97 boards... Nothing you'll notice on your electricity bill .

[Wordsmither]

1. Fanboyism.
2. Price
3. Features

I chose not to mention design as it's not massively important to me. If it can fit my CPU cooler, it passes.

Price is self-explanatory and correlates with features; don't pay a premium for tidbits you won't even use.