Choosing a Motherboard

[sushibiscuit]

Hi I am planning on building a new computer.

Looking at the pricelist, there is a myriad of motherboards out there from all the different brands.

After looking at the basic considerations like the distributor and RMA locations warranty etc. , all the motherboards look really identical.

Looking online doesn't help much because of the lack of reviews. The tech specs of most motherboards are practically the same and the Mobo makers have their own individual branding for the same thing ( AudioBOOST, Purity Audio) etc.....

So what do I look out for? I am looking at MSI's B85-G43 GAMING but there is a standard version. The only thing different i see in specs in the KILLER gigabit LAN and the ALC1150. Will the KILLER chip shape my wireless network as well?

Would like to see some reccomendations here by the bros

On a side note my build is about 1.3-1.5k so if anyone has any reccomendations here please post them thanks!

 

[sushibiscuit]

On a site note...ALL the RAM GFX SSD prices in the TradePac pricelists are irritatingly not stated.... Why?

I have bought a few rigs from them before but them not stating the prices make things difficult for me when choosing components at home.

 

[royfrosty]

You can always ask here. I personally have most of the common items price. I have wrote down most of their quote for certain items. Take note that the price quoted here is somewhere at that range. Is a general guide for you. For your reference to make sure that they not over charge you like $100 more etc.

The reason for them to put offer is because it is entirely up to individuals to bargain the prices. Be careful and always do your homework before going there. Do not let them psycho you with other products. Usually they will do that and some people do not know what are the prices and end up being chop by them if people just give in to them.

And for your 1.5k recommendations with os.

MSI b85m g43 + i5-4570 ~ $356
Crucial 8gb 1600mhz value ram ~ $89
WD blue 1tb ~ $77
Plextor m5s 128gb ~ $135
Gigabyte r9 28XOC 3gb ~ $425
Superflower hx600 600w 80+ gold ~ $109
Fractal design arc midi ~ $129
Samsung odd ~ $21
Windows 7 home premium 64bit OEM ~ $115

Total ~ $1456 buy at tradepac. Diy.

 

[Hakaima]

so is there a table of comparison/explanation for the mobo naming convention?

Eg difference between h81, b45,z87 etc and the - appendixed.

Or must be compare one by one?

 

[fleas1]

in a nutshell
h = basic series
b = business series
z = full features

more detail: http://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Z87-H87-H81-Q87-Q85-B85-What-is-the-difference-473/

also depends on what you need. Some of them are of different sizes

itx(only graphic pci-e slot which can also be used for pci stuff), micro atx(less pci slots), atx(standard size)

can also come with wireless...etc

 

[Shutterbox]

in a nutshell
h = basic series
b = business series
z = full features

more detail: Z87, H87, H81, Q87, Q85, B85 - What is the difference? - Puget Custom Computers

also depends on what you need. Some of them are of different sizes

itx(only graphic pci-e slot which can also be used for pci stuff), micro atx(less pci slots), atx(standard size)

can also come with wireless...etc

In terms of pricing, Z>H(87)>B>H(81)

 

[Shutterbox]

MSI b85m g43 + i5-4570 ~ $356
Crucial 8gb 1600mhz value ram ~ $89
WD blue 1tb ~ $77
Plextor m5s 128gb ~ $135

I noticed you almost always recommended WD Blue 1TB.

is there a reason why this is preferred over the Toshiba or seagate, warranty aside?

 

[royfrosty]

I noticed you almost always recommended WD Blue 1TB.

is there a reason why this is preferred over the Toshiba or seagate, warranty aside?

IMO i have used all the other brands like Toshiba, seagate and Hitachi. None of them can last long including WD also. So i have not been very lucky with HDD.

But why i recommend WD blue also because it is one of the mainstream HDD, some HDD do not have cache some do. And at that price it is worth it.

 

[yeobt]

I'm looking at the z77H2 Gold series MB. SWEE Bo?
How much do you think it would cost me?

Btw, superflower HX600 gold is a gold box? Am looking to build a golden theme PC.

 

[havetobuy]

But why i recommend WD blue also because it is one of the mainstream HDD, .

me too..bought black/green/blue
butt not REd coz its designed for raids
blue/green is much more reliable
black most xpensive also failures alot
me 1 and only black rma 5 times

 

[royfrosty]

I'm looking at the z77H2 Gold series MB. SWEE Bo?
How much do you think it would cost me?

Btw, superflower HX600 gold is a gold box? Am looking to build a golden theme PC.

Nope it is not gold box. The gold means the efficiency rate. It is a black color psu.

 

[fleas1]

me too..bought black/green/blue
butt not REd coz its designed for raids
blue/green is much more reliable
black most xpensive also failures alot
me 1 and only black rma 5 times

Im still using a 1tb Black since 2010. No problems at all and S.M.A.R.T still indicates Healthy.