Best motherboard for 2 Asus HD 7970 Matrix Platinum’s

[Overrated]

I'm looking for opinions on what the best motherboard would be to pair with 2 Asus HD 7970 Matrix Platinum’s. I already have quite a good idea on the rest of my build thanks to advice from others here. Currently planning on this going into a Corsair Carbide 540 High Airflow ATX Cube Case, 4770K based build.

Thanks.

 

[Marine-RX179]

A very good performing board according to reviews, and with a matching colour theme to the Matrix cards:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-563-AS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2574

 

[Doomedspeed]

I'd go with the HERO too.. Though the cards will be close together. The only other option is the Z87X-OC but then the second card (3rd slot) will be almost on the floor.

 

[Marine-RX179]

I'd go with the HERO too.. Though the cards will be close together. The only other option is the Z87X-OC but then the second card (3rd slot) will be almost on the floor.

That cannot physically fit into the Carbide 540 though...(I mean with the Matrix at the bottom slot).

 

[Doomedspeed]

That cannot physically fit into the Carbide 540 though...(I mean with the Matrix at the bottom slot).

3rd of 4 slots.. so itll use exapnsion slot 5, 6 and 7 (of 8)

Though id still go with the HERO.

 

[Marine-RX179]

3rd of 4 slots.. so itll use exapnsion slot 5, 6 and 7 (of 8)

Ah I looked at the Z87X-UD3H by mistake.

 

[Doomedspeed]

Ah I looked at the Z87X-UD3H by mistake.

 

[Overrated]

Thanks for the help guys.

With the HERO, do you think there will be any problem with overheating (with the cards being close together)?

 

[MG42Maniac]

I got the Z87X-D3H. One of the reasons was for the good PCI-E spacing. I have a decent gap between my 7950s.

 

[Marine-RX179]

Thanks for the help guys.

With the HERO, do you think there will be any problem with overheating (with the cards being close together)?

There should still be at least one slot gap in between, so the top card is not gonna sit directly on top of the bottom card.

 

[Overrated]

Again thanks for everyone's input.

Out of interest, if I used the Extreme, would I be able to have more room between the two cards?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-561-AS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2574

 

[Marine-RX179]

Again thanks for everyone's input.

Out of interest, if I used the Extreme, would I be able to have more room between the two cards?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-561-AS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2574

Yea but if you are going to spend £160 extra on the motherboard, wouldn't it be better to grab a 7990 and a 7950 to crossfire for better performance (if disregarding PSU requirement and power consumption of course)?

I mean pair of Matrix plus a £160 more expensive board= 270x2+160= £700

7990+7950= 480+190= £670

By the way, what res are you gaming on anyway?

 

[Kaapstad]

I use 2 matrix platinums on a R4E which gives good spacing, even so they generate a lot of heat and a case with really good air flow is needed.

You may be better off with two reference style HD 7970s

 

[Geeman1979]

I use 2 matrix platinums on a R4E which gives good spacing, even so they generate a lot of heat and a case with really good air flow is needed.

You may be better off with two reference style HD 7970s

Agreed ^^

I have the same setup! but have removed one of the Platinums, as one's enough for what I need day to day and they can pump a fair bit of heat into the case.

 

[Marine-RX179]

Agreed ^^

I have the same setup! but have removed one of the Platinums, as one's enough for what I need day to day and they can pump a fair bit of heat into the case.

Should have upgraded the monitor res to 2560 or to 120/144Hz instead

 

[Geeman1979]

Should have upgraded the monitor res to 2560 or to 120/144Hz instead

Done that a long time ago.

 

[Marine-RX179]

Done that a long time ago.

So 2560 res or 120Hz?

I am very tempted to get Matrix, but looking at the benchmarks I thought I'd want a bit more performance for my 120Hz monitor.

The price gap between the 7950 (£190) and the Matrix (£270) is £80...I'm right now fingercross for the Hawaii Pro to provide at least the same performance gap for the same price gap between the 7950 and the Matrix (so at no more than £350-£360).

 

[Something Else]

id go single 7990 then your motherboard choices are endless.

 

[Geeman1979]

So 2560 res or 120Hz?

I am very tempted to get Matrix, but looking at the benchmarks I thought I'd want a bit more performance for my 120Hz monitor.

The price gap between the 7950 (£190) and the Matrix (£270) is £80...I'm right now fingercross for the Hawaii Pro to provide at least the same performance gap for the same price gap between the 7950 and the Matrix (so at no more than £350-£360).

I run a couple of 1440p monitors. One for browsing and the other for a bit of gaming. The Platinum is a bargain at it's current price, especially if you get one that clocks well.

 

[Marine-RX179]

I run a couple of 1440p monitors. One for browsing and the other for a bit of gaming. The Platinum is a bargain at it's current price, especially if you get one that clocks well.

I agree the Matrix is a good deal at the moment, but since you are running on 2560 res, I think if being more practical than looking awesome (pair of Matrix), I think you will get better performance with a 7990 (on top slot), and a HIS IceQ 7950 at the lower slot?
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-084-HS
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-065-HS&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1673