4790k dilemma - Which MB to buy?

Canary Wundaboy · 26 Jun 2014 at 09:44

So I've been holding out on buying the last few bits for my rig, just had unofficial confirmation from Asus that the Maximus VII Formula won't be available until end of August (

) so that puts me in a state of mind that I should pull the trigger now rather than wait.

I've purchased a 4790k CPU and just need the best Z97 motherboard, I plan to do gaming with no more than 2 cards in SLI, would prefer a comprehensive BIOS and be watercooling friendly for next year when I'll put in a custom loop.

At this point I'm looking at either one of the Gigabyte boards or just buying a Z87 Formula VI and flashing the BIOS, but I don't have an existing 1150 CPU so that just seems like too much hassle.

Don't want to spent more than £220 ideally. Thoughts?

bakes0310 · 26 Jun 2014 at 10:27

Very nice looking board, especially for your overclocking needs. And its on offer

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-510-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2811

8pack recommends them highly aswell.

ICEx21 · 26 Jun 2014 at 10:53

just had unofficial confirmation from Asus that the Maximus VII Formula won't be available until end of August

Say it ain't so! I've been waiting on that motherboard as well, where did you read this?

My problem with that Gigabyte Force is that I plan to go crossfire on air and the slots I need to use are quite close together so heat will be a major issue.
The Gigabyte UDH5 has good reviews as well and may be worth considering.

stulid · 26 Jun 2014 at 10:56

ICEx21 said:
Say it ain't so! I've been waiting on that motherboard as well, where did you read this?

My problem with that Gigabyte Force is that I plan to go crossfire on air and the slots I need to use are quite close together so heat will be a major issue.
The Gigabyte UDH5 has good reviews as well and may be worth considering.

More than 2 way Crossfire?

Canary Wundaboy · 26 Jun 2014 at 11:05

ICEx21 said:
Say it ain't so! I've been waiting on that motherboard as well, where did you read this?

The ROG guys on facebook let me know, been pestering them for an ETA since before Computex and last night got a message saying UK stock not due til late August.

I've been checking around and as I'd like to stick to a red/black these, I'm currently looking at a choice of 3, the Gigabyte Gaming 7, the Asus Hero or the MSI Gaming 5. The Gigabyte board is well-built but the BIOS is iffy, the hero is the worst looking (subjective!!!) and the MSI is a tad unstable and lacks S/PDIF support.

Anyone own any of those 3 and can give me a frank opinion?

stulid · 26 Jun 2014 at 11:08

I have a gaming5 board, nothing wrong with the BIOS and it still has "classic" mode which I actually prefer.

4 year warranty with the gaming range to if you register them within 30days.

ICEx21 · 26 Jun 2014 at 11:10

stulid said:
More than 2 way Crossfire?

No just 2 way mate, I actually called the store last week as this is the motherboard I was thinking of getting as an alternative to the Formula, the person on the other end was telling me he had the z87 version but this version looks like the x8 and x16 are quite close together so I may want to look at the Gigabyte GT which is slightly more expensive at £220 or there abouts.
I'd be happy if you can confirm this because if it's not the issue then I'd put this motherboard back in my alternative list.

stulid · 26 Jun 2014 at 11:13

ICEx21 said:
No just 2 way mate, I actually called the store last week as this is the motherboard I was thinking of getting as an alternative to the Formula, the person on the other end was telling me he had the z87 version but this version looks like the x8 and x16 are quite close together so I may want to look at the Gigabyte GT which is slightly more expensive at £220 or there abouts.
I'd be happy if you can confirm this because if it's not the issue then I'd put this motherboard back in my alternative list.

On both the Z87X-OC and SOC Force you use the 1st+3rd orange slots for 2=Way Crossfire/SLI.

I cant see how you can get them any further apart.

Canary Wundaboy · 26 Jun 2014 at 11:53

Finger slipped, Gigabyte Gaming 7 on its way DPD Next Day.

ICEx21 · 26 Jun 2014 at 11:54

stulid said:
On both the Z87X-OC and SOC Force you use the 1st+3rd orange slots for 2=Way Crossfire/SLI.

I cant see how you can get them any further apart.

Well that would suit me, I only went by the advice I received from the shop. Probably should have looked at the Gigabyte website first.

Do you notice any difference between the Killer nic and the Intel nic?

stulid · 26 Jun 2014 at 11:56

ICEx21 said:
Do you notice any difference between the Killer nic and the Intel nic?

Nope, said it before, im killing just as many newbs with both.