Motherboard, the last component I need

Bromhead · 22 Apr 2015 at 15:04

Hi all, I've slowly being added a few new upgrades such as RAM and a SSD to my machine.

I also have a 8320 processor, the final part I need is a motherboard to go with this, then I can put it together. I want the option of overclocking, but I'm not fussed about any extra features, can anyone suggest a solid motherboard?

Ideally around £80, but I'm open to suggestions.

Many thanks

stulid · 22 Apr 2015 at 15:06

Has to be one of these three,

YOUR BASKET
1 x Asus M5A97 EVO R2.0 AMD 970 (Socket AM3+) DDR3 Motherboard £79.99
1 x MSI 970 Gaming AMD 970 (Socket AM3+) DDR3 ATX Motherboard £72.95
1 x Gigabyte 970A-UD3P AMD 970 (Socket AM3+) DDR3 Motherboard £71.99
Total : £234.53 (includes shipping : £8.00).

And it has to be ATX as there are no good AM3+ mATX boards.

Bromhead · 22 Apr 2015 at 15:11

Thanks again Stulid!

I noticed there are 970, 990X and 990FX, I'm assuming 970 is at the lower end of the scale. Are the 990 ones any better, I'm not to great as you can probably tell when it comes to motherboards.

Scurburg · 22 Apr 2015 at 15:14

The asus or gigabyte that stulid linked should be good for your needs. Another option is to spend a little extra for a 990 chipset, such as:

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-349-GI&groupid=701&catid=1903&subcat=2046

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-559-AS&groupid=701&catid=1903&subcat=2046

I believe the MSI boards lack LLC settings which will affect the OC potential.(Please correct me if I am wrong)

stulid · 22 Apr 2015 at 15:15

Bromhead said:
Thanks again Stulid! I noticed there are 970, 990X and 990FX, I'm assuming 970 is at the lower end of the scale. Are the 990 ones any better, I'm not to great as you can probably tell when it comes to motherboards.

Theres usually a difference in the way they support SLI+Crossfire.

If you visit the manufacture sites you will see things like 16X/4X or 8X/8X or 16X/16X.

Its how the PCI-E lanes are sent to the two main slots to support multiple card.

SLI requires at least 8X on a slot, Crossfire is at least 4X.

Bromhead · 22 Apr 2015 at 15:19

Ok great, I only intend to ever use 1 card, so really the 990 offer nothing extra over the 970 ones? If that's the case I'll be happy with the cheap price and go ahead and buy!

stulid · 22 Apr 2015 at 15:21

It offers nothing.

Also don't be tempted by a cheaper board that has less VRM phases (those three are all atleast 8) and/or lack heatsinks on the power circuitry around the CPU socket.

Scurburg · 22 Apr 2015 at 15:25

stulid said:
It offers nothing.

Also don't be tempted by a cheaper board that has less VRM phases (those three are all atleast 8) and/or lack heatsinks on the power circuitry around the CPU socket.

Totally this. Asus with 6+2 digi or gigabyte 8+2 at a min.

The ud3p is the budget OC board IMO.

Bromhead · 22 Apr 2015 at 15:51

Thanks very much guys!

I think I'll likely go with this Gigabyte then

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-471-GI&tool=3

Given it has the 8+2 that was mentioned and my only requirement is a good OC.

stulid · 22 Apr 2015 at 15:55

Scurburg · 22 Apr 2015 at 17:54

Which cooler will you be using Bromhead?

Another thing I highly recommend is getting some smaller fans to go over the VRMs. This should help with OC, or at least help keep temps in check.

Bonjour · 22 Apr 2015 at 20:22

There are a couple of 990-FXA-UD3s available in the clearance section for ~£70. I'd recommend getting a 990FX if you can stretch to it.

Bromhead · 23 Apr 2015 at 03:41

@Scurburg, Stock to begin with just while I put it together, but I will be looking for an aftermarket one! I was actually thinking about a Corsair closed loop water cooled one, like the H80i.

@Bonjour, thanks for the suggestion, sorry for my limited knowledge as I didn't think there was a difference between the 970 and 990 chipset, since I'll only be using 1 card?

Bonjour · 23 Apr 2015 at 07:42

990FX also supports higher hypertransport. Generally better for overclocking, but the Gigabyte 970 specified above is also good, featuring 8+2 phases and good VRM cooling which is essential for a good OC.