x79 mobos with usb flash w/u CPU

[Phixsator]

So im looking to purchase, hopefully this december, a x79 mobo and a 4820k. What is important to me is a few things though

1a) Must be able to update bios without CPU in it
1b) 1a can be overlooked if the board is shipped with a bios that supports the 4820k out of the box.
2) Must be around the 230 pound mark at most.
3) Has to be an ATX or bigger (that fits inside a corsair carbide 540 air)


So fare ive found these that i could see as a potential buy.

1. ASRock X79 Extreme4
2. MSI X79A-GD45 Plus
3. MSI X79A-GD65 (8D)
4. ASRock X79 Extreme6
5. ASUS P9X79 <-- This would likely be a sure buy if it were not for the ugly colors but i can overlook that if i know for sure that its going to give me what i want.
6. ASRock X79 Extreme6/GB <---Leaning towards this one, but unsure due to Asrocks mixed history making both awwsome and horrible boards.

My problem with these boards is i dont know if they support the 4820k out of the box or if they can be flashed without the cpu in it incase they dont. What do you guys think? Any better boards out there thats within budget?

 

[cypto]

Not sure what you think about the B-grade stock however it would easily be in budget.

YOUR BASKET
1 x **B Grade** Asus Rampage IV Formula Intel X79 (Socket 2011) DDR3 (MB-496-AS) £160.00
1 x **B Grade** Asus X79 Sabertooth Intel X79 (Socket 2011) DDR3 (MB-489-AS) £160.00
Total : £319.99 (includes shipping : FREE).

 

[Phixsator]

Not sure what you think about the B-grade stock however it would easily be in budget.

YOUR BASKET
1 x **B Grade** Asus Rampage IV Formula Intel X79 (Socket 2011) DDR3 (MB-496-AS) £160.00
1 x **B Grade** Asus X79 Sabertooth Intel X79 (Socket 2011) DDR3 (MB-489-AS) £160.00
Total : £319.99 (includes shipping : FREE).

My problem with B grade is the 90 day warranty and i want a full 2 years as ive seen plenty of gear lasting for the first 3-6 months without issues and then the disaster hits...unless ofcourse i can register the sabertooth for a full 5 year directly with asus themselves. But i doubt it... But thank you for the suggestions. ill keep them in mind

 

[Geeman1979]

My money would be on the **B Grade** Asus Rampage IV Formula Intel X79 (Socket 2011) DDR3 (MB-496-AS)

But as you say the sticking point could be the warranty status for you.

 

[Idleman]

My problem with B grade is the 90 day warranty and i want a full 2 years as ive seen plenty of gear lasting for the first 3-6 months without issues and then the disaster hits...unless ofcourse i can register the sabertooth for a full 5 year directly with asus themselves. But i doubt it... But thank you for the suggestions. ill keep them in mind

"B" grade items come with an OCUK 90 day warranty, but you still have whatever Asus warranty is remaining.
The thing with "B" items is you don`t know if the component works 100%, as I found out recently. I bought a mobo from the clearance section, but the PCI-E x16 lane does`nt work with my 670. You may be lucky and get a real bargain.
I don`t think they have the time to test the items, so it`s a bit of a lottery.
Still worth taking the chance, for what you might save. You can always send it back if you are not satisfied with the item.

 

[Phixsator]

"B" grade items come with an OCUK 90 day warranty, but you still have whatever Asus warranty is remaining.
The thing with "B" items is you don`t know if the component works 100%, as I found out recently. I bought a mobo from the clearance section, but the PCI-E x16 lane does`nt work with my 670. You may be lucky and get a real bargain.
I don`t think they have the time to test the items, so it`s a bit of a lottery.
Still worth taking the chance, for what you might save. You can always send it back if you are not satisfied with the item.

Im not really interested in B grade. I live in denmark and i dont want to have to worry about a faulty product. I rather find something below the 230 mark as i dont need all the features that many of the more expensive x79 provide anyway.