I need some advice

Discussion in 'Main' started by 1911tothephace, Jul 23, 2015.

I need some advice

Discussion in 'Main' started by 1911tothephace, Jul 23, 2015.

  1. 1911tothephace

    1911tothephace .

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2013
    Messages:
    29
    Likes:
    13
    Okay, so I have started ordering stuff to build a new computer. This is only the second computer that I have ever built. The processor that I got is an I7 4790k devils canyon. Newegg also had some kind of 24 hour flash sale and I also got 16 gb of ddr3 1600 and a msi gtx 970. Ive looked at alot of motherboards and cant make up my mind on which one to get. What I am wanting to know is what some of you more experienced system builders recommend.

    Any input would be greatly appreciated.
     
  2. Kowlefe

    Kowlefe .

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2012
    Messages:
    2,848
    Likes:
    664
    I honestly like the MSI mobos. Their gaming series works very well
     
  3. IOLAR2011

    IOLAR2011 Shoutbox Operator Extraordinaire

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2013
    Messages:
    1,054
    Likes:
    379
    I would start with what features you want and work from there. Most mobos manufacturers make pretty solid boards. Asus, MSI, Asrock and gigabyte should make a decent board unless anyone has negative experiences with them to chime in.

    Seeing as you got a k-series processor you shouldn't be at their low-end so build quality should be better.

    Going over features to consider;
    How many sticks of ram are you using? Two or four? Do you ever plan on using four in the future?
    -if it is two, you will need a dual channel board that can support the memory size and speed
    -if it is four, you will need quad channel capable of the memory size and speed
    -most modern boards should support 16Gb 1600MHz dual channel fine, but not all will have quad channel if that is what you want.
    -quad channel is more optimal over two sets of dual channel memory, but not a necessity.

    Are you using SLI or do you ever want to do SLI in the future? Would you want two or more cards?
    -This will affect you mobo choice as it is easy to support one card but more difficult to find one which supports two or more cards with the correct PCIe lanes to prevent bottlenecking on extra cards.
    -You will also need to consider a power supply with a higher output rating and reliability if running more than one card.

    How many usb 3.0 ports do you want as standard? And do you want to add more by using usb 3.0 ports in the case?
    -There are headers on the mobo that connect to usb ports on the case so you need to make sure it allows more usb 3.0 connections. This will probably be a standard by now though unless you want a lot more usb 3.0 ports. 2 should be fine

    How many SSDs do you want to connect to the PC?
    -You will need sata-III connections to support all the SSDs you want to connect. Your mobo will probably come with two at least but if you want 3 or 4, it will require more searching.

    I think that should cover most of the boxes to check first before looking at a specific motherboard. With that info we could link suitable boards to you. When answering, consider if you expect to expand on this system in the future.
     
    JODQUAG and 1911tothephace like this.
  4. 1911tothephace

    1911tothephace .

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2013
    Messages:
    29
    Likes:
    13
    Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it.

    I will try to answer all the questions based on the knowledge that I have.

    The ram that I ordered is only 2x8 gb sticks. So dual channel would be fine.

    As of right now I do not intend to run 2 GTX 970's in SLI. But it would be nice to have the option in the future if I feel the need to give my system a little bit of a boost.

    When it comes to the usb 3.0 stuff. I am not very knowledgeable about it. I know it is faster than 2.0 but thats about it.

    In my current system I have 3 SSDs. 2 (Samsung 840 evo 120 gb) are setup in raid 0 with my OS and games installed on it, and the 3rd is just a 60gb that I use when I feel like recording my gaming. I also have a 1 tb mechanical WD blue that I move all my files, videos and music onto.

    I have a Corsair 600 watt power supply ( about a year old) that I had planned on reusing in the new system. I know that I might have to replace it if or when I decide to go with 2 video cards.

    I know some motherboards are longer than others, I plan on getting a full tower case as well.
     
  5. IOLAR2011

    IOLAR2011 Shoutbox Operator Extraordinaire

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2013
    Messages:
    1,054
    Likes:
    379
    This search should cover your needs on newegg:
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&N=100007627 4814 600176035 600079335 600054095 600438202

    That will be the correct socket for your cpu, i7-4790k (LGA 1150)

    It can support two graphics cards (2 x PCIe 3.0 x16). Some boards will have dual x8 mode and others will have two x16. Two x16 is more expensive but allows more performance for hardware that can use it. To know if it has two x16, check the specs and under Expansion slots -> PCIe 3.0x 16 will be 2 x PCI Express 3.0 x16.

    There are motherboards with at least 4 connections for SSDs and some will have 6.

    To put usb 3.0 in perspective, it's bandwidth is higher than sata II so an external mechanical drive (up to 7,200 rpm at least) with a usb 3.0 connection should be as fast as a drive mounted straight to the motherboard. I run my steam library mostly off an external drive actually and my games run fine.

    An example of a motherboard with all the features is this one. It's a micro atx so should fit fine. Can support two cards, and upto 6 SSDs or hard drives:

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157520
     
    1911tothephace likes this.
  6. 1911tothephace

    1911tothephace .

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2013
    Messages:
    29
    Likes:
    13
    I couldn't say Thank You enough. You have definitely made making a decision a whole lot easier. While I was typing the original post I was thinking that I would just get specific motherboards thrown at me. You definitely went above and beyond what most other people would have done.

    Thanks for leading me in the right direction.
     
    IOLAR2011 likes this.
  7. IOLAR2011

    IOLAR2011 Shoutbox Operator Extraordinaire

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2013
    Messages:
    1,054
    Likes:
    379
    No problem, it's what the NNG community is for.
    It took me a few months to make my first pc and I learned a lot for that and since then too, so I am glad to share what I know.
     
  8. Hospiwhater

    Hospiwhater .

    Joined:
    May 17, 2014
    Messages:
    503
    Likes:
    295
  9. HIGHLANDER

    HIGHLANDER Administrator,Motivational speaker,van dweller

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2013
    Messages:
    1,318
    Likes:
    569
    I agree with Kowl, not to mention when your board and card are by the same manufacturer you have less chance of conflicts. MSi makes a damn solid and stable board