Motherboard for Ivy Bridge

[xIronCrossx]

So I have decided it's time to get rid of the power hog that is 1366 and go for Ivy Bridge.

I am probably going to go with the i7 3770K and will be cooling that with an EK Supreme HF(probably swiftech quad radiator, nothing else on the loop I believe).
I will probably want to OC it to 4.5ghz and be happy with that, so nothing crazy.

Now I have researched a little bit and it seems the Asrock Extreme6 (z77) is a really popular motherboard since it is quite cheap yet really good and has a good amount of features. The only real issue seems to be the non-intel USB 3.0 ports, which I don't really mind since I don't use 3.0.


Are there any other motherboards in that price range(maximum of like $250) that are better?




The only thing not updated in the signature is a Mushkin Chronos 240gb SSD(Uses a Sata 6.0 gb/s sandforce controller, the G.Skill uses the old one)

[Gunslinger]

The Asrock is a very nice board.

I would also recommend the Asus Maximus V Gene and Maximus V Formula for your price range.
The Formula is a little higher than your target but also a very nice board.
For the money the Gene is a killer board as well.

[andressergio]

Gene 5 amazing board and cheap

[itznfb]

I would also recommend the ASUS Sabertooth Z77 and Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H

[xIronCrossx]

Hmmmm...that Gene-V is looking really tempting, I heard a lot of good things about it. It would look a little bit odd, but then again looks aren't my first priority.

So is the Gene-V basically a high-end motherboard with tons of features but just made into a micro-atx to decrease costs?

[itznfb]

Hmmmm...that Gene-V is looking really tempting, I heard a lot of good things about it. It would look a little bit odd, but then again looks aren't my first priority.

So is the Gene-V basically a high-end motherboard with tons of features but just made into a micro-atx to decrease costs?

Micro ATX cases are popular. It didn't have anything to do with cost. It's less expensive because it doesn't have 3-4 PCIe slots and things of that nature. Maximus V Formula is the full size version.

[xIronCrossx]

I see you have the sabertooth, how has that been? Have you had any issues with it?

I've read reviews, but I prefer actual users advice/experience

[itznfb]

It's been a great board. I've also owned the Maximus V Gene and the GA-Z77X-UD5H. The GA-Z77X-UD5H is the most feature rich board. The Sabertooth is the best for a long term build and the Maximus V Gene is the best for OCing. The only "issue" I had with the Sabertooth was the load line calibration seemed to overvolt quite a bit while the MVG was dead on.

[hersounds]

Another maximus V Gene recomendation here!

[CrazyNutz]

The Asrock boards are nice. I have the Z77E-ITX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157312 and I am very impressed with it.
The one thing I notice the most is how fast it boots, it's starts loading the OS in just a few seconds from the push of the power button. I'm a long time ASUS
lover, however these ASRock boards are on par, or better for less money.

[itznfb]

Talking about boot time that was something ridiculous with the Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H. It would boot the Windows loader in about 1-2 seconds and the Windows animation would barely be visible and I'd already be at the log on. Ridiculous fast boot-up. Maybe 10 seconds tops. My ASUS boards are closer to 30-40 seconds.

[CrazyNutz]

Yea I think 10 sec tops is about right for the z77e-itx with ssd likewise. LOL, if you want to get into bios you have to be slamming the Del key pretty good before you hit power .

[itznfb]

Yea I think 10 sec tops is about right for the z77e-itx with ssd likewise. LOL, if you want to get into bios you have to be slamming the Del key pretty good before you hit power .

Yeah I'm not sure if the ASUS boards are capable of those boot speeds with configs in the BIOS but it is pretty sick to watch those boot ups. The ASRock are probably the same as the Gigabyte boards in that you can actually hold down the Del before you even boot up that way you don't have to time it. I know if I hold down the Del key on my ASUS boards it just goes into the OS.

So if boot up times are your concern then go with an ASRock or Gigabyte

[andressergio]

I would also recommend the ASUS Sabertooth Z77 and Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H

ROG boards are killer compared to those mate

[itznfb]

ROG boards are killer compared to those mate

Only if you're going for the highest OC possible. If you going for a modest 4.5GHz on a daily driver the features found on other boards often come out on top. 2 USB 3.0 for instance on the GA-Z77X is a huge selling point.

[Ket]

The Asrock Z77 Extreme6, like all Z77 boards, has intel USB 3.0 ports as well as additional USB 3.0 ports provided by a 3rd party controller. If you choose the Asrock E6 (and theres really no reason not to, the board is practically flawless) be sure you use the very latest Etron 1.113 driver for the 3rd party USB3 controller. See my siggy for a link to the Asrock Z77 thread.

[anzial]

Asus maximus 5 gene or formula, they are perfection incarnate

[Shiranui Gen-An]

Does the Z68 chipset really hold back Ivy Bridge CPUs? I ask because NCIX has a few good deals on open box ROG Z68 boards.

/EDIT: I think I found the answer to my own question. It seems that even paired with an Ivy Bridge CPU, Z68 boards can't do the kind of memory clocks that can be achieved with Z77: http://www.overclockers.com/intel-i7...ge-cpu-review/