Better options than Gbyte z87-ud3h?

[fluffmonster]

I'm doing an upgrade from most of what's in my sig to a 4770k (long-term goal of 1440p gaming), but am feeling horribly indecisive about the mobo. The aforementioned GByte UD3H is catching my eye, but is there a better Z87 option by way of features for the value (or just the value)?

My constraints/usage scenario...
--shooting for a mild OC, whatever i can get with probably no more than 1.2V if that, using a Phanteks tc12dx which should be more than adequate. Machine is mostly for gaming with infrequent AV encoding.
--buying at Microcenter (Chicago/Westmont) within the next week
--this will be going in my new Define R4, so plenty of room for an ATX board though mATX not ruled out.
--modest connectivity needs (sata, usb, etc.) but would like optical S/PDIF out for the option of a good external audio package. Currently, I use either cheap headphones or desktop 5.1 logitech speakers
--Intel NIC preferred; no need for wifi, I'll put holes in walls before giving up the wire.
--budget cap for the mobo is $160, but I don't feel compelled to spend that much

My appreciation for taking any time to share your thoughts. I know there's already a zillion threads on essentially this question, but none of them are...me

 

[DigDog]

i'm very happy with my cheap MSI G43 gaming (Z87), but if i went for something more expensive, it would surely be a Gigabyte :/


(has horrible Killer NIC, but googling for the simple, non-suite drivers makes it identical to the intel ethernet)

 

[Tweakin]

I'm doing an upgrade from most of what's in my sig to a 4770k (long-term goal of 1440p gaming), but am feeling horribly indecisive about the mobo. The aforementioned GByte UD3H is catching my eye, but is there a better Z87 option by way of features for the value (or just the value)?

My constraints/usage scenario...
--shooting for a mild OC, whatever i can get with probably no more than 1.2V if that, using a Phanteks tc12dx which should be more than adequate. Machine is mostly for gaming with infrequent AV encoding.
--buying at Microcenter (Chicago/Westmont) within the next week
--this will be going in my new Define R4, so plenty of room for an ATX board though mATX not ruled out.
--modest connectivity needs (sata, usb, etc.) but would like optical S/PDIF out for the option of a good external audio package. Currently, I use either cheap headphones or desktop 5.1 logitech speakers
--Intel NIC preferred; no need for wifi, I'll put holes in walls before giving up the wire.
--budget cap for the mobo is $160, but I don't feel compelled to spend that much

My appreciation for taking any time to share your thoughts. I know there's already a zillion threads on essentially this question, but none of them are...me

Gigabyte G1 Z87

 

[Charlie98]

I like Gigabyte boards... and it looks like you have had your current one for some time. Roll with what you know... you could do a lot worse than another GB board like the UD-series.

 

[*kjm]

--buying at Microcenter (Chicago/Westmont) within the next week

If you want the Intel lan at under $160 you almost have to go with the GA-Z87X-UD4H or GA-Z87X-UD3H. If you can swing it the ASRock Z87 Extreme6 has dual Intel lan and that will give you home cloud if that is something you would want..... $165 after rebate.

http://www.microcenter.com/product/414939/Z87_Extreme6_Socket_LGA_1150_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=Z87%20Extreme6

I know it's mail order but I just bought this and should get it today because I wanted to play with a home cloud..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157377

Edit:One thing to check for is C2 stepping, not a deal killer for me but something to look for.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2331388&highlight=stepping

 

[JechtShot]

Gigabyte G1 Z87

I have this board . It is a C2 stepping as it is a newly released model. Two things I dislike is that it not a full size ATX and the onboard SoundCore3d didn't sound good enough for me (Too much bass and less clarity). I had to use my X-Fi discrete card which sounded way better. I have no opinions on overclocking potential as I do not overclock.

 

[*kjm]

I have this board . It is a C2 stepping as it is a newly released model. Two things I dislike is that it not a full size ATX and the onboard SoundCore3d didn't sound good enough for me (Too much bass and less clarity). I had to use my X-Fi discrete card which sounded way better. I have no opinions on overclocking potential as I do not overclock.

Microcenter don't sell the Sniper that I can see but as to your to much bass problem I have read that the LM4562 op amp will lower the bass and have a softer sound. Couple of links for you.....

****************.gigabyte.asia/FileList/Document/certified_op-amp-list.pdf

http://www.gigabyte.us/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4724#ov

 

[coffeejunkee]

Overall, I think the UD3H is one of the better boards out there, but if 6 sata ports is enough you could go down a step to the regular D3H.

Besides the 2 sata ports you give up onboard powerbutton and voltage measure points, not really the kind of features you use daily. D3H still has Intel nic. UD3H also has 1 more casefanheader.

 

[fluffmonster]

Thanks for your replies, all.

@kjm: Your third link is broken, but no matter as home cloud doesn't sound like something that interests me. Similar outcomes can be achieved with less elegant methods should that change. I was looking at the stepping issue, but the problem with C1 is highly unlikely to affect me either. Still, the Ext6 is only $5 more after rebate...something to consider.

Yeah, no Snipers at MC which is just as well as the Killer NIC is a turn-off for me.

Overall, I think the UD3H is one of the better boards out there, but if 6 sata ports is enough you could go down a step to the regular D3H.

Besides the 2 sata ports you give up onboard powerbutton and voltage measure points, not really the kind of features you use daily. D3H still has Intel nic. UD3H also has 1 more casefanheader.

Yeah, the z87x-D3H would probably be ideal, but none to be had at MC and after the bundle savings that and the ud3h are the same cost except for sales tax.

 

[*kjm]

Thanks for your replies, all.

@kjm: Your third link is broken

Yeah, no Snipers at MC which is just as well as the Killer NIC is a turn-off for me.

Thanks fixed.

Intel NIC is why I went with the ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Professional..... that and the drop in price from $235

Edit: Got home and the MB I got is a C2 stepping... just letting everyone know.

 

[fluffmonster]

Update: Asrock Extreme4 in stock and an option for $15 less than the UD3H before rebate. Any thoughts between these two? I can't really see anything on the ud3h that I need that can't be had on the Extreme4. Are the 4 extra power phases on the Extreme4 (12 vs. 8 on the ud3h) worth anything?

 

[*kjm]

Your call they are real close in specs...

With the E4 you get better sound and HDMI in and with the GB you get 2 eSATA ports. Here is a reveiw that may help you out.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/mainboards/display/asrock-z87-extreme4_11.html

One thing you should do for sure is make sure your memory will work in the board you pick.

ASRock
http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z87 Extreme4/?cat=Memory

Gigabyte
http://www.gigabyte.us/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4481#

 

[Tweakin]

I have this board . It is a C2 stepping as it is a newly released model. Two things I dislike is that it not a full size ATX and the onboard SoundCore3d didn't sound good enough for me (Too much bass and less clarity). I had to use my X-Fi discrete card which sounded way better. I have no opinions on overclocking potential as I do not overclock.

Interesting comment on the sound. I listen with Klipsch Pro Medias and I thought the sound was warm and full...reminded of old tube amps...which was why I went with this over a u3d.