current motherboard offerings

[omghaxcode]

I've never payed much attention to motherboards but I'd like to learn about the latest offering for my next build. Can someone explain to me what the difference between all the product names like Z77? Also, what makes one motherboard cost $100 and another cost $250?

I plan on running two 670s in SLI and overclocking for the first time so does anyone have some suggestions also?

 

[Smoblikat]

My suggestion is ASrock Z77 Extreme4

I think I saw it for 105 yesterday but its usually 135.
Z77, Z68, P45 etc. Are all chipsets, they control what happens on the mobo. Like any product, more features and a bigger brand name will increase price.

 

[omghaxcode]

Is there a reason I'd want Z77 over Z68 or P45? I'll be running a 3770k (don't worry I'm only paying $180)

 

[SilentRunning]

Is there a reason I'd want Z77 over Z68 or P45? I'll be running a 3770k (don't worry I'm only paying $180)

P45 won't even support that processor. Z77 would fully support an ivy bridge processor, Z68 may support the processor but you run the chance that the bios would need upgraded prior to installing the processor.

 

[omghaxcode]

I see. What features are important when it comes to motherboards? What kind of thing raises price point dramatically?

 

[cmdrdredd]

The bios, vrms used, the extra sata ports, Intel nic, better sound onboard, more USB ports and things like that add to the cost. You should take notes of what features you want and how many ports you will use and go from there. Look at the offerings and decide which board is right for you. Some boards like gigabyte have dual bios support which let's you run two different bioses on one board ans switch between them , Asus has USB bios flashback which let's you flash the bios on a board with a corrupt one without a CPU or even memory. As long as the board is getting power you can flash it.

Stuff like this adds to the value and cost.

I see you have an Asus rampage formula now. If you like it and want something similar look at the maximus v gene or the upcoming maximus v formula.

 

[rgallant]

http://uk.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/Maximus_V_Formula/
@ $300.00 ish US
should be a nice match for your gtx670 sli.
-looks like the one for me ,
I'll only be running max. sli x8 + x8 will equal the ib pci-e x16 lanes so no need for a plx chip.
-the extra $150.00 for junk I won't be using , like on board sound , plug in useless boards ,useless software ,could be worth it IF it works 100% out of the box ,[little things like all sata ports work, and maybe most of the usb ports if that's not too much to ask for.] and has good support going forward,
-with it coming so late , I hope also it will be a 2nd gen. build , not just a marketing ploy.

 

[vailr]

Maximus V FORMULA Z77
$303.99 + shipping.
ETA: Jul 8, 2012
http://www.excaliberpc.com/618198/asus-r.o.g.-maximus-formula-z77.html

 

[omghaxcode]

the reason I have a rampage formula is because I had $3000 of my parents money to burn. I am looking for high end but most of the features I never use on the rampage formula so it isn't what I'm necessarily looking to replicate.

 

[borisvodofsky]

CPU power phases,, This is the ONLY thing that matters. everything else comes second.