EVGA Z77 FTW or Gigabyte G1 Sniper3

[Exodist]

Building new system this week, and like most folks that sink over 2k into their system. I am little paraniod over the current motherboard offerings from everyone it seems. I have always liked ASUS, but never had issues out of Biostar or MSI either. Havent used Gigabyte in a few years now and never had a EVGA mobo before.

That said the EVGA Z77 FTW mobo has been getting some great reviews on performance, quality and design. While its only downfal is less then perfect BIOS, which mind you functions and EVGA techs have said they focus more on stability then flashyness.

The Gigabyte G1 Sniper3 is looking good this year. They removed the stupid gun shaped heatsinks and opted for better functioning passive mobo cooling. Their BIOS is very well made and the board is stated by many consumers and reviewers and very well made. The only downside to this board is less then perfect drivers atm. Which can lead to bad stability.

My question is if you was going to get one of these. Which board would you purchase.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[n0x1ous]

Sniper. has everything you need at a reasonable price compared to similar spec boards like evga ftw and asus rog

better audio than evga
better lan then evga
20 bux cheaper
better color scheme then tired old black and red

 

[Exodist]

Sniper. has everything you need at a reasonable price compared to similar spec boards like evga ftw and asus rog

better audio than evga
better lan then evga
20 bux cheaper
better color scheme then tired old black and red

True those are what caught my attention to start with. But poor mobo & sounds drivers could make a quality board run horrid. If you look at the newegg reviews, you have to take into account only complainers post complaints, so most reviews are from people that didnt have much luck or just complete idiots to start with. I really want to like the Sniper 3, it should have an excelent sounds system which is something I really want in a system. But really hope to here from some actual owners of both boards and their experiences.

 

[Rvenger]

FWIW, I have a Z77X-UD5H and updated to Bios F12. This board has been great! The onboard sound has built in amps, intel lan, the VRMs are said to be a better quality than the Sniper according to Sin on OCN. Sin seems to be extremely knowledgeable regarding these boards too.


"A powerful VRM has been provided, while the G1 Sniper 3 uses the same phase count, the UD5H features higher current capability chokes. These chokes are made by the same manufacturer that manufactured the custom chokes for the X58A-OC."


http://sinhardware.com/index.php/re...te/lga1155-z77/z77x-ud5h/109-z77x-ud5h-review

 

[n0x1ous]

True those are what caught my attention to start with. But poor mobo & sounds drivers could make a quality board run horrid. If you look at the newegg reviews, you have to take into account only complainers post complaints, so most reviews are from people that didnt have much luck or just complete idiots to start with. I really want to like the Sniper 3, it should have an excelent sounds system which is something I really want in a system. But really hope to here from some actual owners of both boards and their experiences.

While I dont have a Sniper, I have the 1 notch lower Z77 UD5 as does the above poster I see. Its been fantastic for me and unless you need the PLX chip for 3 or 4 GPU's youd be better off with the UD5 and save 100bux and get a soundcard if you need it. hell the alc898 on the ud5 has built in headphone amps anyway.

 

[Exodist]

While I dont have a Sniper, I have the 1 notch lower Z77 UD5 as does the above poster I see. Its been fantastic for me and unless you need the PLX chip for 3 or 4 GPU's youd be better off with the UD5 and save 100bux and get a soundcard if you need it. hell the alc898 on the ud5 has built in headphone amps anyway.

Good info.. I appriciate the feedback and gonna go take a look at the boards now.

Yea, I don tneed 3 or 4 video cards. But I will be running dual nv560 Ti's and in a few years possibly something similar in a 7xx series. Which isnt even been anounced yet. But yea thanks to both of you. Gonna take a look now.

 

[Rvenger]

The audio is very good and about equivalent to a Xonar DG I would think.

 

[Exodist]

The audio is very good and about equivalent to a Xonar DG I would think.

I been running integrated Realtek for 10 years, half the time under Linux. Realy good sound might blow my pants off! LOL

 

[Rvenger]

If you go for the UD5H, grab the F12 beta bios at tweaktown forum. It seems to resolve a lot of the bugs in the earlier revisions. It also shaved 10c off my temps!!

 

[Exodist]

If you go for the UD5H, grab the F12 beta bios at tweaktown forum. It seems to resolve a lot of the bugs in the earlier revisions. It also shaved 10c off my temps!!

Very well noted.. TY