Gigabyte Z170 Gaming 7 board for new build?

[IndyColtsFan]

I'm starting to put together a Z170 build to replace my 2600K system below. One board that has caught my eye is the Gigabyte Z170 Gaming 7 board:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...m_re=gigabyte_gaming_7-_-13-128-835-_-Product

I've had my eye on this board for awhile and I like it because of the Alpine Ridge USB controller, multiple M2 slots, and the styling is pretty cool too. Some questions:

1. The board has an onboard Creative sound solution. I haven't used a Creative sound product in years but from what I remember, when they worked they worked great, but their drivers were often problematic. Is that still the case or is this now a safe bet?
2. I've used Gigabyte boards in a few builds in the past, but never my main build (which have normally been Asus or Abit in the past). They've been solid and I don't recall any issues, but I've never overclocked with them. How is Gigabyte in the overclocking department? I'd be pairing it with an i7-6700k and would hope to hit around 4.5 Ghz on air.
3. Speaking of cooling, for those who have this board - would something like the Cooler Master 212 Evo be a good fit?
4. The next model up is the Gaming GT - I haven't research the differences yet, but if anyone has any feedback on the GT vs. the Gaming 7, I'm all ears. I just missed a sale on the Gaming 7 at Newegg but from what I've read, it often goes on sale so I should be able to pick it up well under the $220 asking price. Not sure if the same is true of the GT.
5. I'd be pairing the board with DDR4-3000 or faster RAM. Any recommendations here would be great as well. Newegg had 16 GB of G.Skill TridentZ DDR4-3200 on sale for $115 but I didn't bite because lack of reviews.

Thanks! Of course, it goes without saying that if you guys have another board you really like, please recommend it! I'd say my budget is around $250 but I could go to $300 if there is a really valid reason to do so. I've looked at the Asus Maximus Hero and the Sabertooth, but the Hero seems to get mixed reviews and the Sabertooth may not have the overclocking features I want (though it looks REALLY cool).

 

[Kenmitch]

With new builds Gigabyte is my 1st choice. Asus makes nice stuff but they screwed me around pretty good on a motherboard rma a couple years ago....Don't to anything Asus anymore.

Hyper 212 EVO? Probably work depending on your threshold for pain goes as far as max temps under load goes.

Overclocking? 100% silicone lottery with Intel's latest offerings. Mostly thermally limited these days before motherboards features kick in....Something to think about when choosing your thermal solution.

Does look like a nice feature rich motherboard to me.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

With new builds Gigabyte is my 1st choice. Asus makes nice stuff but they screwed me around pretty good on a motherboard rma a couple years ago....Don't to anything Asus anymore.

Hyper 212 EVO? Probably work depending on your threshold for pain goes as far as max temps under load goes.

Overclocking? 100% silicone lottery with Intel's latest offerings. Mostly thermally limited these days before motherboards features kick in....Something to think about when choosing your thermal solution.

Does look like a nice feature rich motherboard to me.

Thanks. What are some good alternatives to the 212 EVO? I know Noctua generally makes good coolers but haven't looked too closely at them. I don't think I want to go with an AIO like the Corsair H series; unless they are DRAMATICALLY better than an equal-cost air cooler, I think I'll stick with a conventional HSF. I'm currently using a Xigmatek Red Scorpion (bought in 2008 as part of my Core 2 build!) on my 2600K but it will move to another box with the 2600K. It has worked well but I'd like to get something new.

Funny you should mention your issues with Asus - I've been seeing LOTS of negativity about them lately. My last 2 boards have been Asus (P8Z68-V Pro and their Rampage x48) and I haven't had any issues, but this recent feedback concerns me. Originally I was targeting the Maximus Hero but that Gigabyte board looks good and I'll probably pick it up on the next sale I see.

 

[Kenmitch]

Well....Without really knowing the thermal characteristics of your particular 6700k you'll purchase in the future it's really hard to determine how much cooler you'll need. With the lotto there are winners and losers. You could get lucky and have a cool running low voltage chip at your desired overclock, but at the same time you could also get one that runs on the hot or very hot side of the spectrum.

Having said that I tend to lean towards the AIO coolers these days. I guess the reason is newer chips tend to run hotter. Doing the whole delid and void my warranty is a no go as I don't keep my rigs long enough anyways. Biggest thing is the thought of a 2lb + monster air cooler dangling off my motherboard. Seems like it would put excessive stress on the motherboard to me and over time could cause damage. I guess if your rig just sits quietly, never gets bumped, transported, etc it could be OK.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Well....Without really knowing the thermal characteristics of your particular 6700k you'll purchase in the future it's really hard to determine how much cooler you'll need. With the lotto there are winners and losers. You could get lucky and have a cool running low voltage chip at your desired overclock, but at the same time you could also get one that runs on the hot or very hot side of the spectrum.

Having said that I tend to lean towards the AIO coolers these days. I guess the reason is newer chips tend to run hotter. Doing the whole delid and void my warranty is a no go as I don't keep my rigs long enough anyways. Biggest thing is the thought of a 2lb + monster air cooler dangling off my motherboard. Seems like it would put excessive stress on the motherboard to me and over time could cause damage. I guess if your rig just sits quietly, never gets bumped, transported, etc it could be OK.

Thanks. I guess I could consider one of the AIO coolers as well.

That Fry's deal on the 5820K is making me hesitate on the 6700K build a little. Decisions, decisions...

 

[Kenmitch]

Thanks. I guess I could consider one of the AIO coolers as well.

That Fry's deal on the 5820K is making me hesitate on the 6700K build a little. Decisions, decisions...

The 5820k deal would probably be better as you'll get more cores. I guess compare motherboard prices and see. Both take DDR4 so it's a wash there. Overclocking potential is similar as it looks like a lot of them will do around 4.5GHz with proper cooling. Chip is also soldered so not so much a thermal lotto with them at least....Although 6c12t can generate some heat.

 

[ShotgunSteven]

I've been looking at this mobo as well. Did you decide to go with it?

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I've been looking at this mobo as well. Did you decide to go with it?

If I were going with Skylake, it would be my board. However, I've decided to hold out until the release of Broadwel E before building a new system. I just don't think the 6700K offers enough over my 2600K to justify the upgrade at this time.

Also, I saw Newegg had it on sale for $179 the other day.

 

[dat722]

Get it man It was sitting around 209 since release day!

 

[Beaner]

I'm looking at the Gigabyte Z170X-UD5 (~$160) for my new build, as I don't really need a lot of the extra features on their 'gaming' boards. Looking to pair it with 16 GB of Crucial Ballistix Sport (~$109). It's been years since the upgrade bug bit...still running my Core 2 Duo Conroe!

 

[ShotgunSteven]

I'm building my first desktop in years, and was planning on going with a Skylake 6700.