High-quality Intel workstation mATX (no CPU/GPU/RAM OC)

[Loogs]

Hello,

I am building my first rig, a Windows 7 Pro workstation/HTPC primarily for audio/image/video extraction, processing, encoding, playback and storage with the occasional legacy game. This build will be used daily.

The native power of the work-oriented build will be more than enough for all of my present & future needs. I am not a try-hard gamer. I have no current/future intent or desire to overclock the CPU, RAM nor the future GPU; the less heat & longer component life, the better. Unless it is factually insightful, please, no overclock preaching without a motherboard suggestion.

I'm looking for quality Intel mATX motherboards to consider (well-made components, durable, low DOA, etc). Conditions are...

• $200 (flexible) budget
• Micro ATX
• LGA 1155 to pair with Ivy Bridge i7 (3770k for current lowest price, not for overclocking)
• integrated HD Graphics 4000 compatible
• at least 6x or more SATA headers (4x SATA III preferred, 3x OK, might consider 2x)
• at least 16GB 1600 RAM support, 32GB could be a welcome futureproof
• one single PCI Express 3.0 for undecided future GPU, no SLI requirement
• no integrated sound requirements, external DAC is always superior
• no RAID requirements
• again, no overclocking of any kind on any components

At a quick glance, as H77/Z77 models appear to cater to overclocking, either the ASRock B75 PRO3-M or GIGABYTE GA-B75M-D3P appear to be appropriate choices, both sporting a solid 5x SATA II + 3x SATA III. Any one advantage over the other? I've read ASRock has high DOA and that GIGABYTE may use higher quality components, any comments about that?

I still want to keep my options open. I have mainly been searching Newegg but perhaps there are other manufacturers who don't distribute through Newegg?

Your time, knowledge & suggestion(s) will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Vectronic]

Gigabyte > ASRock for quality.

ASRock, is basically like the ricer of motherboards, and I say that with due respect. (and without trying to start some debate about cars).

Decent boards, and cheap... Gigabyte will last longer, and be more sturdy.

But, the ASrock will be cheaper (significantly regarding those two boards), and since you aren't overclocking you don't really need to worry about the quality as much.

For the price of that Gigabyte, you could get the ASRock Z77 Pro4-M, which will give you 4/4 Sata2/Sata3... if Sata 3 is a priority.

But according to your requirements, you've pretty much narrowed it down to the two (mainstream) boards that exist, at least in mATX.

 

[jenneth]

You might want to consider the ASUS Maximus V Gene. I just finished building my system using that board, and so far so good. Let me know if you have any more questions.

 

[Loogs]

Hey there, again, Vec

You are quite the help in my build. Thank you for clarifying GIGABYTE's quality. The "all Japanese capacitors" description first sparked my inquiry into that, as well as consumer reports.

I'm utilizing all 3 optical bays (SATA II headers) with unique drives for archival/extraction purposes in the Mini P180 you helped me to get a wrap around. That's leaves 5 slots for storage, using all 3 SATA III right away. I'll put secondary backup drives on the remaining SATA II.

I think I will be plenty content with the GIGABYTE, but great observation & thanks for helping me to think it through, once again! I definitely would prefer quality over quantity of features that will not be utilized.

Jen, early in my search, I did consider the V Gene. It offers quite a bit for the price. Yet, the price seemed to cater to its upgraded sound profile as well as the overclocking abilities, multiple PCIe 3.0, etc. The latter of the two, unnecessary for my needs.

In my honest audiophile opinion, any integrated motherboard sound chip marketed to regular consumers has nothing against a dedicated DAC (digital audio converter). In relation, it's like replacing a stock CPU cooler; it might not do the proper job for one's needs. The money I save on the motherboard will be put towards my next DAC. If you've a passion for sound/music, even an entry-level DAC & entry-level monitors (head or studio) will cause you to never look back... aural bliss :whiste:

Thanks to you both for your replies. Vec, I am giving you a shout for my next questions that arise

 

[jenneth]

Hey Loogs,

For an mATX board, the V Gene is pretty expensive, but then you did say that your budget is around $200, so that's why I made that recommendation. At any rate, you can't really go wrong with Gigabyte, they make first rate motherboards.

The money I save on the motherboard will be put towards my next DAC.

I suppose I do consider myself to be somewhat of an audiophile as well, and I've been using dedicated DAC for a long time. Just wondering though, what DAC do you have in mind?

j.

 

[biostud]

why not a socket 2011 + 3930K?

 

[Insert_Nickname]

At a quick glance, as H77/Z77 models appear to cater to overclocking, either the ASRock B75 PRO3-M or GIGABYTE GA-B75M-D3P appear to be appropriate choices, both sporting a solid 5x SATA II + 3x SATA III. Any one advantage over the other? I've read ASRock has high DOA and that GIGABYTE may use higher quality components, any comments about that?

Just be aware that the B75 chipset only has 1 SATA3 port directly from the south bridge. The two others are from a 2 port external controller chip, that's limited to 500MB/s for those two ports. You will not get anything approaching SATA3 performance if you use both those ports unfortunately. I would definitely recommend getting a H77/Z77 based board, so you get two SATA3's from the south bridge.

Anyway, HDD performance is not going to be seriously degraded by using SATA2 instead of SATA3. No mechanical HDD can saturate a SATA2 link, much less a SATA3 link. The only thing you'll miss is a bit of burst speed, but it should not be noticeable outside synthetic benchmarks.

my 2c...

 

[Loogs]

Just wondering though, what DAC do you have in mind?

I have had my brain so fried on researching my first build the past few months, I haven't given it much thought, honestly. Last I took a glance at anything, the DragonFly by AudioQuest was just released. I was intrigued by the size, portability & claimed quality. Certainly breaking some ground on the DAC front for under $300. Personally, I will probably go for something on the next tier up and without the "sticking straight out" appearance of a USB stick.

why not a socket 2011 + 3930K?

The Sandies burn pretty hot, much more wattage. I'm really pleased with the lower wattage of the Ivies. The next tier of processing from Intel, I just couldn't afford, not to mention there is also nothing under $200 for mATX 2011 mobos A sale price I've got targeted on the 3770k can't be beat, and I'm more than confident in the ability of the NH-U12P SE2 to keep it quietly "overkilled" cool. I appreciate your input, though!

Just be aware that the B75 chipset only has 1 SATA3 port directly from the south bridge. The two others are from a 2 port external controller chip, that's limited to 500MB/s for those two ports. You will not get anything approaching SATA3 performance if you use both those ports unfortunately. I would definitely recommend getting a H77/Z77 based board, so you get two SATA3's from the south bridge.

Anyway, HDD performance is not going to be seriously degraded by using SATA2 instead of SATA3. No mechanical HDD can saturate a SATA2 link, much less a SATA3 link. The only thing you'll miss is a bit of burst speed, but it should not be noticeable outside synthetic benchmarks.

my 2c...

Your 1st cent is extremely valuable. I figured perhaps the SATA III performance was going to be hindered on those 2 headers, after reading about the Marvel chip, not to mention strange placement. I would much prefer dedicated headers.
Your 2nd cent is even more valuable. I was not aware about the speed limitations, I had foolishly assumed even a mechanical drive would be experiencing a significant boost. This is great information to know, opening up a lot more options considering the emphasis of SATA III will be limited now to just 2 headers (1 for OS SSD, save 1 for maybe another down the road), or maybe even just 1!

Thank you very much, Nickname, and to others! Back to the drawing (mother)board later tonight... *super lame, not-funny pun *

On another note, I did read a post somewhere that the 3770k transfers a lot of heat to the motherboard, and perhaps a vertical tower cooler is not as effective as a horizontal "down draft" cooler. Any thoughts? Might have to rethink Noctua cooler.

 

[crashtech]

Isn't the 3770K the unlocked one? Not necessary if there is to be no overclocking.

 

[zeeshanaayan07]

Wao great technology by Intel

 

[Carson Dyle]

I noticed the discussion above about inexpensive USB DACs. I've read some really great things about the Schiit Modi, which costs just $99.

If six SATA ports isn't a requirement written in stone, I can't recommend the ASUS P8Z77-M PRO mATX board highly enough. It's been beyond rock solid for me.

 

[Iron Woode]

what about that odd Q77 board?

GA-Q77M-D2H

seems to be pretty decent.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

what about that odd Q77 board?

If you can get it cheap enough it might be worth considering. But you're paying extra for features that almost nobody is going to use privately. The Q-series chipsets are geared for enterprise deployments...

 

[dawp]

Isn't the 3770K the unlocked one? Not necessary if there is to be no overclocking.

currently if he buys it at microcenter the 3770k is cheaper than the 3770 non k

http://microcenter.com/search/searc...ocessors/CPUs-:-Computer-Parts-:-Micro-Center

you might consider an intel board since they're suppose to be very reliable.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813121623

this one has a mini pcie slot so you could add a msata ssd if you want.

 

[Iron Woode]

If you can get it cheap enough it might be worth considering. But you're paying extra for features that almost nobody is going to use privately. The Q-series chipsets are geared for enterprise deployments...

looks to be around $130US retail.

even Walmart sells it.