MicroCenter Bundle - MSI 870A-G54 or ASUS M4A87TD/USB3?

[teddyv]

Hi Folks - I am currently running a 939 Epox 9NPA+ Ultra with an A64-3000 and a gig of memory, aside from being a bit slow it does everything I want it to do. Generally I use Office apps, amateur Photoshop, some video importing and converting, and gaming is limited to occasional WoW and UO. I would like to upgrade and saw the MicroCenter bundles and figured the Phenom X2 would be plenty for me, especially if I were lucky to get an extra core or two to unlock. I have never overclocked and am not sure I need to. I plan on transferring both WD Black 640g HDs (main & backup), both DVD burners (one each SATA & IDE), Antec 430w PSU, Antec Sonata II case, and HD3850 GPU. I have a free Win7 Ultimate from the roadshow and will also be adding a 2x2g Ram set.

MSI 870A-G54 or ASUS M4A87TD/USB3?

With all that -- which Mobo would be a better choice? Newegg comments seem similar, the feature set is similar, the MSI is $35 cheaper. Either better at unlocking? Have an idiot-proof overclocking should I want to dabble? Better reputation? Annoying problems? I'd like to add a cheap SSD eventually.

Thanks folks!

Ted

PS - bundle prices are $140 for the X2/MSI and $170 for the X2/ASUS. The best ASUS offered, the M4A89GTD PRO, runs $230 but aside from eSATA which seems like it could be useful seems kind of overkill for what I need?

 

[dmoney1980]

both seem to be good for what you need. I have used ASUS boards many times and never had an issue, and whats cool about the ASUS board is that all you have to do to unlock a cpu core is to flip a switch on the motherboard. But hey if your budget is tight you can go with MSI, I know they have a good reputation as well

 

[billyb0b]

both are good boards at a good price. i've ran msi boards in the past but switched to asus only a few years back and have been loyal to them ever since

 

[Ksyder]

Considering both are $99 at Newegg, I'd say the extra $35 at Microcenter for the Asus isn't worth it... unless you really want that easy core unlock, and the Q connector is a nice touch, but I'd say largely unnecessary since you won't be switching cases regularly.

And to your point about the eSata, why bother when your boards already have USB 3.0? Which you already know, most likely.

Maybe you could try to get them to pricematch the Asus board...AND also give you the bundle price...that would be a nice deal.

 

[twinrider1]

I just built a box with the Athlon II x4 640 and MSI 875G-E53 combo from Microcenter. I haven't hit it with video editing, but for internet (full-screen YouTube) and basic old games it's been great (and that's with the onboard graphics)
My first build, years ago, was with ASUS. I was a little hesitant to try another brand, but I've been very happy with the MSI.

The Microcenter bundles are better deals at the $99 and $109 levels, not as much difference from Newegg when you get to the higher end deals.

Oh, and you may already be aware, but note that motherboards don't seem to have a parallel port for your printer anymore. You'll need to pick up an USB A/B cable or a parallel-to-USB cable. Not a big deal, but just wanted to save you a trip back to the store. 🙂

 

[crucibelle]

I'm partial to Asus, but in this case, I'd say go with the MSI.