Recommendation Sandy Bridge Motherboard

[el-Capitan]

Hi folks,

As my current Z68 is probably shot, I am looking out for replacement and hope that you guys can make me a good recommendation.()

I suppose the Northbridges Z68/75/77 are options for me. I am hoping to reach a little higher up the shelf as I'm buying into (before-) last generation.

Budget $125

Must :
- Micro ATX
- Decent overclock ability for my 2500k
- 2x 6Gb/s SATA with Intel RAID 0
- 4 memory slots
- UEFI

Prefer :
- Non-Realtek LAN
- No Marvell SATA
- 4x fan headers

Do not need and will not weigh in:
- SLI/ Crossfire
- more than 4 SATA ports
- SRT
- WLAN + Dual LAN
- HDMI + VGA + DP
- Optical audio out
- Fancy software

Thanks.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

AsRock z77 boards. Either pro or extreme. I know pro has at least 4 fan header i think 5 with dual CPU. It's a realtek LAN though. Hard to find a board that isn't. ASMedia SATA controller so no Marvell.

 

[Kenmitch]

Micro ATX
Non-Realtek LAN

Looks to limit the choices as far as I can tell.

ASRock Fatal1ty Z77 Professional-M meets most of the requirements but is a little over your budget.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157300

Microcenter 2500k was your original purchase? NYC (profile) is why I asked.

Have you considered selling the 2500k and just getting a Haswell bundle at microcenter....If close enough

 

[el-Capitan]

Thanks. I am fine with the Realtek LAN. Intel would have been nice, but they seem to be scarce in this segment.

ASRock. That is Asus consumer brand, no? I have no experience, but I have read positive. I'd be thinking this or that.

However, in terms of branding, I'd rather be with Asus (is that a reasonable thought?). What do you guys think about this one?

Microcenter is possible. Never been, but they are close. Whilst this is an opportunity to upgrade, and 'sinking' $125 into an outdated platform hurts, but putting out $300+ for Haswell does not seem worth it. I'd be better investing that money into a new GFX.

 

[Sheep221]

Thanks. I am fine with the Realtek LAN. Intel would have been nice, but they seem to be scarce in this segment.

ASRock. That is Asus consumer brand, no? I have no experience, but I have read positive. I'd be thinking this one :

However, in terms of branding, I'd rather be with Asus (is that a reasonable thought?). What do you guys think about this one?

Mircocenter is possible. Never been, but they are close. Whist this is an opportunity to upgrade and 'sinking' $125 into an outdated platform hurts, but putting out $300+ for Haswell does not seem worth it. I'd be better investing that money into a new GFX.

2500K isn't any slower than 3570K or 4670K, just get the LGA1155 mobo and enjoy using it, it's still very good

 

[monkeydelmagico]

The asus board has fewer fan headers and no UEFI, both things you said you were looking for. Your call.

As for AsRock boards it really depends on how many SATA headers you need or if you need eSATA. If you've only got a couple drives and no need for esata then
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&SID=u00000687

 

[Kenmitch]

Microcenter is possible. Never been, but they are close. Whilst this is an opportunity to upgrade, and 'sinking' $125 into an outdated platform hurts, but putting out $300+ for Haswell does not seem worth it. I'd be better investing that money into a new GFX.

Seems expensive to upgrade to Haswell until you do the math. Maybe $50?

$300 Haswell bundle(microcenter) - $125 MB replacement = $175 diff. Selling the 2500k eliminates most of this. Not sure what 2500k's currently fetch but $125(net) doesn't sound unreasonable to me.

 

[el-Capitan]

The asus board has fewer fan headers and no UEFI, both things you said you were looking for. Your call.

As for AsRock boards it really depends on how many SATA headers you need or if you need eSATA. If you've only got a couple drives and no need for esata then
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&SID=u00000687

According to the ASUS website it does have UEFI. Latest update was Sep-25th. It has 4 headers which is perfect.

I do not have need for eSATA. I will have a closer look. Thanks.

 

[el-Capitan]

Seems expensive to upgrade to Haswell until you do the math. Maybe $50?

$300 Haswell bundle(microcenter) - $125 MB replacement = $175 diff. Selling the 2500k eliminates most of this. Not sure what 2500k's currently fetch but $125(net) doesn't sound unreasonable to me.

Yes, I checked earlier on eBay, and I estimated up to $150 for the 2500k. A decent board will be closer to $350 incl tax. The asus board is $95 delivered after MIR.

The bundles are all ATX boards however. Besides, I am not supposed to treat myself. Again. Just got a 2412m last weekend

 

[Kenmitch]

Yes, I checked earlier on eBay, and I estimated up to $150 for the 2500k. A decent board will be closer to $350 incl tax. The asus board is $95 delivered after MIR.

The bundles are all ATX boards however. Besides, I am not supposed to treat myself. Again. Just got a 2412m last weekend

No doubt the initial replace MB price would be cheaper and most likely less hassle. Just wanted to point out that you could upgrade for less than you thought.

Just so you know for future ref only....Microcenter CPU/MB combos allow a person to pick MB of choice. You just add CPU to cart then MB and you'll see the discount on the MB's price.

 

[el-Capitan]

Thanks, Ken.

I got my Gigabyte to boot. So I will be saving this money for now - perhaps for Haswell?