NovAtan

Currently looking for a laptop. I require it for lab work in my grad program, already have a gaming rig at home and don't need anything fancy. Just looking for a cheap (student remember?) lightweight, quality feel, "business only" laptop. Currently looking at the Lenovo S21e as it seems to suit the purpose, any recommendations in relatively the same price range. Willing to go to the 3-400 region if it means less headaches in the long run. Any input is great appreciated. Thanks!

As the title states, I'm wondering if I need an amp/dac even though I already have a motherboard with supposed "high-end" integrated audio. I've often heard read that the onboard audio on the Formula VI is comparable to ~100$ sound card (same amp as essence stx). It also states in the specs that the included headphone amp is good up to 600 ohms. (Link below for specs) http://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/MAXIMUS_VI_FORMULA/ In terms of headphones, my collection includes Sennheiser HD 598, AKG 7XX Massdrop edition and Siberia V2s. They are all plenty loud at even a modest volume setting. I've heard from someone that even though a headphone may be more loud enough from onboard sound, you may not be getting the full intended sound out of the headphone without a dedicated headphone amp/dac. I unfortunately have neither to compare with, but want to ensure I'm getting the most out of my setup. Would someone be able to chime in on this statement as well provide some insight into the relative "effectiveness" of the Maximus Formula VI when compared to a dedicated amp/dac? Thanks!

I was under the impression that the performance of the FX 8350 was inferior i5 4670k as well as running hotter and using more juice.

Oh I forgot to mention, much of the hardware was upgraded about a year back and I'm currently using the system. The motherboard, cpu and ram are the only things that are left over to be replaced from my old build as I now have the funds to do so.

I'm currently in the process of upgrading my rig and need advice on which motheboard to use in my system. Here is the link to a PC Partpicker build http://pcpartpicker.com/user/Novetan/saved/2L5k The parts I still need to upgrade are the ram, cpu and motherboard (still have an old Phenom II as cpu). Everything else is relatively new. The cpu I've pretty much already picked out, i5 4670k, as shown in the link, unless someone would suggest something different. The ram will just match the mobo. I'd like to spend somewhere around 200 +/- 50 on the board. Any advice regarding the motherboard or the build itself would be appreciated.