Choosing a Well Rounded MoBo

[Blawkbuilder]

    So I'm entering the market to build my first PC- one that is meant to stand the test of time through various upgrades.

I really need someone to explain the major motherboard brands, and their strengths and weaknesses.

 

    As for my needs, I need a recommendation for an ATX board (or manufacturer). My processor is an i7-4790K, I will probably only be using one video card (with a possibility of a second in the future), and no extreme amount of RAM. I would also appreciate a nice set of ports (USB, monitor, ethernet, mic, sound, ect.).

    Styling is not too much of a focus, but something consistent and not crazy ugly (MAYBE a few lighting options) would work fine. Price doesn't need to be too cheap nor crazy expensive - so long as it is a well rounded board.

 

I appreciate any advice, suggestions, and comments you may have (I'm new here, if you haven't noticed).

[79wjd]

    So I'm entering the market to build my first PC- one that is meant to stand the test of time through various upgrades.

I really need someone to explain the major motherboard brands, and their strengths and weaknesses.

 

    As for my needs, I need a recommendation for an ATX board (or manufacturer). My processor is an i7-4790K, I will probably only be using one video card (with a possibility of a second in the future), and no extreme amount of RAM. I would also appreciate a nice set of ports (USB, monitor, ethernet, mic, sound, ect.).

    Styling is not too much of a focus, but something consistent and not crazy ugly (MAYBE a few lighting options) would work fine. Price doesn't need to be too cheap nor crazy expensive - so long as it is a well rounded board.

 

I appreciate any advice, suggestions, and comments you may have (I'm new here, if you haven't noticed).

Any Z97 Asus, gigabyte, msi, or asrock mobo with at least 2 pci express 3.0 slots (just incase you want to SLI/Xfire in the future). 

Theres virtually no difference between a $100 mobo and a $200 mobo other than possibly more pci-express slots. 

 

I'd probably go with this one because it can be bundled with a 4790k and save $30. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132118

[Blawkbuilder]

Any Z97 Asus, gigabyte, msi, or asrock mobo with at least 2 pci express 3.0 slots (just incase you want to SLI/Xfire in the future). 

Theres virtually no difference between a $100 mobo and a $200 mobo other than possibly more pci-express slots. 

so pick after i've solidified my graphic card choice?

[79wjd]

so pick after i've solidified my graphic card choice?

Pretty much. An ultra high end gaming mobo vs. the cheapest non-gaming mobo you can find will perform virtually identical in gaming. (assuming the same chipset and compatibilities). 

Although, I'd probably go with an Asus Z97-A or MSI Gaming 5 or MSI Gaming 3 since they are currently on promotion with a 4790k. 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132118

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130770

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130772

[WoodenMarker]

Get whichever board looks good to you and has the features you need. 

[Sauron]

I'd suggest an asus z97-a, as @djdwosk97 said. It's a great board.

[H4X3R]

so pick after i've solidified my graphic card choice?

I suggest the gigabyte z97x-ud3h.

It is a good all-rounder. It supports 2 - 3 graphics cards (and further sound card/ raid card/ other PCI/e card expansions) as well as featuring good overclocking capabilities and rich connectivity (m.2 satae, sata3, intel GbE, many usb 3.0s) AND IT HAS A BLACK PCB UNLIKE THE UGLY Z97-A.

[DildorTheDecent]

I suggest the gigabyte z97x-ud3h.

It is a good all-rounder. It supports 2 - 3 graphics cards (and further sound card/ raid card/ other PCI/e card expansions) as well as featuring good overclocking capabilities and rich connectivity (m.2 satae, sata3, intel GbE, many usb 3.0s) AND IT HAS A BLACK PCB UNLIKE THE UGLY Z97-A.

*Black solder mask

[King_Gamma]

I recommend MSI z97 gaming 5 motherboard. I personally own it and it is a solid mmobo.

[Shaqo_Wyn]

I appreciate any advice, suggestions, and comments you may have (I'm new here, if you haven't noticed).

MSi Z97 Gaming 5 or 7 or the Asus Maximus Hero VII.