Which motherboard?

[Austin4606]

I'm stuck between these two motherboards. If i pick the cheaper option then i can get a better case and it also has much better reviews, but the other one is a bit more expensive and better specs but has much worse reviews.

 

Opinions? Please don't recommend any other motherboards. These are my only options thanks to my very tight budget.

 

Cheap

Expensive

 

 

 

[Clyne]

What CPU?

There are a lot of things to consider for a AM3+ board....VRM Cooling, Power Phase, FX cpu support...

[Fate]

After all that you're going with FX? You do know FX performs poorly in Skyrim, especially with the mods you want, right?

 

Anyways, what CPU?

[KayTees]

I'm stuck between these two motherboards. If i pick the cheaper option then i can get a better case and it also has much better reviews, but the other one is a bit more expensive and better specs but has much worse reviews.

 

Opinions? Please don't recommend any other motherboards. These are my only options thanks to my very tight budget.

 

Cheap

Expensive

If you plan on heavy OC'ing, get something that has VRM on it. 

[Laederem]

The "expensive" board will actually be able to survive running an 8c

 

The other one, I wouldn't try anything too risky on. 

[Lotus]

If you have an FX-8 core CPU, the GA-970A-D3SP you linked is the cheapest MoBo that has beefy enough VRMs to run it without a problem. Even if I were buying an FX-6300, I'd still want it as a minimum, but you can get away with cheaper boards. The first board you linked is not something I'd ever consider for a build.

 

This is all due to VRMs and cooling of the VRMs. On intel boards it's not a problem because all higher power chips are on the X99 platform and all X99 boards have better VRM cooling, but it becomes hugely important for high TDP AMD CPUs as some boards simply can't handle them.

[Austin4606]

After all that you're going with FX? You do know FX performs poorly in Skyrim, especially with the mods you want, right?

 

Anyways, what CPU?

 

Look, buddy, i'm perfectly aware that my best bet in Skyrim when it comes to CPUs is Intel, especially since Skyrim is CPU hungry with all its post-processing crap. But i'm low on cash, i was expecting over $200 from someone and ended up only getting $100. All i can afford is the FX. I was PLANNING to get a 3570k but since i didn't get $200 that ain't happening.

 

 

If you plan on heavy OC'ing, get something that has VRM on it. 

 

I don't. I'm planning on getting the FX-6300 (Don't question me.)

[Austin4606]

If you have an FX-8 core CPU, the GA-970A-D3SP you linked is the cheapest MoBo that has beefy enough VRMs to run it without a problem. Even if I were buying an FX-6300, I'd still want it as a minimum, but you can get away with cheaper boards. The first board you linked is not something I'd ever consider for a build.

 

This is all due to VRMs and cooling of the VRMs. On intel boards it's not a problem because all higher power chips are on the X99 platform and all X99 boards have better VRM cooling, but it becomes hugely important for high TDP AMD CPUs as some boards simply can't handle them.

 

I perfectly agree. But the reviews... the reviews are pitiful. It's hard to decide the specs over the reviews.

[KayTees]

I don't. I'm planning on getting the FX-6300 (Don't question me.)

Won't question but I guess almost any AM3 board will work.

[dragoon20005]

Look, buddy, i'm perfectly aware that my best bet in Skyrim when it comes to CPUs is Intel, especially since Skyrim is CPU hungry with all its post-processing crap. But i'm low on cash, i was expecting over $200 from someone and ended up only getting $100. All i can afford is the FX. I was PLANNING to get a 3570k but since i didn't get $200 that ain't happening.

 

 

 

I don't. I'm planning on getting the FX-6300 (Don't question me.)

nothing wrong with using the FX when you have a tight budget

 

but the decent mobo that dont stink is this

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-ga970aud3p

[Austin4606]

nothing wrong with using the FX when you have a tight budget

 

but the decent mobo that dont stink is this

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-ga970aud3p

 

I love how you ignored my post when i mentioned i didn't want other motherboard recommendations. Not happening. Over my budget.

[Fate]

I love how you ignored my post when i mentioned i didn't want other motherboard recommendations. Not happening. Over my budget.

The FX-6300 is power hungry and requires decent VRM's, the motherboards you listed are both 4+1 and it is recommended to have 8+2. 

Either of the boards you listed will work, but if/when they over heat/throttle, that's not our problem for trying to help you.

[Austin4606]

The FX-6300 is power hungry and requires decent VRM's, the motherboards you listed are both 4+1 and it is recommended to have 8+2. 

Either of the boards you listed will work, but if/when they over heat/throttle, that's not our problem for trying to help you.

 

My budget is very tight. I appreciate your help but my budget is so tight that i can barely squeeze in an extra $15 for something better than what i already chose. And that's what i gotta deal with.

[i_build_nanosuits]

My budget is very tight. I appreciate your help but my budget is so tight that i can barely squeeze in an extra $15 for something better than what i already chose. And that's what i gotta deal with.

just wait and save some more or get an i3 and a cheap h81 board...youll want an upgrade the next day the fx will show up.

[Austin4606]

Would this work? Found one on Ebay that doesn't murder my budget. 

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/mr/newegg/asus-motherboard-m5a97r20

[Lotus]

The FX-6300 is power hungry and requires decent VRM's, the motherboards you listed are both 4+1 and it is recommended to have 8+2.

This is true. In my first post I confused the D3SP with the UD3P. My first post is inaccurate; I was wrong. This post I quoted is accurate. You want the gigabyte 970A-UD3P if you go for an FX cpu.

Please tell us your full budget. It's highly likely you can afford an i5-4440 with an h81 motherboard, and that's a great option for gaming without being too expensive. If you couldn't do that, then I recommend the X4 860k. The problem with the FX platform for gaming is that it has more cores than games ever really use these days, and those cores are less powerful.

[i_build_nanosuits]

Would this work? Found one on Ebay that doesn't murder my budget. 

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/mr/newegg/asus-motherboard-m5a97r20

yes that is a great motherboard..but if you can afford this kit:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Newegg)

Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($96.98 @ Newegg)

Total: $196.97

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-30 09:54 EST-0500

Then that means you can afford this kit which is vastly superior especially when it comes to playing games:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($99.99 @ NCIX US)

Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $169.98

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-30 09:56 EST-0500

see...it's even cheaper...and this one give you the possibility to just upgrade the CPU to a core i5 or core i7

without having to buy a new motherboard all over again if you find you need more cpu horsepower down the road...

don't lock yourself into a dead socket mate.

[nku00]

Hi guys. I'm newbie building my first computer and i have problems deciding which mobo to choose. So here is my build:

 

CPU: Originally fx-6300, but 8320, if i can fit it to my budget.

MOBO:? (asus m5a97 r2.0)

GPU: gtx 970 gigabyte g1

RAM:cheap 8gb 1600mhz ram set

CASE: maybe bitfenix comrade

PSU: corsair cx 500w

Strorage: Wd caviar blue 1tb

 

My budget is 800 euros (I live in Finland) and i will order my parts from amazon.

I based this build on the holiday buyers guide.

 

I've been thinking gigabyte ga-970a ud3p or ds3p motherboards (what's the difference between those?)

Or then the asus m5a97 r2.0

 

I can change the parts on my build, but i want the gtx 970 to stay. That is my only requirement. 

[i_build_nanosuits]

Hi guys. I'm newbie building my first computer and i have problems deciding which mobo to choose. So here is my build:

 

CPU: Originally fx-6300, but 8320, if i can fit it to my budget.

MOBO:? (asus m5a97 r2.0)

GPU: gtx 970 gigabyte g1

RAM:cheap 8gb 1600mhz ram set

CASE: maybe bitfenix comrade

PSU: corsair cx 500w

Strorage: Wd caviar blue 1tb

 

My budget is 800 euros (I live in Finland) and i will order my parts from amazon.

I based this build on the holiday buyers guide.

 

I've been thinking gigabyte ga-970a ud3p or ds3p motherboards (what's the difference between those?)

Or then the asus m5a97 r2.0

 

I can change the parts on my build, but i want the gtx 970 to stay. That is my only requirement.

EVERY AMD CPU's will greatly limit the performance of a GTX970, including an FX-9590...(no fanboyism i used to have an FX CPU with my GTX780 and it was bottlenecking the GPU pretty bad in many games)

If you want to get all the performance out of your GTX970 you must look for AT LEAST a locked core i5...and before you say it cost more just let me explain something to you: you need an aftermarket CPU heatsink for the FX CPU and motherboards also cost more...and once you've factored the little extra on your power bills each months you'll end up paying more for the FX then you would for an i5...and the i5 will not hold you back.

here's the proof (using only amazon)

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor  ($107.99 @ Amazon)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($34.99 @ Amazon)

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($137.49 @ Amazon)

Total: $280.47

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-30 10:16 EST-0500

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($181.99 @ Amazon)

Motherboard: MSI H97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($89.99 @ Amazon)

Total: $271.98

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-30 10:16 EST-0500

 

And about these two motherboards you are looking at, the main difference between them is the powerdelivery system on them, one is a 4 phase motherboard and the other one is an 8 phase motherboard...the UD3P is required for the FX-8320 the Asus is okay as well for the FX-6300 but not so much for the FX-8320...the DS3P is cheap i wouldnt pair it with anything more than an FX-4300.

[nku00]

EVERY AMD CPU's will greatly limit the performance of a GTX970, including an FX-9590...(no fanboyism i used to have an FX CPU with my GTX780 and it was bottlenecking the GPU pretty bad in many games)

If you want to get all the performance out of your GTX970 you must look for AT LEAST a locked core i5...and before you say it cost more just let me explain something to you: you need an aftermarket CPU heatsink for the FX CPU and motherboards also cost more...and once you've factored the little extra on your power bills each months you'll end up paying more for the FX then you would for an i5...and the i5 will not hold you back.

here's the proof (using only amazon)

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor  ($107.99 @ Amazon)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($34.99 @ Amazon)

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($137.49 @ Amazon)

Total: $280.47

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-30 10:16 EST-0500

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($181.99 @ Amazon)

Motherboard: MSI H97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($89.99 @ Amazon)

Total: $271.98

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-30 10:16 EST-0500

 

And about these two motherboards you are looking at, the main difference between them is the powerdelivery system on them, one is a 4 phase motherboard and the other one is an 8 phase motherboard...the UD3P is required for the FX-8320 the Asus is okay as well for the FX-6300 but not so much for the FX-8320...the DS3P is cheap i wouldnt pair it with anything more than an FX-4300.

Thanks. I thought that fx-6300 would not bottleneck gtx-970. But i didn't know that. Anyway whit core i5 my build will be only 40 euros more expensive, so that's okay.

 

So this would be my build: http://de.pcpartpicker.com/user/nku00/saved/Ztjbt6

What do you think?

[i_build_nanosuits]

Thanks. I thought that fx-6300 would not bottleneck gtx-970. But i didn't know that. Anyway whit core i5 my build will be only 40 euros more expensive, so that's okay.

 

So this would be my build: http://de.pcpartpicker.com/user/nku00/saved/Ztjbt6

What do you think?

FLAWLESS...maybe the PSU could be better but other than that it's great mate.

i would also add or consider as a future upgrade an SSD for your boot drive and programs (120gb would suffice)

[nku00]

Thanks m8! I may consider beefier psu, but i wont be overclocking anything. I will upgrade to an ssd later, but i'm fine whit hard drive for now. And big thanks for your help.

[i_build_nanosuits]

Thanks m8! I may consider beefier psu, but i wont be overclocking anything. I will upgrade to an ssd later, but i'm fine whit hard drive for now. And big thanks for your help.

it was more about the quality of the unit than the rated wattage itself mate

corsair CX series are ''okay'' to use PSU but there are much better units out there...

This one for example is only 10$ more or so, but it's a much better unit:

http://de.pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-m12ii520bronze

[nku00]

Thanks. I will order that one then. I really appreciate your help. I'm still learning basic things.

[Austin4606]

yes that is a great motherboard..but if you can afford this kit:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Newegg)

Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($96.98 @ Newegg)

Total: $196.97

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-30 09:54 EST-0500

Then that means you can afford this kit which is vastly superior especially when it comes to playing games:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($99.99 @ NCIX US)

Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $169.98

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-30 09:56 EST-0500

see...it's even cheaper...and this one give you the possibility to just upgrade the CPU to a core i5 or core i7

without having to buy a new motherboard all over again if you find you need more cpu horsepower down the road...

don't lock yourself into a dead socket mate.

 

Problem is i already spent $92 on the FX CPU. I can't go back. I'm stuck with what i got sadly.