New to Intel

[thatguyyouknow75]

So I finally did it guys, after months of constant ridicule and belittlement by my forum peers, Im going to retire my 8350 and I just bought a 4790k. I am very familiar with the Intel lineup of CPUs but not the compatible motherboards. Id like to not spend more than 150-ish USD and it must fit my black and white pc theme (I know very original ). I have considered the MSI Krait edition Z97 merely for its appearance but it has somewhat minimal "bells and whistles". What do you recommend? Links are appreciated

[Comessy]

The krait sounds like the best option for you

[Enderman]

one of the best budget Z97 motherboards is the ASUS Z97-A

It is almost completely black except for the gold circle on the chipset cooler, which can be easily covered up with paint, tape or a sticker

 

its got tons of features, a great UEFI, and requires minimal modding to fir any colour scheme

[TheSLSAMG]

one of the best budget Z97 motherboards is the ASUS Z97-A

It is almost completely black except for the gold circle on the chipset cooler, which can be easily covered up with paint, tape or a sticker

 

its got tons of features, a great UEFI, and requires minimal modding to fir any colour scheme

And furthermore, if you don't like the gold, the Z97-AR exists as well.

[thatguyyouknow75]

The krait sounds like the best option for you

 

 

one of the best budget Z97 motherboards is the ASUS Z97-A

It is almost completely black except for the gold circle on the chipset cooler, which can be easily covered up with paint, tape or a sticker

 

its got tons of features, a great UEFI, and requires minimal modding to fir any colour scheme

My  budget is fairly flexible though, aside from looks, the krait has little to offer. I wouldnt mind M.2 ssd ports etc. The fancy shit you pay extra for and never use, just to say you have it

[incarnate]

one of the best budget Z97 motherboards is the ASUS Z97-A

It is almost completely black except for the gold circle on the chipset cooler, which can be easily covered up with paint, tape or a sticker

 

its got tons of features, a great UEFI, and requires minimal modding to fir any colour scheme

 

+1

 

it is a damn fine board. rock solid, mostly black and dark greys, the gold on the chipset cooler is mostly covered up by my 970 but man, that UEFI. it has great overclocking features. allowing you to dial in exactly the voltage you want, and its Asus. 

[Enderman]

My  budget is fairly flexible though, aside from looks, the krait has little to offer. I wouldnt mind M.2 ssd ports etc. The fancy shit you pay extra for and never use, just to say you have it

you can tell just by looking at the PCB how much stuff they left out...

[thatguyyouknow75]

+1

 

it is a damn fine board. rock solid, mostly black and dark greys, the gold on the chipset cooler is mostly covered up by my 970 but man, that UEFI. it has great overclocking features. allowing you to dial in exactly the voltage you want, and its Asus. 

 

 

And furthermore, if you don't like the gold, the Z97-AR exists as well.

 

 

one of the best budget Z97 motherboards is the ASUS Z97-A

It is almost completely black except for the gold circle on the chipset cooler, which can be easily covered up with paint, tape or a sticker

 

its got tons of features, a great UEFI, and requires minimal modding to fir any colour scheme

The Z97-A looks like a solid option, What is the difference between that and the "AR"? What do I gain for an extra 20 dollars?

[Sirnaderibrahim]

You get the sabertooth, remove the armor and plaslidip it

[Enderman]

You get the sabertooth, remove the armor and plaslidip it

thats twice his budget

[Faceman]

The Z97-A looks like a solid option, What is the difference between that and the "AR"? What do I gain for an extra 20 dollars?

Nothing, there is no difference between the A and AR other than appearance.

 

If I were you, I would get either the MSI Z97 Krait, or the Asus Z97-AR.  Both of those motherboards are fantastic, and will match your aesthetic.

[thatguyyouknow75]

Nothing, there is no difference between the A and AR other than appearance.

 

If I were you, I would get either the MSI Z97 Krait, or the Asus Z97-AR.  Both of those motherboards are fantastic, and will match your aesthetic.

The krait is gorgeous, but beyond looks its kinda shit. No m.2, etc. Liking the Asus lineup much more

[TheSLSAMG]

Nothing, there is no difference between the A and AR other than appearance.

 

If I were you, I would get either the MSI Z97 Krait, or the Asus Z97-AR.  Both of those motherboards are fantastic, and will match your aesthetic.

I/O is a little different, I believe the VGA port is missing, but does that really matter now?