which Z77 motherboard are you already planning to get and why?

DejaWiz

DejaWiz

Fully [H]
Joined
Apr 15, 2005
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Hey [H]orde,
Anyone got their sights set on an upcoming Z77 board already barring reviews? If so, what had drawn you to that specific board?

I'm torn between the Asus Z77 Pro and the Gigabyte UD3H. I like the dual onboard USB 3.0 headers of the Asus Pro, but I also like the mSATA and dual BIOS of the GB UD3H. Can hardly wait for reviews, as I'm sure they will steer me towards one or the other.
 
I'm planning on getting the Asus -WS mobo. I was originally considering the Deluxe but the -WS has more x16 slots whereas the Deluxe has more x1 slots and I figure I'll probably need more x16 slots than x1. Also the -WS includes a ps/2 port.
 
Definitely going for an ASUS Maximus Gene V, been wanting a microATX build for awhile for space and LAN reasons. I am no longer in need of giant EATX builds with SLI cards, it's all about portability.
 
I'm leaning towards the MSI boards for the PS2 port/cost.

I also haven't used thier stuff before so I want to try it out.
 
wixter said:
I'm planning on getting the Asus -WS mobo. I was originally considering the Deluxe but the -WS has more x16 slots whereas the Deluxe has more x1 slots and I figure I'll probably need more x16 slots than x1. Also the -WS includes a ps/2 port.
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I love the features of the WS, but it's going to be well out of my price range of <= $200. :(

You'll definitely have to let us know your thoughts once you get it.

NickJames said:
Definitely going for an ASUS Maximus Gene V, been wanting a microATX build for awhile for space and LAN reasons. I am no longer in need of giant EATX builds with SLI cards, it's all about portability.
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Man, those Gene boards are wicked! Looks like Asus is going to have another grand slam with the Z77 iteration. I've been debating over transitioning to a uATX form factor for about the past year, and when the Gene-Z came out, it was the only board I was considering. Was going to get a Fractal Arc Mini to put everything in. Alas, I'm going to stick with an ATX, but retire my full tower by downsizing to a mid tower.

Certainly let us know what your thoughts are of the new VGene!
 
I love how many features ASUS crams into their Gene boards. It feels like a full tower setup with all the goodies they put on it. I have my 2600K, Corsair H60, 8GB of G. Skill, 256GB SSD and GTX 680 ready for this beast.
 
I'm planning on getting the EVGA FTW, I've used their mobos since they started making them...I'll never switch.

I'm still going to use my SB until Christmas, and hope I get enough $$ for a nice IB K chip.
 
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Any street date on these? I know some places already have shelf stock but I don't have a big box store near me so It's online shopping for me.
 
PCMusicGuy said:
This one for me. I need one PCI slot.

http://usa.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8Z77V_PRO/#specifications
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What's the difference between the V Pro and the regular V?

Edit: nvm I found out, the only things the Pro has over the regular V is 2 internal USB connectors supporting 4 USB 3.0 ports (vs 1 internal connector supporting 2 ports for the V) and 4 chassis fan headers (vs 3 for the V). I'm thinking not worth the extra cash, but we'll know for sure soon enough....
 
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Probably the Asus P8Z77 WS.

-does dual x16 or quad at x8
-dual intel gigabit
-6 usb 3.0 ports
-2 sata3 esata ports
 
hmm that P8Z77-V PRO has a PS2 port also. And the first x16 slot is not the first slot under the CPU. I like that (gives me lots of clearance for HR-02 heatsink)
 
I suppose I should say maximus v gene, since I've already bought it for a combined htpc/mini server.

Druneau said:
hmm that P8Z77-V PRO has a PS2 port also. And the first x16 slot is not the first slot under the CPU. I like that (gives me lots of clearance for HR-02 heatsink)
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Yeah, on my gene mobo the noctua nh-d14 is resting against the screws that attach the heatsink to my graphics card. Not ideal, but I suppose neither heatsink should have any current running through it.
 
when these come out I don't know if I want to wait another month for IB. Will I lose any features by using a 2500k or 2600k?
 
I think I'll pick up the Asus Sabertooth.

Unlike many of you, I'd do it it strictly for the aesthetics.
 
DejaWiz said:
pretty much only PCI-E 3.0

SB + Z77 = 2.0 mode only.
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I think I can deal with that for a while. I only game single monitor 1080p and my 560ti is doing well. When prices on it drop over the next few months I am going to pick up a second and go SLI.
 
BigJayDogg3 said:
I think I'll pick up the Asus Sabertooth.

Unlike many of you, I'd do it it strictly for the aesthetics.
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I actually did consider the Sabertooth, but seeing as how I've never used the "armor" on any mobo, I guess I can't really see the point, other than aesthetics that you mentioned. I did take a look at a Sabertooth Z68 at Fry's once and wasn't really impressed.
 
I'll wait and see if ASUS releases a Maximus V Extreme or if the Formula is going to be their highest-end board for Z77. I would prefer one without their gaudy watercooling block for the chipset.
 
Give me something without PCI slots, please. With what I have, and what my wife wants me to add, including 1-2 PCI slots is a deal breaker for me with a future purchase.
 
night_2004 said:
Give me something without PCI slots, please. With what I have, and what my wife wants me to add, including 1-2 PCI slots is a deal breaker for me with a future purchase.
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I know, my wife is trying to force me to go quad-sli...er...wait a minute. What exactly does your wife want you to add to take up extra pci-e slots?! I'm intrigued.
 
night_2004 said:
Give me something without PCI slots, please. With what I have, and what my wife wants me to add, including 1-2 PCI slots is a deal breaker for me with a future purchase.
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Tiporaro said:
I know, my wife is trying to force me to go quad-sli...er...wait a minute. What exactly does your wife want you to add to take up extra pci-e slots?! I'm intrigued.
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I lol'd :D

Personally I wont be getting Z77, there is not any difference from Z68 or P67 to make it worth buying(exclude USB 3, but I'm fine with 2 ports right now)
 
Tiporaro said:
I know, my wife is trying to force me to go quad-sli...er...wait a minute. What exactly does your wife want you to add to take up extra pci-e slots?! I'm intrigued.
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Add another PCIe TV tuner to my rig. Between my GTX 570 (gaming and CUDA program runs), GT 520 (CUDA debugging), the HVR 2250 (TV tuner), and a worthless PCIe x1 slot on my Z68 UD5 (thanks massive heatsink!)...if I need even one more PCIe device either I buy a GTX 690 (assuming that ever comes out and assuming it doesn't dump heat into my case) or a new motherboard.
 
I'm thinking the EVGA z77 ftw, I got the P67 FTW and it's great, but I may want to try out Tri-SLI and want to use my x1 sound card as well. The teaser pic shows a better arangement with the PCI express slots and no fricken heatsink getting in the way of the x1 like the p67. This would be my only reason for switching to IB.
 
zzDarkwingDuck said:
I'm thinking the EVGA z77 ftw, I got the P67 FTW and it's great, but I may want to try out Tri-SLI and want to use my x1 sound card as well. The teaser pic shows a better arangement with the PCI express slots and no fricken heatsink getting in the way of the x1 like the p67. This would be my only reason for switching to IB.
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You can use your current SB in the new Z77 boards, no need to shell out Tue money for a new cpu, as well.
 
The Gigabyte Z77-UD5, which TigerDirect has listed. No PS/2, so I've been looking for keyboards. :/

Also considering the MSI GD-65.

Looking for something pleasant to the eyes, last 3-4 years, good onboard sound, displayport, and thunderbolt (but that one isn't going to happen.)
 
night_2004 said:
Add another PCIe TV tuner to my rig. Between my GTX 570 (gaming and CUDA program runs), GT 520 (CUDA debugging), the HVR 2250 (TV tuner), and a worthless PCIe x1 slot on my Z68 UD5 (thanks massive heatsink!)...if I need even one more PCIe device either I buy a GTX 690 (assuming that ever comes out and assuming it doesn't dump heat into my case) or a new motherboard.
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I know I'm getting OT, but have you considered the hdhomeruns? I had a chance to play around with a Hdhr prime and it did everything it was supposed to do without much trouble, and without being tied to a box. If you didn't need the cc support, I wouldn't be surprised if you could find the standard model for cheap.
 
is it just me or are is firewire missing from all asus z77 boards. i know firewire is antiquated but wasn't expecting that.
 
Tiporaro said:
I know I'm getting OT, but have you considered the hdhomeruns? I had a chance to play around with a Hdhr prime and it did everything it was supposed to do without much trouble, and without being tied to a box. If you didn't need the cc support, I wouldn't be surprised if you could find the standard model for cheap.
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It's an option but I'd much rather have the HVR 2250 and integrate all my recording into a single box and bypass the need for messy cabling and extra boxes laying around.

If I were to buy a board today I would probably drift towards the Sabretooth Z77, except I have a huge beef with giving ASUS my business again. Not after them failing to repair my X58 board and dealing with sleep problems on my P8P67.

Really hoping Gigabyte comes out with a board without PCI. The UD5H is almost perfect, save for that one PCI slot and an upright USB3 connector.
 
I'm most likely getting the Asus Gene V too, and I can see my local dealer has a bunch of them in stock already.

The problem is if i should get one now and have it ready for Ivy, or wait for the first reviews to show up.
 
The good news is that we should start seeing reviews in 1-2 weeks. Plenty of time to asses Z77 prior to IB hitting the market.
 
JCNiest5 said:
The Pro board must be using a third party PCI port chip because Z77 completely eliminates legacy PCI lanes. I want the Deluxe to have PCI slots, too, but looks like it's not going to.
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Many manufacturers have been using bridge chips for a while. Doesn't matter to me as long as I get my one slot. :D
 
What do you guys think of the SRT slot built into the Gigabyte boards?

Intel is coming out with a new 313 SRT SSD (20 and 24 GB) for $100 to $120 about the same time along with the IB. I am considering holding off on the full SSD purchase and using an old HD with this SRT drive will save me a bit more money on my initial build. Later I would plan to throw in an SSD or two in raid array, but the SRT drive would still be useful hooked up to the large capacity HD. I believe Asus has an add-in card which can contain a number of cards such as a SRT drive, so depending on the price of this add-in card, Asus is still on my list of mobos.

Also, what do you think of the Thunderbolt connector such as the one coming out on the MSI mobo (which hasnt been released yet)? Is it the wave of the future? Will all motherboard mfgs be following suit a month or two by including Thunderbolt on their second wave of z77 mobos?
 
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