How to determine a motherboard

[Max]

As an adjunct to my other thread...

I'm planning a rebuild using a i5-4690 CPU, 2 x 4 gig sticks of memory. As for choosing a mobo, I'm wandering in the dark. I know it needs to be compatible with CPU, hence 1150. It must have at least 2 RAM slots and enough PCI slots to handle the current peripherals. I'm pretty sure it needs to be an ATX board. Some research tells me that ASUS and Gigabyte are preferred manufactures. Using the above criterion in searching Newegg, the options are many. What else should I look for, or avoid? Prices vary quite a bit. What determines the difference among a number of similar (or so they seem) mobos?

Thanks

[2bighorn]

Well, apart from what you listed ie memory dual channel support, CPU support (next gen or not),  chipset (Z vs H, etc) as are PCI-E 3.0 x16 slots (one or more), SATA slots (III), USB (3.0) and then all other features (ethernet, sound, etc).

Really depends what you need. What's your preferred budget?

[guncrasher]

you only need to spend about 160 bucks for one.  I have an msi and I like the fact that when I am too lazy to oc, all I have to do is press a button.  also the stock sound is awesome on it .


semp

[ebfd11]

Here are a couple of good mother boards.. but be advised of their size ... will they fit into your case.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157501

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128710

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130775

just a couple of options ... There are cheaper ones and more expensive ones but the final decision is up to you.

LawnDart

[Masherbrum]

I am pissed that I didn't get my Creative ZXr sooner.   It blows motherboard sound out of the water and there is no comparison.

I wouldn't even take an ASRock mb if it was given to me.   No sense taking shortcuts when there are a plethora of proven boards available for a scant 20 to 40 dollars more.

[Chalenge]

I am pissed that I didn't get my Creative ZXr sooner.   It blows motherboard sound out of the water and there is no comparison.

Can't blame me! I've been saying it since it was released.

[Bizman]

There's often many variations of the same board, say like Brand-Z87-A, Brand-Z87-AB and Brand-Z87-ABC. The difference between them is the amount of features such as Wi-Fi, Raid, double/triple PCI-e16 slots etc. while the basics remain the same. This means that the ABC model can cost triple the price of the A model with absolutely no difference in speed! Don't pay for features you won't need.

[Pudgie]

Can't blame me! I've been saying it since it was released.

Then I will blame you for not saying it loud enough for me to hear.......... ....or blame myself for not listening to you...........

Checked it out & now I just gotta have it! Matches my Asus RIVG mobo to boot!

Coming soon......................... ....