[DeadSkull]

In the market for a Z77 motherboard because I'm finally upgrading from my Q9650.

Two main requirements for the motherboard:

-Delivers stable 24/7 maximum overclock
-At least 8 sata ports, preferably 10 though ( tons of 1Tb drives )

I do not care about CFX-SLI capabilities past two cards. So if a motherboard supports 4x SLI / CF that's great but not a deal maker.

Right now I've narrowed down my choices to two motherboards

ASRock Z77 OC Formula - 10 sata ports and great for overclocking.

GIGABYTE G1.Sniper 3 - 10 sata ports and also great at oc.

Another option is GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD5H. I have no idea what the difference is between the regular UD5 and UD5H though.

My price range is $180-$250.

 

[DeXel]

There is no regular UD5 for Z77. There are WB and non-WB versions that differ from the fact that first has WiFi module.

G1 Sniper 3 supports 3/4-way SLI whereas OC Formula doesn't. It also has Creative codec, and Killer NIC.

UD5H and G1 Sniper 3 have the same VRM. OC Formula has slightly better mosfets, but both boards are more than capable for any 24/7 OC anyway.

 

[DeadSkull]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeXel

There is no regular UD5 for Z77. There are WB and non-WB versions that differ from the fact that first has WiFi module.

G1 Sniper 3 supports 3/4-way SLI whereas OC Formula doesn't. It also has Creative codec, and Killer NIC.

UD5H and G1 Sniper 3 have the same VRM. OC Formula has slightly better mosfets, but both boards are more than capable for any 24/7 OC anyway.

Alright so if I do not care about 3/4 way SLI or CF then UD5H is just as good as G1 Sniper in terms of overclocking?

 

[DeXel]

Yea. It just has extra features. Usually I recommend UP5 over G1 Sniper 3 in that price range since it is better for OC, but it doesn't have enough SATA ports, but it has Thunderbolt instead.