Z170 mobo?

[SYN_Speck]

So, I'm considering a major upgrade (first since 2010/2011.) The plan is to go with a i5-6600k and a Z170 motherboard, for the OC potential.

I'm a bit bewildered at the large array of mobo options. It seems that each of the major manufacturers has about 15 different Z170 options. I'm slogging through them trying to discern the differences, but thought I'd throw a post in here to see if any of you have any thoughts/recommendations.

I'm interested in ease of use for some mild OC'ing, a good BIOS, and some future-proofing. A larger ATX form would be good too, I've got a pretty spacious case (Antec 900) so no real need to cram things onto a smaller mobo.

Thanks..

[SYN_Blackrat]

Personally I just look and see what added features I need, most mobos now allow overclocking, Asus is my preferred board, but that is probably just brand loyalty as so far so good...

https://www.scan.co.uk/products/3xs-ove ... -2666mhz-d

Is an example of the board my favourite supplier uses in its own overclocking bundles.

[SYN_Haashashin]

My new one is an Asus H170M Plus (https://www.asus.com/es/Motherboards/H170M-PLUS/). Select it cus my friend say the BIOS is very easy to use (actually it is ) and cus Blackrat said its his brand, so when I need to overclock it (first timer here) I could ask him

[SYN_MrWolf]

https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/Z170-DELUXE/

This my board. Happy sofar with it. I forgot why i went for this one.

[SYN_Speck]

Thanks guys, it looks like you're all coming from about the same perspective as me. :) Unfortunately Haash, I have to tell you, it's my understanding that the difference between the Z170 and the H170 is that the Z allows OC and the H doesn't But maybe there is a workaround... or maybe I misunderstood.

Also Asus has been my most recent mobo and I've been happy with it. But I'm looking at MSI and Gigabyte too.

[SYN_Bandy]

Been happy with my ASRock and overclocking is well supported, allowing 3 different bios profiles.

[SYN_DerHesse70]

I highly recommend you EVGA-boards! Best board that i ever had. Much overclocking potential, bullet proof and easy to use bios!

http://www.evga.com/Products/ProductLis ... Intel+Z170

Take care with big boards speck. I own a Antec 1200, the big brother of your Antec 900. These cases can only fit normal ATX size. No E-ATX or other bigger boards. You can put them in but they will block the openings for your cabel management. Also you will reach the inner front fans for the cpu and ram cooling if installed!!

[SYN_Mugue]

Speck,
I can't really offer any meaningful help. But I do know the feeling of drowning in system specs and reviews till your mind turns to mush.
In the end, I just have to grit my teeth, hit the check out button and hope I don't get a lemon.

Enjoy the process if you can. And good luck.


PS: I've been using Asus equipment lately without problems...(for what it's worth = not much)

[SYN_Haashashin]

Speck,

You scare the hell out of me (I readed your last post at work and couldnt check) since my PC store guy said to me is OC ready, also thats why I got an i5 6600k. So I just got home and looked at my BIOS and there is a OC configuration part. Just took a quick peak and there is something about OC profiles able to be loaded, up to 8. I just trusted the guy since I have no idea about OC or mobos at all.

Maybe you looked at the H170m, mine is H170m plus, dont know.

I had a Gygabite mobo for a long time and had no problems whatsoever untill the end of my old PC life. Someone said that changes are good

[SYN_Blackrat]

Haash, I think it will do a mild overclock, you cannot change the CPU clock multiplier so upping the mhz is the only option, I think that is the way the H boards work, you pay the extra for a Z board to be able to change the multiplier which is unlocked on a K CPU.