Does it make sense to invest over 200 dollars in a mobile device?
Does it make sense to invest over 200 dollars in a mobile device?
Hello everyone
I was wrapping up the selection of components for my next Skylake rig (which almost took me a month).
Last night I began to question whether an Asus Z170A would be sufficient.
Newegg link
Is a Sabertooth or a ROG Maximus card better than my budget Z170?
Will they support overclocking more effectively, maintain better temperatures, and last longer? Will there be any noticeable impact on data transfer speeds?
P.S.: I won’t be using two GPUs, so I’m not planning water cooling or extreme overclocking.
Thanks for your thoughts!
BETTER AUDIO:
This single aspect might justify the higher cost. You could even invest more by purchasing an additional sound card.
Example price (around 220 USD):
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-mother...usviiihero
Also consider:
- quality and durability
- design appeal
- other functionalities?
When comparing the original model on Asus versus the Hero/Ranger boards, you'll notice differences in features. Right now, the Ranger version is about 20 USD cheaper than the Hero at 200 USD, but check the audio details here:
https://www.asus.com/ca-en/Motherboards/...II-RANGER/
If you're not engaging in any specific activities, a simpler motherboard should suffice. Motherboards rarely dictate performance on their own. Besides improved cooling and better power management for overclocking, their differences are minimal. Most Haswell evaluations indicated CPU performance was the main factor. I haven't come across detailed reviews covering Z170 boards extensively.
In my view, always aim for the best you can afford. You never know when you might need additional features later. It’s not wise to purchase something only to regret it later because you thought a small extra cost would be worth it. However, I don’t think it’s essential to buy an extremely expensive motherboard. Data speeds should remain consistent, though some may offer better cooling. Generally, motherboards don’t overheat much, and many handle overclocking well—some even auto-overclock. For more details on overclocking, check the manufacturer’s specifications.
BETTER AUDIO:
This single aspect might justify the higher cost. You could even invest more by purchasing an additional sound card.
Example price (around 220 USD):
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-mother...usviiihero
Also consider:
- quality and durability
- design appeal
- other functionalities?
When comparing the original model on Asus versus the Hero/Ranger boards, you'll notice differences in features. For now, the Ranger version is about 20 USD cheaper than the Hero at 200 USD, but check the audio details here:
https://www.asus.com/ca-en/Motherboards/...II-RANGER/
Photonboy shared a review about the ASUS Maximus Viii Ranger motherboard. He mentioned installing Sonic Studio II to enhance the impressive sound quality from the Supreme FX audio, though he noted it really does sound great. Later, someone purchased a SoundBlaster sound card and paired it with $20 speakers.
Supermuncher85 :
photonboy :
A review mentions Sonic Studio II for enhancing the sound quality of a motherboard, though it’s noted as impressive but not essential. Someone then purchases a sound card and speakers for $20, highlighting that such upgrades are common. The discussion emphasizes the importance of good speakers for noticeable benefits, warns against overspending on components like graphics cards or monitors, and cautions about choosing low-quality motherboards due to potential long-term costs. It also points out the confusion on platforms like Amazon with mixed reviews.
My focus is on purchasing only what you require. I invested $80 on my motherboard and $200 on my father’s because he needed 10 SATA ports and required digital audio output. Motherboards are special since you really should plan ahead. Understand your needs and select wisely. In my situation, I chose an overclockable Z board that supports a single powerful GPU, as I was aware SLI doesn’t always work reliably. If you need 10 SATA ports and SLI capability, opt for the appropriate board.
Now if none of these options matter much to you, you should be okay with a more affordable choice. I’ve used the Rampage V Extreme—it’s impressive—but unless you use it at its best, saving money is better. I aimed for a quality system around $1200 that could handle gaming, so I went for a $600 laptop for work. Remember, buy what suits your needs, not what others suggest.