Is the Z77 the best choice for LGA1155/Socket H2?

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Dj_Nikita
Member

51

11-10-2016, 06:19 AM

#1

I own a verified gold chip at 2600K and the rest is mostly junk—just a Z77/Z68 board and a tight deadline. I’m trying to push it as far as possible, which means I need to choose wisely. The options are: Asus TUF SABERTOOTH (lots available cheaply), Asus MAXIMUS V EXTREME (most of the core 2nd/3rd gen OC boards fit), Asus MAXIMUS V FORMULA, Asrock Z77 OC Formula (very costly for a tier 2 board), or the Gene and Extreme boards which seem rarely mentioned in reviews. The Sabertooth reviews are mixed—some praise it, others call it a cheap plastic build. Any of these? I’m not sure what’s considered old here.

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ColossalCargo
Junior Member

15

11-17-2016, 01:01 AM

#2

I’m familiar with X58, X79, X99 and X299. Based on what I know, Sabertooth boards are decent but not top-tier. The ASUS Maximus V Extreme stands out for its extensive features and solid power delivery, plus it includes an early Thunderbolt version. I suggest adding fans for VRM cooling—something I learned the hard way with my FX9590.

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fandras7
Member

139

11-18-2016, 05:09 PM

#3

I experienced a sabertooth issue and a major overclocking to 2600k. After that, all my systems ran on Maximus. My current rig is a VI Extreme, which is solid but mainly used for four cards. I’d consider the Formula if you need the Gene for a micro case.

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Sheikrik
Senior Member

441

11-20-2016, 02:18 PM

#4

This board looks just as great as any Asus one. The BIOS even includes music, which is cool!

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GaZeVII
Member

141

11-20-2016, 07:40 PM

#5

I’m not questioning that, yet with Z77 boards reaching such maturity their cost isn’t justified. It’s odd how the most extravagant models still come at a reasonable price, almost by chance.

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TwiistedFalcon
Junior Member

48

11-20-2016, 07:56 PM

#6

The Z77 OCF is another high-end board that justifies its cost. It’s not unexpected given its price; it wasn’t an inexpensive option from the start. Occasionally, you might not expect such a high price for something that could be affordable otherwise. The real factor here is demand versus supply, which affects nearly everything. This model is quite solid overall, and minor BIOS tweaks can make a big difference. It stands out as one of the top choices for Socket 1155 and carries a premium price tag. My unit needs repairs and isn’t functioning properly yet, but it should be fixed soon. I also owned a Z67 Maximus V Formula, which was decent, though the Z77 versions are generally superior. The more extreme models come with even higher prices for similar reasons. If you’re interested in older, costly boards, consider a DFI LanParty NFII Ultra B (Socket A) – luck is on your side, but finding one in decent condition is tough. Most examples you’d see today have been damaged beyond repair. I’m keeping mine in good condition here, safely stored.