Which motherboard?

[Pooky]

You get PCI-E x16 slots (the long ones) and you get PCI-E x1 slots the very short ones, you can put a PCI-E x1 card in a x16 slot.

http://computertroublesolver.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PCI_slots.jpg


The chipset defines what features the motherboard has, here is a good overview of the different chipsets and their features for the 1155 socket:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGA_1155

Oh that's really helpful thanks. The MSI seems really decent for the price.

 

[Pooky]

How does this one compare to the MSI: http://www.landmarkpc.co.za/store/asus-p8b75m-intel-chipset-microatx-motherboard-p-10299.html

It's in stock at landmark and it's easier to order from the same place.

 

[brenjacct]

Am I the only one that thinks MSI products are kuk?

Personally I think that MSI make good products, their gaming series Mobos are great for OCing. Not to mention their GPUs.

 

[NomNom]

How does this one compare to the MSI: http://www.landmarkpc.co.za/store/asus-p8b75m-intel-chipset-microatx-motherboard-p-10299.html

It's in stock at landmark and it's easier to order from the same place.

1. The MSI can run faster RAM.
2. The ASUS has 2 more SATA 3G ports.
3. The ASUS has a DVI output whereas the MSI does not.
4. The MSI board has Realtek ALC887 7.1 audio whereas the ASUS has VIA VT1708s 7.1 audio
5. The MSI has 2 USB 3.0 ports for the front (Internal I/O Connector), the ASUS does not.
6. The boards offer different PCI slots:

MSI:
1x PCI
1x PCI-E (1x)
1x PCI-E 3.0 (16x)

ASUS:
2x PCI
1x PCI-E 2.0 (16x @ 4x )
1x PCI-E 3.0 (16x)


The ASUS board is R315 more expensive than the MSI, considering the difference of features and price I personally don't think it's worth it.

 

[Pooky]

You make some good points...

 

[Pooky]

This one compared to the other MSI?

http://www.landmarkpc.co.za/store/h77mag43-intel-chipset-microatx-motherboard-p-9384.html

 

[Razor88]

Sure you dont want to now, but what about the future? PC upgrading is all about future proofing, the longer you can make your PC last in terms of being obsolete the better.

He has an i5-2500. You can't overclock with a non-k processor(it has a locked multiplier)

 

[NomNom]

This one compared to the other MSI?

http://www.landmarkpc.co.za/store/h77mag43-intel-chipset-microatx-motherboard-p-9384.html

MSI H77:
Has 2 more RAM slots. (can take up to 32GB's of memory the other MSI can only take up to 16GB's.
Has 1 more PCI-E x16 slot
Has 1 more PCI-E x1 slot
Does not have a PCI slot, the other MSI does.
Has 1 more SATA 3 port and 1 more SATA 2 port.
Supports RAID 0/1/5/10, the other MSI board does not.
Has 6 audio ports at the back whereas the other MSI only has 3.
Does not have a HDMI port at the back, the other MSI board does.
Has a DVI port, other board does not.
Supports Crossfire.


Information taken from MSI's comparison tool.

 

[Pooky]

Okay decided on the E33, going to order today. Don't think I need the extras on the other board. Thanks so much for the help.