HTPC Mobo Recommendations: ATX

Simba

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Hi,

i dont really upgrade the mobo in my computers very often, i like to make them last as far as reasonable however i feel its time to replace my current Gigabyte P35-DS3R.

I now use my computer in a HTPC type setup using XBMC so not really into gaming.

I would like something with as many of USB 3.0 ports and SATA 3 as possible - i have a mix of HDD and SSD sata 2 and 3 drives running on sata 1 just now so not making the most of them. Il be using WD Red, WD Black and Samsung EVO 240 (primary boot)

A good reliable Gigabit ethernet controller is a must - dont need wifi.

My current video card is a modded ATI HIS 5850 1 gb with a twin turbo pro cooler so dead silent. its overkill i know but its fine for just.

Onboard audio DACS im not too fussed about as i would bitstream the audio anyway.

Never really kept up with PCI Express tech, but i saw there is SATA Express and M2 which could be useful on the long term.

Basically id like a board with fast controllers for my drives, no gaming needs and as many usb 3 ports. Not sure if Z97 is the way to go for the long run.

Dont think i need anything else lol.
 
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I would suggest a Z97 or B97, Gigabyte have some superb boards going!
 
I would suggest a Z97 or B97, Gigabyte have some superb boards going!

Hi mate I ended up getting the Asrock Z97 Extreme6

Need to choose a cpu now...

One thing though I like to do the odd video encoding of my blu ray rips so I'm guessing quad core is the way to go.... Currently use a Q8400

I4670k or new devils canyon ?
 
Hi mate I ended up getting the Asrock Z97 Extreme6

Need to choose a cpu now...

One thing though I like to do the odd video encoding of my blu ray rips so I'm guessing quad core is the way to go.... Currently use a Q8400

I4670k or new devils canyon ?

Yeah, here in the UK (don't know if your here or somewhere else), the new Devil's Canyon is only 1 pound more than the Haswell, so it's a no-brainer really.
 
Thinking of getting a g3258 for the time being....reckon it should be more than enough for what I need ....seems to be better than the q8400 in benchmark charts
 
Thinking of getting a g3258 for the time being....reckon it should be more than enough for what I need ....seems to be better than the q8400 in benchmark charts

I guess that would be fine for the time being as long as you're not doing any heavy gaming.
 
I guess that would be fine for the time being as long as you're not doing any heavy gaming.

More than enough, you can play 1080p with a G1840 and on intel on board graphics! I'd get the G3258, I find encoding on my i3 4330 fine, and that is similar to the G3258, and i5 really would be overkill for an HTPC.
 

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