Please help me find a board :D

Hardware Hub Motherboards
1

Hi guys, first time posting here.

I've currently got a Asrock Z77 Pro4-m motherboard, its pretty good but there are 2 fairly big problems with it. So I'm looking for a new one.

 

I'm using an Areocool Dead silence M-ATX case, and an intel 3570k, with 3 sata 6 ports in use, as well as a GTX-660ti.

The main issue I'm having is that the CPU area is further away from the I/O block than most boards, and the backplate cutout isnt in the same area, leaving the board to bend ever so slightly as its screwed into the case.

The second issue is that I'd like to add a soundcard, but doing so in the current build means I'd have to mount it in the lowest PCI-e slot, but that would also block air for the GPU.

I'd love something like this but in micro-atx:

http://us.ncix.com/products/?usaffiliateid=1000031504&sku=74287&vpn=Z77A-G41&manufacture=MSI

The main thing I like about that is the pci-e 1x at the top, followed by a pci-e 16x. as that would let me mount the 1x sound card I have without worrying about covering the dual gpu fans, nor the molex power cable to the sound card interfering with the fans.

 

 

Any ideas?

2

Hi,

I just installed my pc in my new Aerocool DS this weekend! I love that case. I got the black windowed version, which did you get?

 

Now that Socket 1155 Z77 Boards are of the previous generation, they are less available and I can't find an mATX board with the pcie x1 slot at the top. I think that in the case of your sound card you could find which motherboard has the best onboard audio, but the better option would be to find a good external sound card. 

External sound cards are good. They work and stuff. 

Hope this helps. :) 

 

 

 

3

I got the black windowed version. it looks great. Even though cable management was a nightmare.

What a shame, guess I'll have to wait for broadwell or silvermont, cheers for the help.