Motherboard ?

24c · 11 Aug 2018

Am thinking of replacing the ASRock mobo in one of my machines, nothing wrong with it, just a "learning experience".
Have always used ASRock or ASUS mobos and would like to try something new.
Thinking of this Gigabyte unit, I like the 3 M.2 slots.

GIGABYTE Z370 AORUS Gaming 7 (rev. 1.0) LGA 1151 (300 Series) Intel Z370
GIGABYTE Z370 AORUS Gaming 7 (rev. 1.0) LGA 1151 (300 Series) Intel Z370 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.1 ATX Intel Motherboard - Newegg.com

No experience with Gigabyte products, but knew just where to go to get the "truth, and nothing but the truth" - here
Googled reviews etc., they tell me what they want me to know. Win 10 Forum people tell what I want to know. I love Win 10 Forum people!
All thoughts appreciated.

ignatzatsonic · 11 Aug 2018

I've owned the major brands: Asus, Intel, AsRock, Gigabyte.

I have an AsRock now.

If I were buying tomorrow, I'd get a Gigabyte if at all possible. I had no issues with the one I had.

Of course, my experience is entirely anecdotal and you can find your share of Gigabyte horror stories.

I wouldn't agonize over the brand choice. Your time is better spent on confirming that any candidate has the features you want, finding the right price, and buying from a trusted vendor whose return policies you can live with.

I think I've bought all my boards from Newegg. The AsRock I bought from them a couple of years ago was dead on arrival, but Newegg paid for return shipping and I got a new working AsRock within 4 or 5 days. I wouldn't have any issues buying from Amazon either, as long as it was from Amazon directly and not from a reseller.

Looking at your system spec, it looks like it's pretty much up to date higher end stuff. So you might consider if a motherboard is the best way to spend $230, given that you already have a Z370 board. Maybe you've got an aging power supply or monitor or case or cooler or fans that might be a better candidate for the money. All up to you of course--a personal choice.

24c · 11 Aug 2018

Thanks ignatzatonic.
I have been a newegg buyer for years - not 1 complaint about my experiences with them. Mobo page is already bookmarked, in case I decide to go for it.

Since I don't smoke, gamble, drink, golf, use cameras, or eat vegetables, I allow the occasional "fun purchase".
(Don't have a wife or a kitchen table either, all part of the big picture) -

ignatzatsonic · 11 Aug 2018

24c said:

Since I don't smoke, gamble, drink, golf, use cameras, or eat vegetables, I allow the occasional "fun purchase".
(Don't have a wife or a kitchen table either, all part of the big picture) -

Oh my God, it's like I have a twin!

Except for the vegetables part.

EdTittel · 11 Aug 2018

I find the motherboard reviews at Tom's Hardware to be both accurate and reliable. You might want to see if they've got a review of your proposed make and model there -- goes off to look -- and indeed my old buddy Tom Soderstrom wrote this one: Gigabyte Z370 Aorus Gaming 7 Review - Tom's Hardware. If you want to get in touch with him directly, PM me and I'll give you his email address.
--Ed--

AshTray900 · 11 Aug 2018

I have a gigabyte motherboard in an old computer I built in 2005, never had 1 issue with it at all except that it became outdated years ago, still runs win 7 but is pretty useless now

24c · 11 Aug 2018

Ed,
Thanks for the response and the Tom's Hardware review., much appreciated. I have downloaded the board's manual and intend to give it a good looking over before going any further.

JAM83 · 11 Aug 2018

I use Asus Motherboards. I have the Asus Crosshair VI Hero. It has an M.2 slot on it.

24c · 11 Aug 2018

vgkfan83 said:

I use Asus Motherboards. I have the Asus Crosshair VI Hero. It has an M.2 slot on it.

I want 3 M.2 slots, I'm an M.2 junkie -

AshTray900 said:

I have a gigabyte motherboard in an old computer I built in 2005, never had 1 issue with it at all except that it became outdated years ago, still runs win 7 but is pretty useless now

Thanks for the "positive" on the Gigabyte brand

ignatzatsonic · 11 Aug 2018

24c:

I'm kinda waiting for the price of 2 TB SSDs to come down.

When I buy, I'll be faced with what form factor to choose. I've always used standard 2.5 inch SSDs with cables.

Have you experienced any major advantages to M2 other than avoiding cables?