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[mordecaii83]

My current PC is hand-built but a few years old now-I wanna say I put it together either late 2011 or in 2012. Mainly curious if there any useful areas to upgrade in right now, here's a readout of what I got:

http://valid.x86.fr/rp4vcn

I'm also running a 512GB SSD with two SATA hard drives for media storage, since it doesn't say so there. Suggestions are appreciated!

The only real upgrade you need is video card. I'd HIGHLY recommend the GTX 970 that just came out, for $330 there's nothing that even comes close. You'd be seeing well over twice the performance from it. If your budget is lower than that, maybe wait for the 960 that should be coming out soon.

No unfortunately they don't have that in stock either, maybe I'll wait for the h110 or just suck it up and go with Noctua DH-15, however making no room for DDR4 ram expansion in the future is bad.(same thing happened with the Noctua DH-14)

I'll see how long it takes for the H110 to be in stock if they say October 3rd+ then maybe I need to

Thanks Mordecai.

Yeah, clearance is one of the big reasons I went with water cooling. I don't think you'd regret getting the h100i at all, so if it's going to be a while for the 110 to come in then I'd just go with that. It's still a great cooler, and should match or be slightly better than the DH-15.

 

[Dalibor_San]

Yeah, clearance is one of the big reasons I went with water cooling. I don't think you'd regret getting the h100i at all, so if it's going to be a while for the 110 to come in then I'd just go with that. It's still a great cooler, and should match or be slightly better than the DH-15.

Sorry to bother you again Mordecai, I just found out the H105 should come in stock in 4 days, I can wait, can I just ask will the CM Storm Trooper case with Window support the water cooler?(I cant find a clear answer, I know 100i is supported, I think even h110, however I don't see h105)

As you said clearance to me is a big issue, I would like to have ample room for expansion if I ever feel like it, DH-14 gave me the same issue with ram.

Thanks man.

 

[mordecaii83]

Sorry to bother you again Mordecai, I just found out the H105 should come in stock in 4 days, I can wait, can I just ask will the CM Storm Trooper case with Window support the water cooler?(I cant find a clear answer, I know 100i is supported, I think even h110, however I don't see h105)

As you said clearance to me is a big issue, I would like to have ample room for expansion if I ever feel like it, DH-14 gave me the same issue with ram.

Thanks man.

It is compatible with that case, but it depends on your motherboard. Also, it would depend on if you're mounting it as an intake, or an exhaust, and whether you plan on mounting it in the front of the case or the top.

Short answer: It's officially compatible, but you'll need to plan out how you want it set up, as that will make a difference.

 

[Goldenmoney]

hey guys! First, I want to say that I love this thread and that the topic post has helped me TREMENDOUSLY with choosing parts. After about a month of research, I have come up with this build.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2YQnXL

I want to use this build for some good gaming and streaming with a multi-monitor set up. I've also been interested in video editing and general media stuff.

Do these parts seem sufficient? Are there any glaring problems?

If you are overclocking, then you'll need a Z97 board and a decent cooler. That H97 board won't overclock your 4670K, so if you're not overclocking then you might as well get the cheaper 4670 instead.

EDIT: Actually, get the 4690 on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JST2QEW/?tag=neogaf0e-20

 

[Booshka]

Any suggestions for CPU coolers on a 3770K in a Z77 Sabertooth Mobo in a HAF 932 case? Planning on overclocking pretty soon and looking for cooling options. I'm quite the neophyte but have a good friend that helped me build the PC in the first place who would be willing to help.

 

[Dalibor_San]

It is compatible with that case, but it depends on your motherboard. Also, it would depend on if you're mounting it as an intake, or an exhaust, and whether you plan on mounting it in the front of the case or the top.

Short answer: It's officially compatible, but you'll need to plan out how you want it set up, as that will make a difference.

Well I'll be using the Gigabyte X99 UD4, would you recommend top or side? I was thinking top by removing the huge fan from the case.

 

[mordecaii83]

Well I'll be using the Gigabyte X99 UD4, would you recommend top or side? I was thinking top by removing the huge fan from the case.

Top is where I put mine, you might have to go front if the radiator is too thick. I know for a fact the h105 wouldn't fit in my case on top, but I don't know exactly what the clearance is for the Storm Trooper.

Fake Edit: Actually the H105 might fit on top in mine, since it's a 240mm radiator, it shouldn't be flush against the motherboard like my h110 is... Hmmmm... At this point, I'd recommend either asking in a cooler master forum, or buying it and trying it.

 

[xBladeM6x]

Any suggestions for CPU coolers on a 3770K in a Z77 Sabertooth Mobo in a HAF 932 case? Planning on overclocking pretty soon and looking for cooling options. I'm quite the neophyte but have a good friend that helped me build the PC in the first place who would be willing to help.

Corsair H100i, H105, H110, CM 212 Evo, basically any Noctua cooler.

 

[Dalibor_San]

Top is where I put mine, you might have to go front if the radiator is too thick. I know for a fact the h105 wouldn't fit in my case on top, but I don't know exactly what the clearance is for the Storm Trooper.

Fake Edit: Actually the H105 might fit on top in mine, since it's a 240mm radiator, it shouldn't be flush against the motherboard like my h110 is... Hmmmm... At this point, I'd recommend either asking in a cooler master forum, or buying it and trying it.

Thanks man, will do.

 

[Someglan]

If you are overclocking, then you'll need a Z97 board and a decent cooler. That H97 board won't overclock your 4670K, so if you're not overclocking then you might as well get the cheaper 4670 instead.

EDIT: Actually, get the 4690 on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JST2QEW/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Coolio! I had actually ordered that 4670k from Tigersdirect yesterday. I'll cancel it tomorrow and hopefully they will refund it.

Will that build with this new 4690 be enough to create a pretty good multi-monitor workstation?

 

[Booshka]

Corsair H100i, H105, H110, CM 212 Evo, basically any Noctua cooler.

Alright thanks, 100% CPU load Rendering in Handbrake was starting to make me nervous, so I think I'll probably go for the CM 212 cuz of the pricing.

 

[SugarDave]

Deciding on a monitor is the last thing I need to do before I finally have my build completed. The BenQ XL2411Z is a great price for a 144Hz monitor but I keep hearing there's issues with it not being pre-installed with the V2 firmware needed to be able to take advantage of blur reduction solutions (in the UK). I know there's a way to fix this but it sounds like a lot of hassle, at least for someone new to all this stuff like me, and it will cost a bit more to get the extra hardware needed. Does anyone, perhaps someone who has recently bought one, know if this problem has been rectified with new stock? If I buy one with the V1 firmware, how will that actually affect me?

If I don't buy that, I'll probably settle for a 1080p 60Hz monitor like the Dell U2414h. Is that a pretty good one to go with?

 

[Splenivore]

I just ordered an i5-4690K, and I'm trying to pick out a motherboard, but I've noticed a weird trend. Most of the Z97 boards seem to require a BIOS update to support the i5-4690K (according to the CPU support lists on the vendors' websites).

For example, the ASUS Z97-A requires BIOS version 1008, the MSI Z97-G55 SLI requires an update to version 1.1, etc.

Is this going to be a problem? Can I update the BIOS using my "unsupported" i5-4690K?

 

[Kuro]

I just ordered an i5-4690K, and I'm trying to pick out a motherboard, but I've noticed a weird trend. Most of the Z97 boards seem to require a BIOS update to support the i5-4690K (according to the CPU support lists on the vendors' websites).

For example, the ASUS Z97-A requires BIOS version 1008, the MSI Z97-G55 SLI requires an update to version 1.1, etc.

Is this going to be a problem? Can I update the BIOS using my "unsupported" i5-4690K?

I'm in the exact same boat but some of the reviews on Amazon said the boards were being shipped with the new BIOS now

Edit: It appears this motherboard has USB BIOS Flashback so you can just update BIOS through USB without a CPU

 

[Splenivore]

I'm in the exact same boat but some of the reviews on Amazon said the boards were being shipped with the new BIOS now

Edit: It appears this motherboard has USB BIOS Flashback so you can just update BIOS through USB without a CPU

According to the Z97 Comparison Chart on the ASUS website, the Z97-A doesn't support the USB BIOS Flashback feature. What a mess.

This is a frustrating situation created by Intel and the motherboard makers. As customers, we should be able to tell with complete certainty whether or not the motherboard we intend to buy will work with our CPU. That is the single most important thing one needs to know when buying a motherboard. Couldn't they have at least put the newer boards with the new BIOS under a different SKU so we could tell what we were getting?

 

[Kuro]

According to the Z97 Comparison Chart on the ASUS website, the Z97-A doesn't support the USB BIOS Flashback feature. What a mess.

This is a frustrating situation created by Intel and the motherboard makers. As customers, we should be able to tell with complete certainty whether or not the motherboard we intend to buy will work with our CPU. That is the single most important thing one needs to know when buying a motherboard. Couldn't they have at least put the newer boards with the new BIOS under a different SKU so we could tell what we were getting?

Found this under their supported CPU list http://support.asus.com/CPUSupport/... rev.C0)&m=Z97-A&pcb=ALL&sincebios=1008&memo=

So it looks like its supported but maybe the first batch of MBs might not support it? Its been a few months already so hopefully I'll be getting an updated board although the link says all PCBs for the Z97-A support it

 

[Splenivore]

Found this under their supported CPU list http://support.asus.com/CPUSupport/... rev.C0)&m=Z97-A&pcb=ALL&sincebios=1008&memo=

So it looks like its supported but maybe the first batch of MBs might not support it? Its been a few months already so hopefully I'll be getting an updated board although the link says all PCBs for the Z97-A support it

I take that to mean that any version of the hardware will support the chip, provided that the BIOS version is 1008 or greater. That doesn't do us much good if we need a supported, working CPU to update the BIOS.

But yeah, I guess all we can do is hope we get a board that comes with the new BIOS. Which pretty much comes down to whether or not Amazon sells things through in a first-in, first-out basis. I don't want to get a board that's effectively dead-on-arrival just because a warehouse worker happened to grab a board with the old BIOS rather than the one we need. Sure, we can exchange the thing if it doesn't work, but that would be way more of a pain.

 

[Alastor3]

What should I got for taking notes in class and only notes but with a somewhat good screen for movies ? tablet ? laptop ? I really don't have a high budget so maybe i can forgot the screen

 

[friz898]

Hey Guys.

I figured someone would love to help me with this.


What is the best video card that you folks would suggest I get my buddy for his PC?

He currently has this:

http://www.cnet.com/products/gateway...2-93ghz/specs/


1. What is the best?
2. What is the best per dollar vs. diminishing returns?
3. Should I consider getting him a second of the same card, assuming they work together like SLI.


He mostly just plays WoW but he also uses Netflix and Fraps a lot. So although his WoW raiding doesn't push his comp too much, between running two monitors and the other things I mentioned, he's starting to see huge frame rate drops at times.
(Gateway FX6840-15e)

 

[andrerobot]

There's a tiny red switch on my PSU. One side says 110 and the other 220. Tried both and no difference.

DON'T EVER CHANGE THE VOLTAGE SWITCH.

If you are from a 220V country you may have broken your PSU by doing that.

 

[Splenivore]

What should I got for taking notes in class and only notes but with a somewhat good screen for movies ? tablet ? laptop ? I really don't have a high budget so maybe i can forgot the screen

What sort of notes do you intend to take? If you want to make an audio recording of the class, a tablet with a microphone should be fine. However, if you want to type them up, I would definitely recommend a laptop. You need a physical keyboard to type with any speed.

Before you buy a device, try to see the screen in person if you can. It's the best way to tell if the screen is good or not.

What is the best video card that you folks would suggest I get my buddy for his PC?

He currently has this:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2379688,00.asp?tab=Specs

What's his budget? The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 is the card to have right now. Its performance/price ratio is phenomenal. It is a $330 card, and though it may be overkill for WoW, the Intel Core i7-870 in his machine is plenty powerful enough to keep it busy.

Don't bother with SLI at this point. One GTX 970 would be a significant upgrade over his AMD Radeon HD 5750.

 

[megateto]

I've got some light bleed but no where near the horror pics. Perfectly acceptable in my mind.

Thank you for your input.

 

[Hazaro]

Hey Guys.

I figured someone would love to help me with this.


What is the best video card that you folks would suggest I get my buddy for his PC?

He currently has this:

http://www.cnet.com/products/gateway...2-93ghz/specs/


1. What is the best?
2. What is the best per dollar vs. diminishing returns?
3. Should I consider getting him a second of the same card, assuming they work together like SLI.


He mostly just plays WoW but he also uses Netflix and Fraps a lot. So although his WoW raiding doesn't push his comp too much, between running two monitors and the other things I mentioned, he's starting to see huge frame rate drops at times.
(Gateway FX6840-15e)

If he has a 5750 I'd drop in a 750Ti.
Otherwise5 a new PSU and a GTX 970

 

[Benedict]

What kind of system would I need for Wasteland 2 to run whisperquiet?

I have a 460TGTX, Core2Duo E7500@2.93ghz and 8GB DDR2 RAM.
My case is a Nzxt Hush and have an Asus P5Q PRO motherboard and Corsair Powersupply 550W.
And it's not whisperquiet atm... more like an autumn storm...

Purchased in 2009 and I have exchanged the C: HDD to an SSD and the original graphics card was a Nvidia 9600GT Silent.


Thinking of a new system with ASUS Z97-A ATX, and ASUS GeForce GTX 760 DirectCU II OC 2GB as graphics card as a base.

What kind of processor should I get and should I get a differend graphic card?
Can I keep any of my older components, case? I might reuse the SSD or just keep the old computer as is and buy all new.
The only thing missing is money...

I've never built a system before, just switched components.

 

[adamantypants]

What kind of system would I need for Wasteland 2 to run whisperquiet?

I have a 460TGTX, Core2Duo E7500@2.93ghz and 8GB DDR2 RAM.
My case is a Nzxt Hush and have an Asus P5Q PRO motherboard and Corsair Powersupply 550W.
And it's not whisperquiet atm... more like an autumn storm...

Purchased in 2009 and I have exchanged the C: HDD to an SSD and the original graphics card was a Nvidia 9600GT Silent.


Thinking of a new system with ASUS Z97-A ATX, and ASUS GeForce GTX 760 DirectCU II OC 2GB as graphics card as a base.

What kind of processor should I get and should I get a differend graphic card?
Can I keep any of my older components, case? I might reuse the SSD or just keep the old computer as is and buy all new.
The only thing missing is money...

I've never built a system before, just switched components.

You can build any system whisper quiet. The bigger question is what is your budget?

 

[s-bojan]

Does anyone, perhaps someone who has recently bought one, know if this problem has been rectified with new stock? If I buy one with the V1 firmware, how will that actually affect me?

Just upgraded mine with live Ubuntu. Procedure is simple and v2 allows you to use blurbusters utility and some interesting stuff like console 60hz strobing.

 

[Rafy]

What kind of system would I need for Wasteland 2 to run whisperquiet?

I have a 460TGTX, Core2Duo E7500@2.93ghz and 8GB DDR2 RAM.
My case is a Nzxt Hush and have an Asus P5Q PRO motherboard and Corsair Powersupply 550W.
And it's not whisperquiet atm... more like an autumn storm...

Purchased in 2009 and I have exchanged the C: HDD to an SSD and the original graphics card was a Nvidia 9600GT Silent.


Thinking of a new system with ASUS Z97-A ATX, and ASUS GeForce GTX 760 DirectCU II OC 2GB as graphics card as a base.

What kind of processor should I get and should I get a differend graphic card?
Can I keep any of my older components, case? I might reuse the SSD or just keep the old computer as is and buy all new.
The only thing missing is money...

I've never built a system before, just switched components.

If you don't want to go with a gtx 970 that came out, I'd say wait until October and get the 960, it's going to be priced like the 760 was if I am not mistaken and i'll perform better. Also, if your Corsair power supply is builder seires (GS,CS and below) get a better one (XFX Cire series or EVGA B500/B600)

 

[Benedict]

You can build any system whisper quiet. The bigger question is what is your budget?

poor

Sub $500 would be great, but then again, I live in Sweden so.. that mmight be difficult.
5000 sek is about $700

 

[Rafy]

poor

Sub $500 would be great, but then again, I live in Sweden so.. that mmight be difficult.
5000 sek is about $700

Then I'd say go for the z97 Extreme 3 or Pro 4 by asrock. If you don't want to overclock get an H series board with a non K processor. Wait for the 960 to drop next month.
what's your preferred online store?

 

[mrklaw]

Currently using a gigabyte H77N-wifi mini ITX motherboard in a bitfenix prodigy case. Doesn't support overclocking but still gets to 4GHz. Also have a 3570k with H60 cooler and 970.

looking for a recommendation for a replacement motherboard and small form factor case that will support SLI (for a future second 970) and proper overclocking of the CPU. Would I need to replace my corsair GS650 for SLI? If so I'd probably do that when I switch cases.

Possible bonus points for a desktop layout rather than tower, which would give me the option of moving to the living room now and then - have space for an AV receiver size box if needed.

 

[Benedict]

Then I'd say go for the z97 Extreme 3 or Pro 4 by asrock. If you don't want to overclock get an H series board with a non K processor. Wait for the 960 to drop next month.
what's your preferred online store?

I'll probably go with inet.se.

 

[Rafy]

I'll probably go with inet.se.

Here you go:
http://www.inet.se/produkt/1902706/asrock-z97-pro4
http://www.inet.se/produkt/5311087/intel-core-i5-4690k-3-5-ghz-6mb
http://www.inet.se/produkt/5316288/hyperx-fury-8gb-2x4gb-cl10-1600mhz-vit

Total: 3687 kr

IMO, get these parts and wait for the 960 to come out in less than a month and use your current GPU in the new rig or if you can afford to spend around 1500kr more than the original 5000kr budget, get the 970.

http://www.inet.se/produkt/5411284/zotac-geforce-gtx-970

This is a rig that overclocks very well so it's a pretty good one and will last you for a while, especially if you get the gtx970

 

[gilljoy]

So please convince me that I'm being stupid but would upgrading to a

GTX 980 or GTX 970 from a 7970Ghz edition be worth while?

Also is it worth upgrading a 3770K or not?

 

[neurosisxeno]

GTX 980 or GTX 970 from a 7970Ghz edition be worth while?

Legitimate question. The jump from an HD7970 to a GTX 980 is about a 40% gain in most GPU intensive scenarios. A GTX 970 is about a 30% gain--or on par for a TITAN for $330. I would recommend either a GTX 970 or SLi GTX 970's--since you get performance on par for a R9 295X2 for $400 cheaper.

Also is it worth upgrading a 3770K or not?

Not really. If you haven't, overclock your CPU and you'll be golden for another 2 years.

 

[MoonGred]

With all the talk about sli lately I've been wondering about cards like the 690, which if I recall correctly was made out of 2 gpus right? Did that card come with the downsides of sli, or wasn't this an issue due to it technically not being an sli setup?

 

[gilljoy]

Legitimate question. The jump from an HD7970 to a GTX 980 is about a 40% gain in most GPU intensive scenarios. A GTX 970 is about a 30% gain--or on par for a TITAN for $330. I would recommend either a GTX 970 or SLi GTX 970's--since you get performance on par for a R9 295X2 for $400 cheaper.



Not really. If you haven't, overclock your CPU and you'll be golden for another 2 years.

Hmm from what I'm reading the 970 looks quite powerful, so grabbing 2 of those SLI could be a good bet.

I might wait until February and see what the performance on the Witcher 3 in SLI is

 

[Benedict]

Here you go:
http://www.inet.se/produkt/1902706/asrock-z97-pro4
http://www.inet.se/produkt/5311087/intel-core-i5-4690k-3-5-ghz-6mb
http://www.inet.se/produkt/5316288/hyperx-fury-8gb-2x4gb-cl10-1600mhz-vit

Total: 3687 kr

IMO, get these parts and wait for the 960 to come out in less than a month and use your current GPU in the new rig or if you can afford to spend around 1500kr more than the original 5000kr budget, get the 970.

http://www.inet.se/produkt/5411284/zotac-geforce-gtx-970

This is a rig that overclocks very well so it's a pretty good one and will last you for a while, especially if you get the gtx970

Thanks!
I'll save a cart for later and maybe wait for the 960 and see if I have the money then.

Should I get a new case + power supply as well or keep my old one?

Edit: I have a £60 gift card on amazon.co.uk as well.
Edit 2: I also am willing to use cdon, webhallen, netonnet and similar stores as well. If I'm building it myself there is always the option to purchase different part from different suppliers, right?

 

[brain_stew]

Deciding on a monitor is the last thing I need to do before I finally have my build completed. The BenQ XL2411Z is a great price for a 144Hz monitor but I keep hearing there's issues with it not being pre-installed with the V2 firmware needed to be able to take advantage of blur reduction solutions (in the UK). I know there's a way to fix this but it sounds like a lot of hassle, at least for someone new to all this stuff like me, and it will cost a bit more to get the extra hardware needed. Does anyone, perhaps someone who has recently bought one, know if this problem has been rectified with new stock? If I buy one with the V1 firmware, how will that actually affect me?

If I don't buy that, I'll probably settle for a 1080p 60Hz monitor like the Dell U2414h. Is that a pretty good one to go with?

If you want a 144hz monitor and don't mind the tradeoffs of a TN panel then I can't get my head around buying anything other than a Gsync monitor. Nothing will have a bigger impact on your games as much as Gsync.

The AOC Gsync monitor sells for £320 now, surely that is the obvious choice? 144hz without Gsync just doesn't make sense to me, we don't have the GPUs to drive them at the 144fps minimum that they demand. With Gsync you can have your minimum frame rate dropping to 40fps while still reaping the benefits of the higher refresh rate.

 

[H1PSTER]

Hey there guys.

I'm thinking of selling my two 580s.

One has a broken DVI bolt, but the other DVI slot is fine and on the same card the sticker has come off, however I still have the sticker.

Both cards are about 3 years old and I have all the cables and boxes, even the anti-static wrap that came with them.

The one with the missing bolt and sticker is cheaper, anyone interested?

Edit: The reason I'm selling them is because I want some cash to get a 970.

And I live in England.

 

[IcyRhythms]

I'm not sure how it's possible but after messing with this new build for about four days now, the 4690K seems to run a lot of my games better than the 2600K. Possibly because the 2600K was going bad? :-\

 

[The Llama]

If you want a 144hz monitor and don't mind the tradeoffs of a TN panel then I can't get my head around buying anything other than a Gsync monitor. Nothing will have a bigger impact on your games as much as Gsync.

Because to many people once you're above 90 FPS you won't notice tearing anyway. I'm sure it's great, but completely dismissing non-GSync monitors is dumb.

 

[fluffydelusions]

Silly question time. Does using integrated graphics chip increase CPU load/temp?

 

[ShOcKwAvE]

I'm not sure how it's possible but after messing with this new build for about four days now, the 4690K seems to run a lot of my games better than the 2600K. Possibly because the 2600K was going bad? :-\

I'm confused, why wouldn't it run better? Also, CPUs don't lose performance when they "go bad." They just stop working.

Silly question time. Does using integrated graphics chip increase CPU load/temp?

Yes and it would fluctuate depending on load percentage, but we're only talking a few degrees. You shouldn't be worried about that even if you stick with stock cooling.

 

[fluffydelusions]

Yes and it would fluctuate depending on load percentage, but we're only talking a few degrees. You shouldn't be worried about that even if you stick with stock cooling.

Yeah, not really worried just curious. Looked it up online before asking here and some people would say it doesn't while others said it would.

 

[IcyRhythms]

I'm confused, why wouldn't it run better? Also, CPUs don't lose performance when they "go bad." They just stop working.



Yes and it would fluctuate depending on load percentage, but we're only talking a few degrees. You shouldn't be worried about that even if you stick with stock cooling.

Isn't the 2600K a superior CPU? Well, maybe not a much of a difference in games(which was my original arguement...derp, ugh)but definitely for video rendering and such.

 

[zXe]

Is the i5 3570K still considered a decent CPU. Looking to order a GTX 970 next week. I only really care about playing stuff more or less maxed at 1080p.

 

[IcyRhythms]

Is the i5 3570K still considered a decent CPU. Looking to order a GTX 970 next week. I only really care about playing stuff more or less maxed at 1080p.

More than enough for now. With that 970 you'll be good for at least three years.

 

[Prophet Steve]

Isn't the 2600K a superior CPU? Well, maybe not a much of a difference in games(which was my original arguement...derp, ugh)but definitely for video rendering and such.

I think even in games that have better support for multi-threading the 4690K performs better. In things well-optimized for multi-threading it likely wins though, but those are not among games.

 

[tarheel91]

Thank you for your input.

I'd try to find a retail store with a return policy to pick one up at. No telling if you got a new or older model.

On an unrelated note, it takes a minute or so to open up HWMonitor or CPU-Z. They momentarily stop responding during this. Anyone have any idea why?

 

[Splenivore]

I have been researching which motherboards support the i5-4690K. Pretty much any Z97 board is compatible with a BIOS update, but most don't support it out of the box.

You can see my findings below. I mostly focused on sub-$150 boards, since that's my budget. The only thing I've found that works with any BIOS revision is the ASRock Z97 Anniversary (and its Micro ATX equivalent, the Z97M Anniversary).

[B]Manuf.    Model              Supported?  Version     Out-of-box?[/B]
ASRock    Z97 Killer         Yes         P1.30       No
ASRock    Z97X Killer        Yes         P1.30       No
[B]ASRock    Z97 Anniversary    Yes         Any         Yes[/B]
ASRock    Z97 Extreme3       Yes         P1.30       No
ASRock    Z97 Extreme4       Yes         P1.30       No
ASRock    Z97 Extreme6       Yes         P1.30       No
ASRock    Z97 Pro3           Yes         P1.30       No
ASRock    Z97 Pro4           Yes         P1.30       No
[B]ASRock    Z97M Anniversary   Yes         Any         Yes[/B]
ASRock    Z97M OC Formula    Yes         P1.40       No
ASRock    Z97M Pro4          Yes         P1.40       No
ASUS      Z97-A              Yes         1008        No
ASUS      Z97-C              Yes         0336        No
ASUS      Z97-K/CSM          Yes         0330        No
[I]ASUS      Z97-P              No                      No[/I]
ASUS      Z97M-PLUS          Yes         0330        No
ECS       Z97-MACHINE        Yes         05/16/2014  No
Gigabyte  GA-Z97-D3H         Yes         F6          No
Gigabyte  GA-Z97-HD3         Yes         F5          No
Gigabyte  GA-Z97M-D3H        Yes         F5          No
Gigabyte  GA-Z97M-DS3H       Yes         F5          No
Gigabyte  GA-Z97MX-Gaming 5  Yes         F4          No
Gigabyte  GA-Z97X-Gaming 3   Yes         F5          No
Gigabyte  GA-Z97X-Gaming 5   Yes         F5          No
Gigabyte  GA-Z97X-SLI        Yes         F5          No
Gigabyte  GA-Z97X-UD3H       Yes         F6          No
MSI       Z97 GAMING 3       Yes         V2.1        No
MSI       Z97 GAMING 5       Yes         V1.2        No
MSI       Z97 GUARD-PRO      Yes         V1.1        No
MSI       Z97 PC MATE        Yes         V4.2        No
MSI       Z97 U3 PLUS        Yes         V1.1        No
MSI       Z97-G45 GAMING     Yes         V2.1        No
MSI       Z97-G55 SLI        Yes         V1.1        No
MSI       Z97M-G43           Yes         V1.3        No
MSI       Z97S SLI PLUS      Yes         V1.2        No

I bought an i5-4690K recently, and I just want a motherboard that will work. Why is that so difficult? Why do I have to cross my fingers and hope that Amazon or Newegg ships me a board with a newer BIOS revision? At this point I wonder if I should order an ASRock Z97 Anniversary, just to be safe.