Which is the best motherboard manufacturer to buy?

[Wolvyreen]

Hello

I asked this same question about GPUS over in the Graphics Cards forum but I need the same question answered for motherboards.
Which manufacturer is best to buy for a Motherboard? If I buy a certain manufacturers GPU, should I try and buy the same manufacturers motherboard or won't it really matter??

There are so many...

MSI
ASUS
Gigabyte
EVGA

etc etc etc

Which one is best with the best after sales support and warranties?

 

[Bones]

Depends on the socket/chip you'll be running.
Right now for an Intel based setup ASRock and Asus are fine with MSI actually improving, Gigabyte slipping somewhat in the quality dept.

For an AMD it's largely the same except Asus isn't fairing as well, ASRock is good here too and MSI is almost even with Asus, Gigabyte again slipping in the same fashion.

Out of all I'd consider based on things ASRock would be the name I'd checkout first. Asus does have an excellent board for Threadripper, the ROG Zenith Extreme Alpha X399 which is one I'm looking at personally right now as possibly being the one I go with for a build I'm planning, the MSI MEG Creation being right behind it in my case.

I'll be honest, none are really known for being "Great" for service after the sale.

 

[EarthDog]

Called it... you were going to start a thread for each part for your new build... lol..

 

[Bones]

Questions, questions..... But it's good to ask.
That's what we're here for.

 

[Vayra86]

Called it... you were going to start a thread for each part for your new build... lol..

If that is the case I would strongly recommend just asking for build advice, saves a lot of clicking between topics

My vote > AsRock (overall, price/perf, good quality, fantastic high end), MSI (midrange, mostly, feature packed at great price), Asus (not the best price/perf, but better/more polished UEFI and additional software).

Gigabyte, as with GPUs, is readily avoided these days; does not impress in anything yet does offer a range of substandard quality VRM on cheaper boards; in fact only their best boards have decent VRM.

But above all, pick a board based on its featureset, get the best match for you, and then start comparing what each brand has on offer with those features, at what price. When you want to OC, consider VRM quality as well - phases are not everything here. AsRock wins the day in that sense at almost every price point up until the enthusiast (>250 dollar) range.

 

[EarthDog]

Questions, questions..... But it's good to ask.
That's what we're here for.

No doubt! But build threads are best, for everyone, if it is one thread. This helps the OP have all the info in one spot AMD all the others helping using the same information so their efforts arent duplicated or wasted .

 

[Wolvyreen]

yh, I wondered if I should open 1 thread or a thread in each section. Being new here I am still finding my way around

If that is the case I would strongly recommend just asking for build advice, saves a lot of clicking between topics

My vote > AsRock (overall, price/perf, good quality, fantastic high end), MSI (midrange, mostly, feature packed at great price), Asus (not the best price/perf, but better/more polished UEFI and additional software).

Gigabyte, as with GPUs, is readily avoided these days; does not impress in anything yet does offer a range of substandard quality VRM on cheaper boards; in fact only their best boards have decent VRM.

But above all, pick a board based on its featureset, get the best match for you, and then start comparing what each brand has on offer with those features, at what price. When you want to OC, consider VRM quality as well - phases are not everything here. AsRock wins the day in that sense at almost every price point up until the enthusiast (>250 dollar) range.

Thanks for this reply very helpful

 

[EarthDog]

I've reported the posts and asked the staff to merge... not sure if they don't agree/care, or what... but you seem like you are full of questions so its best to ask them in an all encompassing build thread instead of a dozen others. Its so much easier for everyone involved, honestly.

 

[Wolvyreen]

I've reported the posts and asked the staff to merge... not sure if they don't agree/care, or what... but you seem like you are full of questions so its best to ask them in an all encompassing build thread instead of a dozen others. Its so much easier for everyone involved, honestly.

I completely agree Thanks @EarthDogI should have started a thread in the System Builders Advice section. Apologies

 

[dirtyferret]

Hello

I asked this same question about GPUS over in the Graphics Cards forum but I need the same question answered for motherboards.
Which manufacturer is best to buy for a Motherboard? If I buy a certain manufacturers GPU, should I try and buy the same manufacturers motherboard or won't it really matter??

There are so many...

MSI
ASUS
Gigabyte
EVGA

etc etc etc

Which one is best with the best after sales support and warranties?

1 - GPU and mobo manufacturer have nothing to do with one another, you can mix amd match to hearts content
2 - best mobo manufacturer is like asking who is the best car manufacturer, Subaru, Honda, Toyota, Ford.,etc., You need to know what you are looking for, sedan, truck, SUV, hatchback, etc., Then narrow it down even further to size, budget, gas mileage, etc., etc.,

Which one is best with the best after sales support and warranties?

There is this thing called the internet and on it companies have web pages that explain things like sales support and warranty...

 

[Vayra86]

There is this thing called the internet and on it companies have web pages that explain things like sales support and warranty...

Show me where the Gigabyte web page speaks of horrendous RMA and customer service processes, up to and including damaging GPUs and sending them back with a refusal.

For warranty the websites aren't even leading, it is legislation that determines what you're entitled to and it differs per country.

 

[cucker tarlson]

If that is the case I would strongly recommend just asking for build advice, saves a lot of clicking between topics

My vote > AsRock (overall, price/perf, good quality, fantastic high end), MSI (midrange, mostly, feature packed at great price), Asus (not the best price/perf, but better/more polished UEFI and additional software).

Gigabyte, as with GPUs, is readily avoided these days; does not impress in anything yet does offer a range of substandard quality VRM on cheaper boards; in fact only their best boards have decent VRM.

But above all, pick a board based on its featureset, get the best match for you, and then start comparing what each brand has on offer with those features, at what price. When you want to OC, consider VRM quality as well - phases are not everything here. AsRock wins the day in that sense at almost every price point up until the enthusiast (>250 dollar) range.

Not true,check the z390 vrm tier list,gigabyte's low end and mid range boards slam asrock and msi

 

[Wolvyreen]

1 - GPU and mobo manufacturer have nothing to do with one another, you can mix amd match to hearts content
2 - best mobo manufacturer is like asking who is the best car manufacturer, Subaru, Honda, Toyota, Ford.,etc., You need to know what you are looking for, sedan, truck, SUV, hatchback, etc., Then narrow it down even further to size, budget, gas mileage, etc., etc.,

While I found the above reply very helpful, I can't say the same for the sarcastic reply below... sigh...why people feel the need to break others down in their own little way is beyond me.

There is this thing called the internet and on it companies have web pages that explain things like sales support and warranty...

 

[Vayra86]

Not true,check the z390 vrm tier list,gigabyte slams asrock and msi

Then they've learned from the responses to their Z370 line up, nice. Don't expect that to stay the same... Also Z390 is pretty much only for high TDP parts. Can't get away with crappy VRM anymore... Those tier lists are really a great source though @Wolvyreen . Take note.

 

[cucker tarlson]

Then they've learned from the responses to their Z370 line up, nice. Don't expect that to stay the same... Also Z390 is pretty much only for high TDP parts. Can't get away with crappy VRM anymore...

Msi boards are pretty inadequate for overclocking a 9900k yet they cost more than gigabyte's 10 phase z390 Elite.you can get away with selling mid range boards at enthusiast prices if it has pretty rgb lights.
Z390 carbon is pretty much z390 sli with pretty lights.Now look at the price difference,more than +50%

 

[Vayra86]

Msi boards are pretty inadequate for overclocking a 9900k yet they cost more than gigabyte's 10 phase z390 Elite.you can get away with selling mid range boards at enthusiast prices if it has pretty rgb lights

Sure but when did the subject become a 9900K as thé CPU choice? It is a grossly inefficient and out-of-the-ordinary CPU with a bad price/perf ratio. And TDP wise it doesn't compare to anything else in the Intel- or AMD lineup that consists mostly of 65-95W CPUs. No point having a board that can push 250W when you're only using half.

 

[protain]

Which one is best with the best after sales support and warranties?

Depends what country you are in... always check the RMA info, some may be local to you (in country or region) and others might require you to ship the faulty board to another region.

Hexus Forums (if I can mention them here) used to have a good sticky on RMA locations for most manufacturers and level of service, not sure how up to date it is as I've not visited it for some time! The post was geared towards UK users but it listed the RMA countries for the main manufacturers so it should still be valid and you might want to check that out too!

 

[dirtyferret]

Show me where the Gigabyte web page speaks of horrendous RMA and customer service processes, up to and including damaging GPUs and sending them back with a refusal.

For warranty the websites aren't even leading, it is legislation that determines what you're entitled to and it differs per country.

gigabyte USA warranty page below, sorry you had a bad experience with gigabyte although there are countless forum threads across the internet complaining about xfx, corsair, seasonic, evga, asus, etc., etc., customer service. In my experience corsair and evga put more resources towards customer service and that tends to help. Otherwise you are probably dealing with an under staffed and over worked dept.

https://www.gigabyte.com/us/Support/Warranty

 

[eidairaman1]

@Wolvyreen https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/forum-guidelines.197329/

 

[cucker tarlson]

Sure but when did the subject become a 9900K as thé CPU choice? It is a grossly inefficient and out-of-the-ordinary CPU with a bad price/perf ratio. And TDP wise it doesn't compare to anything else in the Intel- or AMD lineup that consists mostly of 65-95W CPUs. No point having a board that can push 250W when you're only using half.

doesn't matter what cpu you use,getting worse components and a fancier look for a higher price is the point.

 

[Deleted member 24505]

Asus for me, look at the fsb i had on the p5b-dlx/e6300 in my sig

 

[EarthDog]

Asus for me, look at the fsb i had on the p5b-dlx/e6300 in my sig

Maybe I need some caffeine, but what does an ancient board and CPU result have to do with helping the OP? How does your experience with that old hardware help when the OP is looking to buy new?

 

[Komshija]

Most people will say Asus just because they have the highest price tag. More expensive doesn't always mean "the best".

According to my experience, I consider Asrock as the best combining very good quality and acceptable price, followed by Gigabyte and MSI. I had bad experience with Asus, but that doesn't mean that they are bad in general. Asus motherboards aren't really any better than Asrock, MSI or Gigabyte, despite always being more expensive.

Gigabyte top-end motherboards are usually cheaper than MSI and Asrock and definitely cheaper than overpriced Asus.

EVGA - I wouldn't buy theirs. One of the biggest stores over here has return rate statistics for product they sell and EVGA's had over 10%.

 

[FCG]

Abit is (was?) my fave.
Am I right, fellas?
Who's with me out there?
Fun Fact: DFI entry into the OC market was initially made possible by Abit engineers whom defected.

 

[dirtyferret]

Maybe I need some caffeine, but what does an ancient board and CPU result have to do with helping the OP? How does your experience with that old hardware help when the OP is looking to buy new?

cause it justifies my purchase and proves I bought the right part for my pc..damn it!