After spending the last two days trying to select a motherboard I have finally decided on the Gigabyte GA-X79-UP4.
Was initially going to use the Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD7 but read that Intel CPUs use less power when idle. I also have a personal preference to Intel.
Here are my reasons for selecting the Gigabyte GA-X79-UP4
- The Gigabyte GA-X79-UP4 allows me to use up to 4 GPUs without risers in a HAF XM.
- If I decide to later use a custom cage it will let me go up to 6 GPUs with risers.
- I bought into Gigabytes "Ultra Durable 5" marketing.
- Only a little more than the GA-X79-UD3 with "Ultra Durable 3".
- 5 year warrantee.
- Availability
I think I'll be ok in regard to cooling as this will be placed in a data center with an ambient temperature of 61 degrees.
Having searched the forum it doesn't appear that this motherboard has been used much. I read that the MSI 890FXA-GD70 is the one to get but it is hard to come by. The MSI Big Bang-Marshal would be nice but twice the price for two more slots.
Any feedback would be appreciated!
