MSI z87 gd65 vs gd45 (40$ difference)

[Messerschmitt]

I am set on buying a MSI Z87 board. While I was contemplating on getting the GD65 (I don't want to skimp on motherboards or PSU's), I noticed how the GD45 is 40$ cheaper. AFAIK, in terms of performance, the GD65 has 12 phases while the GD45 8 phases. I don't really know what exactly they mean, but it has something to do with the ability to OC?

Basically in terms of performance I would like to know if it's really worth paying the extra 40$ (190$ for the GD65 vs 150$ for the GD45).

Here are my other components, as I am aiming at building a best bang for the buck rig that will last me the next 3-4 years (just like my trusty E6750 w/ AMD 4870 lasted me the last 6 years).

I5 4670K - 240$
MSI Z87 GD45/65
MSI TF3 7950 - 260$
G.Skill Ripjaws X DDR-1600 CL9, 16GB - 128$
Samsung 840 SSD - 140$

Some one was also recommending the Gigabytes Z87 UD3H. Ncix actually has a sale on it for 100$ after 30$ MIR. However, as with my GPU I really liked to get a MSI as they have RMA centrers in Canada. Meaning I could just drive there if I required warranty, than having to pay shipping to US for Gigabyte RMA.

[Dzzope]

I'd be more tempted by the Asus Maximus VI hero @$200 than the GD65.. Asus also have a Canadian RMA centre.


As with everything it all depends on what you need vs what your willing to spend vs how into it you are. :)
They should all be capable of standard use / overclocking etc.

I would grab 1866 or 2100 ram as the prices are fairly close... I got the same ripjawz kit (1866) for $7 dollars more than the 1600.

Samsung 840 I believe is a drive to avoid... see AKG's suggestions.. (he's the SSD guru of these parts) The Pro is good but there are possible concerns over the longevity of the Nand (memory) that the 840 uses.

What PSU are you using for all this?

[IRQ Conflict]

Originally Posted by Messerschmitt

I noticed how the GD45 is 40$ cheaper. AFAIK, in terms of performance, the GD65 has 12 phases while the GD45 8 phases. I don't really know what exactly they mean, but it has something to do with the ability to OC?

Basically in terms of performance I would like to know if it's really worth paying the extra 40$ (190$ for the GD65 vs 150$ for the GD45).

Short answer, no. The extra phases are supposed to help with stability. I believe (my opinion) that it is more a placebo than an actual help. Sure, if you went to four phase you may see a problem OC'ing but with Haswells inability to be stable has more to do with thermals than extra clean signals or more power (=more heat=brick wall). Again, this is just my opinion from what I have seen of OC'ing on the Z87. Heck, Asus are supporting OC'ing on their non Z87 chipsets.

As has been said on many review sites, your overclocking is going to depend more on the CPU itself and the OC lottery than ever before. The boards this gen are really the stars of the show. Any board from Asus, MSI or Gigabyte you pick from 100 on up to 400+ dollars are going to do you just fine. It's all going to come down to the features you want/need and how many clams your willing to part with in order to get it. If you haven't already read the glut of reviews on the G45, I suggest this one.

This article may interest you.

[IRQ Conflict]

Originally Posted by Dzzope

Samsung 840 I believe is a drive to avoid... see AKG's suggestions.. (he's the SSD guru of these parts) The Pro is good but there are possible concerns over the longevity of the Nand (memory) that the 840 uses.

What PSU are you using for all this?

This might interest you.

[Dzzope]

Vewwy intewestink. :)

[audiex]

MSI z87-G45 !