Which Z170 ITX ?

Soldato
Joined
18 Jun 2005
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3,434
Narrowed it down to these 3.

GA-Z170N-Gaming 5 Intel Z170
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/giga...1151-ddr4-mini-itx-motherboard-mb-540-gi.html

Asus Z170I Pro
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/asus...1151-ddr4-mini-itx-motherboard-mb-681-as.html

MSI Z170I Gaming Pro AC
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/msi-...1151-ddr4-mini-itx-motherboard-mb-001-ma.html

Will be going into an NZXT Manta most likely and likely air-cooled. And will be adding a Samsung 950 Pro M2.

Have noticed that the Asus and Gigabyte has its M2 on the back of the board which could be a problem if the 950 throttles. And Asus removed the M2 from the Impact for that very reason.

Taken the MSI off the list as Bitech says it won't support full length M2 like the 950 Pro
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2015/10/21/msi-z170i-gaming-pro-ac-review/8
 
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Soldato
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18 Jun 2005
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Yeah, never thought of that. Thanks. I guess I will just compare the Gigabyte and Asus now on price and features.

Also wondering what is the best air cooler out there for ITX. The case can take up to 150mm in height, so I expect width will be a factor for the size of air cooler that can fit without messing up the PCI-E slot.
 
Associate
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Yeah, never thought of that. Thanks. I guess I will just compare the Gigabyte and Asus now on price and features.

Also wondering what is the best air cooler out there for ITX. The case can take up to 150mm in height, so I expect width will be a factor for the size of air cooler that can fit without messing up the PCI-E slot.

Noctua L9x65 got my vote.
 
Soldato
OP
Joined
18 Jun 2005
Posts
3,434
Thanks. Though I would have though a more high performance tower like cpu cooler wouldn't be a problem on in an NXZT Manta. Perhaps an NHU12 with a not so disgusting looking fan.

The gigabyte board looks good. The placement of the usb3 connector near the cpu is kind of annoying though.


Looks like either of these 2 air cooler would do the job :

Phanteks PH-TC14S_BK
14.2l x 7.3w x 16h

Noctua NH-U14S
15.0h x 7.8w x 16.5h
 
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