Help! Can't decide on new mobo

[subliminal_panda]

I was able to procure a 4930K for only $195 (about 120 GBP), so I'm jumping into 2011. But I can't decide which motherboard to pair it up with. I am considering the Rampage IV BE, Rampage IV Gene, and the X79-UP4. The black edition is my top pick so far, but I can't seem to find it anywhere (at least not without an enormous mark up). So I began looking at the UP4, which still has the SLI spacing I want. It is lacking in feature set and looks compared with the Rampage, but considerably less expensive. Then I thought, maybe I want to put together a powerhouse mATX system, perhaps in a 350D with that big window. And then I found out that EK is making blocks for the Rampage IV BE. So I am back to square one. Any advice or recommendations?

 

[NeverBackDown]

What do you want in your rig? Performance or Aesthetics? Considering you are watercooling then i assume you want both, which then means you will not end up paying a cheap amount. For watercooling its either all or nothing. Don't make any shortcuts as it sort of defeats the purpose of a good looking loop.

 

[subliminal_panda]

Thanks for the advice! Ordered the R4BE today. As long as there are no holiday shipping delays, I should have everything up and running by January. I'm planning on switching cases and liquid cooling later, perhaps a spring break project.

 

[Kaapstad]

The RIVE BE is a stunning board, I have just received mine and will start building on Wednesday.