MB for non-reference Crossfire + Audio card

[Arfur Schrunkunpecker]

Hi,

What 1155 motherboard do you guys recommend for 2 Sapphire HD7970s and an audio card? The reason I ask is that some non-reference video cards' cooling shrouds intrude over a third slot slightly. (I'm not sure if the Sapphire HD7970s do.)

I was considering the Gigabyte Z77X-UP7 and still might, but I'm not actually sure how much space there is considering the above. I guess it should be OK, but haven't actually tried it.

So, please throw some motherboard ideas my way.

It will be for everything, gaming, video, etc.

Cheers.

 

[jamesriley94]

I think most do tbh.

What audio card is it? PCIE or PCI?

Assuming you're on Ivybridge, if you do have any problems with slots 1&2, you could run it 1&3 with a soundcard either inbetween, or in the PCIE lane above the top x16 slot.

Look at the Z77 mPower. I wouldn't bother wasting so much money on the Gigabyte tbh

 

[Arfur Schrunkunpecker]

Thanks. The audio card will probably be something like yours. Something decent for headphone users who listen to music and game.

 

[jamesriley94]

Alright - so not decided yet

In that case, just make sure it's PCIE, not PCI and you'll be fine.

 

[Arfur Schrunkunpecker]

Thanks.

The sound card will indeed be the ASUS Xonar Essence STX.
(It's had great reviews and I'm a headphone person. I assume you recommend it too?)

 

[alienware]

Most Z77 boards are well spaced. I run SLI with two 2.5 slot cards and there's breathing space

One of my cards.

In situ.

I'm running a MSI Z77A G45 but IIRC near on all of the MSI Z77 boards are laid out the same

 

[Arfur Schrunkunpecker]

Thanks a lot.
That's good to know.
Thanks for showing the images too.