Motherboard Opinions for new build

[Dennis Johnson]

I am planning a new build and am looking for help in choosing a motherboard that will fit my rig requirements.
I need one that has the most pci lanes and USB ports.
Currently am using a Z170 with a startech USB pcie card(5port). I keep adding stuff to my rig and am up to 12 USB devices connected all at the same time.
The problem is that I have a gametrix seat on order and also considering a T1000 motion rig.
That brings me to 14 devices that I will need to have working.....whew!
Any suggestions on which brand and type to look for?

 

[Kenny Paton]

Might be an idea to post this in the new Computech section.

 

[Jeremy Ford]

Shop around for full size ATX mid range priced boards, there are dozens to pick from which will fulfil your needs. Best Buy or Amazon is a good place to start, use the search for the specific chipset. The pictures of the motherboards will clearly show the back and the front so you can visually see the number of USB/PCI.

You won't find a stock motherboard with as many USB ports as you'll need for sim racing, this hobby eats them up beyond what would be considered normal for most users. So a USB PCI expansion card and/or USB will still be needed.

 

[AndrewBo]

Might be an idea to post this in the new Computech section.

Done.

 

[Durge Driven]

This is neat solution for USB headers
https://www.nzxt.com/product-overview/internal-usb-hub
They have 2 external connectors you could run 2 x 2 metre extension leads through a backplate so then you have the leads with cable ties not messy hubs and adaptors

Motherboard for most pci lanes is also dependent on the CPU used
I assuming you want this for multi video cards ?
I leave this for people with experience, I have not used SLi since GTX460's

If you can give more info, budget, devices I am sure guys from here will come up with
multi solutions

 

[Durge Driven]

Sorry I should have said the header was only idea for present situation

Having had a bit more of a look most higher end boards have 12-18 USB
and 3-4 M2 without need to sacrifice GPU lanes with right CPU of course

Threadripper 1900x 64 lanes - Intel i9 44 lanes but twice as dear

 

[Dennis Johnson]

Sorry I should have. said the header was only idea for present situation

Having had a bit more of a look most higher end boards have 12-18 USB
and 3-4 M2 without need to sacrifice GPU lanes with right CPU of course

Threadripper 1900x 64 lanes - Intel i9 44 lanes but twice as dear

Thanks for the idea on the internal USB header. I am really thinking now about going with Threadripper now for my new build. My only concern is how it handles racing games as opposed to Intel cpu's. I keep reading different opinions on this. Jayz Two Cents kinda says that there is not much difference in real world experiences for the user. So, I will keep researching.

 

[Dennis Johnson]

This is neat solution for USB headers
https://www.nzxt.com/product-overview/internal-usb-hub
They have 2 external connectors you could run 2 x 2 metre extension leads through a backplate so then you have the leads with cable ties not messy hubs and adaptors

Motherboard for most pci lanes is also dependent on the CPU used
I assuming you want this for multi video cards ?
I leave this for people with experience, I have not used SLi since GTX460's

If you can give more info, budget, devices I am sure guys from here will come up with
multi solutions

I am not an SLI person. So a single video card is my goal
..(1180 ti) lol. My budget is up to 2,000 usd.
Current Devices :
OSW wheel
USB adapter for Fanatec rims
Fanatec V3 pedals with handbrake connected
Fanatec Shifter 1.5
DSD button box left
DSD button box right
Dual fan wind simulator
Oculus Rift CV1 with two sensors
Wireless Logitech keyboard and trackball
UR44 audio interface

Planned devices either on order or on wish list:
Thrustmaster t.6000m flight pack throttle, joystick, and pedals
Gametrix Jet seat
T1000 2dof motion platform

Software:
Windows 10 pro
Fanaleds
Crewchief
Simvibe
Wind simulator software
Joy to Key

Racing/Flight games:
Pcars 2
Assetto Corsa
Raceroom Racing Experience
RF2
Dirt Rally
DCS
War Thunder

As you can see, I got a lot of stuff!!!! Keeping it running smoothly has been quite a challenge.
I am looking for a computer set up that will handle all of this with out constant troubleshooting etc.

 

[Durge Driven]

I don't see a need for more PCI-e lanes then ?

I need one that has the most pci lanes

If you have 1 video card you can run as many M2 drives as you wish ( this is only other reason I can think of why you think you need more pci-e lanes ? )

The reason I mentioned high end boards was for 17-18 USB ports but I would not have
if you never mentioned pci-e lanes, if that makes any sense

 

[Durge Driven]

GTX1180 will be 700 +

So build is $1300 from Newegg

Phanteks Enthoo Pro Series PH-ES614P BK - $90
Corsair Hydro Series H110i Extreme - $115 top mounted 280mm
CORSAIR RMi Series RM750i 750W 80 PLUS GOLD - $130
INTEL 8700K 4.7GHz Turbo - $350
ASUS ROG Strix Z370-H Gaming - $170
G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 16GB DDR4 3200 - $180
SAMSUNG 970 EVO Series M.2 2280 250GB - $130
WD Black 2TB $115
LG external USB DVD burner $20

P.S.
8xUSB REAR, 4XUSB with tower
extra 4xUSB onboard but you will lose 1 header/2ports for Corsair Link

 

[Dennis Johnson]

GTX1180 will be 700 +

So build is $1300 from Newegg

Phanteks Enthoo Pro Series PH-ES614P BK - $90
Corsair Hydro Series H110i Extreme - $115 top mounted 280mm
CORSAIR RMi Series RM750i 750W 80 PLUS GOLD - $130
INTEL 8700K 4.7GHz Turbo - $350
ASUS ROG Strix Z370-H Gaming - $170
G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 16GB DDR4 3200 - $180
SAMSUNG 970 EVO Series M.2 2280 250GB - $130
WD Black 2TB $115
LG external USB DVD burner $20

P.S.
8xUSB REAR, 4XUSB with tower
extra 4xUSB onboard but you will lose 1 header/2ports for Corsair Link

Thanks for your input. I was thinking about Ryzen or Threadripper, but I think I will stick with the 8700k. Thanks again for the build suggestion.

 

[Dennis Johnson]

I don't see a need for more PCI-e lanes then ?



If you have 1 video card you can run as many M2 drives as you wish ( this is only other reason I can think of why you think you need more pci-e lanes ? )

The reason I mentioned high end boards was for 17-18 USB ports but I would not have
if you never mentioned pci-e lanes, if that makes any sense

It makes a lot of sense. I guess my thinking on more pci lanes was due to me wanting to use all the m.2 slots, the video card, a pcie USB hub and a couple of sound cards, all at the same time. With my current build, filling the two m.2 slots disabled my lower 16x slot. If that makes sense....lol

 

[Durge Driven]

Yeah I thought as much after you said you don't run multi GPU
Correct with single video card will make no difference to M2 either platform
I run Samsung Evo 960 and 970 M2's