Hi


Early post from basically a Linux n00b (3 months Kubuntu).

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PROBLEM SUMMARY

I want to replace my MSI z87 motherboard because it's not working with many distros I want to try (some details below).

I'm looking for a recommendation for a good, tried and tested mobo that works with all the other bits I already have.

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THE BITS I HAVE:

MSI Z87 MPOWER MAX AC, Socket-1150 (To be replaced)
Intel Core i7-4770K
Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250GB BK OEM
CORSAIR 16GB DDR3 DOMINATOR PLATINUM 2133MHZ CL9 (2X8GB)
MSI GeForce GTX 780Ti 3GB
1000 W PSU

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DISTROS PROBLEM

In terms of Linux, only Ubuntu/Kubuntu installed with this motherboard. I also tried (now and back in September '15) various flavors of: OpenSuse, Mint, Manjaro, Fedora, Debian, CentOS... the list goes on.

They all failed at the install, except the 'buntus.

The failed-to-install distros always complained about various USB things... it was an endless nightmare and it seems that each picked something different to dislike.

I have a related rig on an Asus z87 mobo that have fewer problems (e.g. Debian won't install, OpenSuse will just fine, Manjaro kinda with some problems).

Online, the MSI z87 boards sometime seem to have caused others Linux problems too, whilst the other bits I have seem to be widely used without complaints. More generally, MSI seems to attract more negative reviews from Linuxers than other brands.

On the basis that (enough of) my time is worth more than a replacement mobo, I would like to spend, lets say in the region of $150 to replace mine for something known to work, and hopefully with the other components I already have.

So my question is actually an appeal for recommendations for a motherboard that could replace mine.

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WHAT I WOULD LIKE MY SYSTEM TO DO:

- Be able to run Manjaro, OpenSuse, etc. with as few unexpected hardware problems as possible. (I know what this sounds like, but if motherboard choice can prevent problems, I'd like that motherboard.)

- Support the GPU for G-sync so I can run two 1440p 144 Hz monitors (one to have the KDE desktop, the other a Windows on VirtualBox). Maybe I'm wrong, but I think I read that G-sync works on Linux, whereas Freesync does not. As I have an NVidia already, this seems to be a good reason to stick with it. But please correct me if I'm wrong.

- Handle 6+ Hard Disks + DVD Drive

- Give decent performance out of my GPU for the occassional Linux-based Steam games (e.g. Dying Light)

(Dying Light etc works well enough under Kubuntu, but I want to move away from that distro. Although I love KDE Plasma 5.5)

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WHY DONT I STICK TO (K)UBUNTU?

For me, because:

1. I don't like Canonical's attitude to privacy, given their sending of private, even "local" searches to Amazon on the Unity desktop (I have disabled this + use KDE - but still...).

2. I would like to try all the distros and find the one I like the best, rather than settling for the only one that I can get to work on my hard disk.

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I am a n00b willing to learn (slowly), but first I need a mobo that won't make me want to cut my own leg off and beat myself to death with it from sheer exasperation.

Please let me know your suggestions for a motherboard that I could buy within some reasonable price range.

Thanks for your time!

Generally, you can't go wrong with anything that's all Intel inside. Intel's support of Linux is excellent.

This article may help: http://www.linux.com/directory/Components/motherboards

A web search for "motherboards linux" will turn up many more links.

asus or gigabyte both do well I have one or the other in all my machines. those two brands have always been a work horse for me.

Agreed, although I have tended toward Gigabyte in the last few years.

Zdenko,

I can only second frankbell's recommendation of Intel.

I have only ever used Gigabyte boards in the past and found them very reliable.

However, in recent times, their boards usually have Realtek (!!!) chipsets for the LAN, which I would avoid like the plague.

On my last build using a Gigabyte board I had to fit, at extra expense, an additional Intel Gigabit PRO 1000CT PCIe Desktop Adapter in order to *gain internet access so that I could install Ubuntu 14.04:

http://www.ebuyer.com/148377-intel-g...edium=products

(* If anybody knows an alternative route, costing nothing, I am all ears).

With that in mind, you may be better off with this ASRock Z97 Extreme6 LG 1150 which has dual LAN: one Intel® Gigabit LAN, one Realtek Gigabit LAN.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157500

I have no personal experience of this board but it did receive a Tom's Hardware 2014 Smart Buy Award.

So would a fair summary be:

- Avoid MSI
- Gigabyte are good if without RealTek
- Asus - generally good?/no complaints?
- ASRock - Seems good based on reviews
- Aim for Intel in all things

Any other brands?

Zdenko,


1. I doubt if you can find a Gigabyte 1150 board without Realtek.
EDIT
This Gigabyte board has an Intel® GbE LAN chip (10/100/1000 Mbit):

Gigabyte GA-Z97-D3H Socket 1150 VGA DVI HDMI 8 Channel Audio ATX

http://www.ebuyer.com/642647-gigabyt...ard-ga-z97-d3h

There is very positive feedback on Amazon UK for this board:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gigabyte-Z97.../dp/B00K9R1MYW

2. Intel is always very good with decent Linux support.

3. Asus has Intel LAN with this one:

http://www.ebuyer.com/640892-asus-z9...herboard-z97-a

BUT Realtek with this one:

http://www.ebuyer.com/666711-asus-z9...herboard-z97-p

4. The Asrock board mentioned above seems half-decent and has an Intel LAN, as well as a Realtek one.

Decisions, decisions!

Thanks for the links and info, beachboy2.

Is that a guarantee that one of them will work, or a guarantee that failure is included?
Perhaps it's my inexperience, but it makes me nervous a little: covering all bases means the thing that makes it screw up is definitely there.
Or... am I being too pessimistic?

Also I was wondering about this:

How recent?

Zdenko,

I am giving you pointers based on my own personal experience, plus customer feedback/award on the Asrock.

The Intel LAN on the Asrock board will work in Linux.


27th August 2015 to be exact.

Gigabyte GA-H97M-HD3 Socket 1150 VGA DVI HDMI 8 Channel Audio mATX Motherboard (Realtek LAN included):
http://www.ebuyer.com/642668-gigabyt...rd-ga-h97m-hd3

Probably.

You must do you own research.

Weigh up the cost of the Asrock versus the price of the Gigabyte plus an Intel Gigabit PRO 1000CT PCIe adapter, or a USB 3.0 to LAN adapter.

If there is little difference, I would personally go for the Asrock.

It's your money and your choice. My recommendations are not cast in stone.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

1 members found this post helpful.

Thanks for all the info again! I will look into the options you suggest.

I have never (?) had any issue with the Realtek fixed LAN adaptor chips. Their wifi is definitely a can of worms, and to be avoided at all costs IMHO.
The GA-Z87-HD3 I have has served me well, Realtek Gigabit and all.

Hi syg00. Which distros have you tried with the GA-Z87-HD3?

Thanks in advance.

Linux will work on your motherboard. Ready to use distro? Do not know, but Gentoo will work.

From memory it has only had Arch, Fedora and Mint on it

It is down to the kernel version, mostly. And also version of graphics driver. I'm writing this on 6th gen Intel i3, socket LGA1151 - newer than the one OP has.