Hi,

I am assembling parts for a new computer, the primary requirements are up to 24 hdd's and likely running Win7 pro with hdmi video+audio, disks, some usb ports pass through for a htpc setup.

 

1. cpu : i7-4790 (ordered this morning) -  http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Core-i7-4790-Processor-BX80646I74790/dp/B00J56YSLM/

has intel virtualization, vt-d enabled

 

2. mobo: AsRock z97 extreme 6 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157500&Tpk=N82E16813157500

dual lan, 10 sata ports, has Intel virtualization and vt-d

 

3. 8 gb mushkin enhanced ddr3 ram (ordered this morning)

 

4. Norco-4224 (still deciding)

 

5. graphics card - either built-in and/or vapor-x R9-280x

 

6. SATA expansion - 2x SAS2LP-MV8 or IBM card (still undecided)

 

 

 

I am about to pull the trigger on the ASRock motherboard, can someone please confirm that with the processor and this mobo I can have a video/audio passthrough?

 

This is a fairly budget build and looking to transfer my unraid with 16 HDD's in a cramped box to a bigger and better system with some future proofing. Looking to run Win7x64 (primary, HTPC) and a flavor of Linux (at a later date). I will upgrade the RAM to 16GB when the primary system components are taken care of.

 

Thanks!

 

It seems my motherboard is failing, so I was looking to replace it with this same motherboard, and was about to ask if anyone had any luck with it also.

 

hopefully someone chimes in with some positive info, as it's on sale right now at Newegg for $110 after rebate.

 

ASRock Z97 Extreme6 (not Z96, I'm sure it was a typo, but to make sure searches find this, I wanted to put the correct model number in the thread)

Justin - yes it was a typo and thanks for pointing it out, fixed it.

 

I am inclined to pull the trigger by later tonight (hope it doesn't get sold out by then) if I do not get a response here. I called the AsRock tech support and they confirmed that all the 3 x16 slots can be used for other pcie devices. I was concerned since some mobo's force one of them to be used for graphics card. Also, you can $15 off your order if you use the newegg mobile app and chose Google wallet as a checkout option.

 

It seems my motherboard is failing, so I was looking to replace it with this same motherboard, and was about to ask if anyone had any luck with it also.

 

hopefully someone chimes in with some positive info, as it's on sale right now at Newegg for $110 after rebate.

 

ASRock Z97 Extreme6 (not Z96, I'm sure it was a typo, but to make sure searches find this, I wanted to put the correct model number in the thread)

I just got the ASRock Z97 Extreme6 and I love it.  Easy bios, I'm rocking 32GB of RAM and it picked up the speed and timings perfectly.  Hardware passthrough is working and has an onboard usb port, so you can keep your unraid usb stick on the inside of the computer.

 

I have two graphic cards plugged into the two PCIe 3.0 ports, and then a SYBA SI-PEX40071 8 Internal SATA III Ports PCI-Express Card for the PCIe 2.0 slot, giving me a total of 18 Sata III ports.  Hopefully someone will crack the iGPU issue, but even if not, this board will be able to cover everything I want to do. 

 

The sale on the board is also a great deal, don't let it pass by if you're looking for a new one.

I just got the ASRock Z97 Extreme6 and I love it.  Easy bios, I'm rocking 32GB of RAM and it picked up the speed and timings perfectly.  Hardware passthrough is working and has an onboard usb port, so you can keep your unraid usb stick on the inside of the computer.

 

I have two graphic cards plugged into the two PCIe 3.0 ports, and then a SYBA SI-PEX40071 8 Internal SATA III Ports PCI-Express Card for the PCIe 2.0 slot, giving me a total of 18 Sata III ports.  Hopefully someone will crack the iGPU issue, but even if not, this board will be able to cover everything I want to do. 

 

The sale on the board is also a great deal, don't let it pass by if you're looking for a new one.

 

SOLD!

 

I hate (really, HATE) that I have to spend more money on this continuing series of problems I've been having, but I think (HOPE!!!) my problems are all due to a sketchy motherboard, even though it's only about a year old.

Awesome, thank you for the feedback. Pulled the trigger as well.

 

I just got the ASRock Z97 Extreme6 and I love it.  Easy bios, I'm rocking 32GB of RAM and it picked up the speed and timings perfectly.  Hardware passthrough is working and has an onboard usb port, so you can keep your unraid usb stick on the inside of the computer.

 

I have two graphic cards plugged into the two PCIe 3.0 ports, and then a SYBA SI-PEX40071 8 Internal SATA III Ports PCI-Express Card for the PCIe 2.0 slot, giving me a total of 18 Sata III ports.  Hopefully someone will crack the iGPU issue, but even if not, this board will be able to cover everything I want to do. 

 

The sale on the board is also a great deal, don't let it pass by if you're looking for a new one.

Also, you can $15 off your order if you use the newegg mobile app and chose Google wallet as a checkout option.

 

Thanks for the heads up.  I just installed the app, and bought this.  Spaved another $15.

 

Google made it WAAYYY too easy to enter a new address and credit card into the wallet; it's kinda scary how much of my personal info they have 

Glad it worked for you as well.

 

I am hunting for a 24 bay case and seems like Norco 4224 is the best option out there. I just a need a cheap case, not worried about the size, hot-swap, etc. Seems like Norco 4224 is the only reliable option out there in the ~ $370 price range

 

Also, you can $15 off your order if you use the newegg mobile app and chose Google wallet as a checkout option.

 

Thanks for the heads up.  I just installed the app, and bought this.  Spaved another $15.

 

Google made it WAAYYY too easy to enter a new address and credit card into the wallet; it's kinda scary how much of my personal info they have 

Just a quick note, I don't think anyone else will have this problem, but if you're going to use all three PCIe slots, you need to provide a 4 pin molex power to the board side furthest from the CPU.  Since I'm using a server case, this pretty much butted right up to the case wall.  When you're installing the board, and this port is close to the wall that you won't be able to plug something in later, make sure to get a molex extension cable and plug it in prior to install. 

 

I ended up having to cut a molex end in half to get it to fit between the plug and the case wall, and I still had to unscrew the motherboard to give me the wiggle room to do that.  Why they have it angled, and not just pointed straight up is beyond me, but just make sure to check this before you install the board.

Thanks for the note

 

Just a quick note, I don't think anyone else will have this problem, but if you're going to use all three PCIe slots, you need to provide a 4 pin molex power to the board side furthest from the CPU.  Since I'm using a server case, this pretty much butted right up to the case wall.  When you're installing the board, and this port is close to the wall that you won't be able to plug something in later, make sure to get a molex extension cable and plug it in prior to install. 

 

I ended up having to cut a molex end in half to get it to fit between the plug and the case wall, and I still had to unscrew the motherboard to give me the wiggle room to do that.  Why they have it angled, and not just pointed straight up is beyond me, but just make sure to check this before you install the board.

Why they have it angled, and not just pointed straight up is beyond me, but just make sure to check this before you install the board.

 

I just had a look at the board and my guess is so you can fit a dual slot GPU in the bottom PCI-E slot. It is a very silly position nonetheless.. :-)