I’m a strong proponent of building my own computers. Those of you with some do-it-yourself skills can build your own computer as well. This allows you to choose each of the components included so you get exactly what you want or need. Of course it all starts with the motherboard.
Admittedly, part of the appeal of the Asus Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1 “TUF” Motherboard are its looks. If it is inside the computer, the looks may be under wraps. It gets the TUF designation in part because of the layer of armor that covers most of the motherboard. Not only does it give the motherboard some protection, it can also help with cooling the components.
This certainly isn’t the least expensive motherboard, currently selling for $249.99 on Amazon, but it is well below some of the high-end boards. One of my favorite parts about this motherboard is that it has a built-in rear cover so you don’t have to snap a flimsy plate into the rear or your case.
It delivers lots of connectors of various types and software that can make it easier to overclock to optimum performance with only a couple of clicks. Pair it with the Intel I7-6700K 4.00 GHz 8M Processor Cache 4 LGA 1151 (currently selling for $420 on Amazon) and you’ll have a screaming fast computer!
![Intel Core i7 6700K 4.00 GHz Unlocked Quad Core Skylake Desktop Processor, Socket LGA 1151 [BX80662I76700K]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41%2BcSKxJoZL._SL160_.jpg)
If one is using a regular Intel Processor this may be fine, however if one wants Parity Ram for Enterprise reliability they need a Xeon which also ends your overclocking. Does this support a Xeon and Parity RAM?
I prefer to be the turtle crossing the finish line rather than the Rabbit that crashed.
For many users, a Xeon is overkill and very expensive. Does it work with this motherboard? I don’t know. Obviously a Xeon is important to you so you’ll have to research the motherboard and the CPU that best meet your needs.