So I take it the h81 btc mobo is reliable after all? I had read some spotty reviews on it, but that isn't saying much as many negative reviews are often the owner fucking up and playing the blame game.
I have had ZERO problems with mine... it has been running 24/7 since the day I put my rig together, and never given me one hiccup.
There are tons of opinions on the power draw through the motherboard and powered risers, and I just said screw it and have plugged in everything and am using powered USB 3.0 risers for each card.
I can't see even worrying about saving $5 on a riser or something is anywhere near worth it.
I personally feel fine with my cards, and I have stuck with the cards that do not have 6-pin connectors on them.
Now if we ever get unlocked TDP/settings that could possibly change, but I haven't seen anything yet suggesting that is near.
Each card is drawing about 38w (just the card), so there is a lot of overhead already to work with if it happens.
If somehow they end up drawing 80-100W/card, I think a lot of setups are going to need some improvement anyhow.
Hope that helps.
actually, I am thinking to unlock the tdp.
With the core clock at max overclock, there are clear sign of throttling (the tdp usage ramps up to 118% then go back to 60% and so on... as well as the core clock...)