Hey

 

I need to upgrade my computer. I've already decided which CPU and GPU I will get:

• I5 4690K
• ASUS nvidia GTX 970

Now, the part I need help with, is the motherboard. I want to get an ASUS Z97 serie motherboard, but I don't know which one is the best, here is a list of the motherboard I have access to:

• Z97A
• Z97C
• Z97-PRO
• ASUS-SABERTOOTH-Z97-MARK2

 

Which one, in this list is the best ?

 

Thanks.

The Z97-A looks good enough IMO. You probably won't need the extra features the Z97-PRO offers and it's cheaper than the Sabertooth. It's also one of the top sellers in its category on LDLC.com.

The motherboard really doesn't offer an increased performance boost. It really only is there for added features you might need. Given only a CPU and GPU combo, I cannot tell if you're going to use the extra 100+ features these motherboards come with.

 

With that said, really any motherboard would work. Just make sure it has the I/O ports you need, SATA Ports, right Intel Chipset/Socket, PCI Slots, (ect ect, the bare basics) and you should be fine. 

 

Otherwise, the other features don't matter. 

I acknowledge your ASUS mobo request but HIGHLY recommend getting either MSI z97-Gaming 7 or Gigabyte z97x-Gaming 7 because-

 

1- Onboard Audio: If you are gonna use the onboard audio solution these MSI and Gigabyte use tad better components than their rivals this time around. Most of the boards, even the Asus ROG boards employ Realtek ALC1150 codec (don't believe the gimmicky Asus marketing here, they just love to rename things in a very cool way.) and also pcb seperation, emi shielding etc.... But MSI and Gigabyte Gaming series employs nichicon caps which are the exact same caps that are used on studio-grade audio solutions. In terms of snr these are currently the best ones after Gigabyte G1 sniper which actually has quad core Creative sound processor.

 

2- VRM department quality: One might say it's not that important anymore, since the vrm load is now shared with cpu. Well it's true at some point. We don't need some overkill vrms anymore to do badass overclocks. But the vrm still matters. Good vrm runs cooler, more efficient and makes your overclock more stable in the long-term. 

 

Here MSI and Gigabyte Gaming 7 boards are outperform even the more expensive ROG boards like HERO.

 

Gigabyte Gaming 7 has 8 true phases digitally controlled by IR 3563B. Mosfets are some decent powerpaks from Vishay. 8 of them. Each should be around 30A@6.5W. I don't know much about inductors (8 of them) they use since Gigabyte tend not to give that info out. But they are probably not 60A, but also not less than 40A. 

 

MSI Gaming 7 offers tad more output with a bit more costly and hard to build vrm. It's 6 true phases digitally controlled by Intersil 6388 but doubled to 12 with doubler drivers. On the paper one might say 8 true phase design without doubler is better. But that depends, and you'll see why. There are 12 powerpak mosfets from nikos and each roughly can do around 39A@6.5V. Also 12 chokes (inductors) rated at 60amp.

 

The difference is very minor though and it won't effect the overclock potential for sure. But more mosfet count means that less load and less heat, better heat dissipation. Also MSI's design is a bit more costly and harder to apply. Still Gigabyte's 8 true phase pwm design is tad more efficient in the first place. So on the paper they are pretty much equal.

 

ASUS wise, hands down the ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO LGA 1150 Z97 Mobo due to its overlocking abilities but it is on the expensive side. The best out of those you listed, I would go for the Z97PRO. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers!

Edited December 14, 201411 yr by davelaric