Help with choosing the right Gigabyte Z97 board

[Gimpy2k7]

I've had a look at the 3 different Z97 Gigabyte boards, the Gaming series, the Ultra Durable series and the Overclock series. To be honest I find these options a bit confusing because they all seem to have specific benefits. I'm going to be using the system for gaming, but I will be dabbling in overclocking for the first time. I like the aesthetics of all the boards so that won't sway my choice in any way. Does anyone have any advice or more knowledge on specific benefits?

Mid range boards I'm looking at so the Gaming 5, Z97X-UD5H, or Z97X-SOC.

 

[Tradesman1]

With the price range I'd suggest the Asus Z97-A, Sabertooth or Pro, Asus had the best Z87s and after getting the Z97 Hero and doing a build on a Z97-A they still seem to have the best of the 1150 mobos

 

[Gimpy2k7]

Unfortunately ASUS is out of the question. It's a long story but after the very lengthy issue I had with them I refuse to support them anymore. I'm currently running a Gigabyte board and have no complains (can't say the same for the ASUS). I have no issues with MSI boards either if they stand up well.

 

[Tradesman1]

Think I'd go the SOC then

 

[spooky2th]

Check this one out: GA-Z97X-UD7 TH

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128703&cm_re=GIGABYTE_GA-Z97X-UD7-_-13-128-703-_-Product

 

[Gimpy2k7]

I'm having trouble finding which one is better for my purposes. They all seem quite similar, what particular specs should I be paying attention to?

 

[Tradesman1]

Look if any particular one has a item you really need or want, from there the 5H and the SOC are more oriented towards OCing the CPU