Which Z97 motherboard should I get?

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ImNewToThis

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So, I'm trying to finish up my first build. But I'm having a lot of trouble deciding on the motherboard. Here's the build:

Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
G.Skill Trident X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory
MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card
Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case
LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer
EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive

I plan on dropping another 970 in there alongside a new SSD once I get some more cash. I also plan on getting into overclocking. I want to get a very high quality board, but not an overpriced one. I plan on using this PC for the next 5+ years, so quality is very important. I've been looking at the MAXIMUS VII Formula, MSI z97 Gaming 7, and the Gigabyte GA-Z97x-SOC Force. Any help in this decision is greatly appreciated, and I'm open to any other motherboards at that. Onboard wifi and audio are nice, but they aren't a necessity. Thanks for your help!
 
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yeskay
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yeskay

yeskay

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As you plan on using this PC for next 5+ year, the quality should be paramount. So consider this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD5H-BK ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($146.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $146.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-13 20:13 EDT-0400

This is what Gigabyte says about Black Edition board:

- GIGABYTE Black Edition motherboards undergo an extra 168 hours (7 days) of stress testing before shipment to ensure premium quality for our customers.
- During the 168 hour test, each motherboard needs to pass rigorous, full system validation testing for 1 full week. GIGABYTE has built a custom testing facility at our Taiwan (Nanping) factory.
- A Certificate of Validation is included with every board, issued by the GIGABYTE factory and signed by the manufacturing VP & GM to indicate that each board has passed our highest test standards.
- Black Edition motherboard owners can register online to join the GIGABYTE Black Edition Members Club and receive exclusive membership benefits including an extended 5 years warranty.
20150311183044_big.png

Information:
- Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD5H-BK Product Site
- Black Edition Micro Site
- GIGABYTE Unveiles New G1™ Gaming and Black Edition Websites

Cheers!
 
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ImNewToThis

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Thanks for your answers! I've narrowed it down to the GA-Z97X-SOC or the : Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD5H. Do either of you have any personal experience with the two? It's coming down to reliability/quality and OC potential at this point. The SOC looks to be better for performance, but I don't know much about its build quality.
 
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ImNewToThis

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Oh, wow the whole 5 year warranty thing just hit me. That really throws off the balance of my decision. Hmm, I'm probably gonna go with the GA-Z97X-UD5H. Still, I'm gonna look into the SOC a bit more before making my final decision. Anymore information on the SOC's build quality is still useful. Thanks for your help!
 
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yeskay

yeskay

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SOC is also one of their top of the line offering. So there shouldn't be any doubts, when it comes to its build quality. The SOC offers goodness of both worlds - Performance and Aesthetics.

The reasons for me to suggest Black Edition is because it edges past the SOC because of extra brutal endurance testing done on it, also performs well and comes with 5 year warranty. But its not as good as SOC when it comes to aesthetics.

So in the end, it up to you to decide:

- Get SOC, if you're ok with 3 year warranty, provides good performance and aesthetics.
- Get Black Edition, if you want enduring durability that comes with certification, performance and 5 year warranty at the cost of aesthetics.

Cheers!
 
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ImNewToThis

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I do like the definite durability of the black edition, but the SOC seems to be made for performance. It's a $20 price difference, but how great is the performance difference? So far, they don't seem so different (well apart from the SOC's auto-oc stuff.) I'm still looking into the two. Thanks for all of your help so far!
 
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