Budget isn't too important, I'm just generally expecting between $150-$175. I plan to overclock, and crossfire could happen in the near future, so support for that. Nothing else is really too important. Case is ATX mid.
I'd go the Hero, that's what I decided on after a number of client builds, has handled everything I've thrown at it (which has been a lot, I use it to test components for Z87 builds and upgrades
What's the difference between the two, and I'm seeing them as the same price. Should I just go with the Hero?
I think you should see this : http://promos.asus.com/us/z87/comparison/ customize the table , see what fits your needs
then choose motherboard which is perfect for ya
unless you go with formula or you need Bluetooth you will be fine with Hero <- is good for OC
try this :http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4482#sp also good one
I have the hero and i5 4670k getting a good stable OC with this board isn't that hard - but it all has to do with how good a chip you get, mines POS and I can't get anything over 4.1GHz and trust me I have done just about everything you can do, it just will not stay stable over 4.1GHz
But the board it's self and well worth the $199.00 dollars I paid for it