Z97 Gaming Motherboard Options

[captainpickles]

Hey all,

I have some experience with building a computer, as I have built two. I lack any kind of expertise on understanding the small differences between motherboards of a certain class - even of the same manufacturer!

I'm putting together a $1600ish system for my brother. One of his strongest wants is future-proofing. Therefore, I believe that a Z97 class board is the way to go. Past that, I have no idea (for the motherboard - the rest of the system has been largely configured). One consideration may be to have two PCIex16 slots to take the most advantage of a possible future SLI graphics setup (does this make sense?). Below are six motherboards I have been looking at. Please let me know which you think is most preferable - or if there is honestly not a significant difference.

ASUS Maximus VII Hero: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132125
ASUS Z97-A: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132118
MSI Z97 Gaming 7: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130768
MSI Z97 mpower: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130766
ASRock Z97X Fatality: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157505
ASRock Z97 Extreme6: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157500

On one of my previous builds, I used an ASRock P67 Extreme4. No complaints there but also no praise to be given. It's done its job and it is not anything fancy.

Let me know what you think. Thank you!

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Go with the ASUS HERO or ASUS A , all thew boards from ASUS on the Haswell lineup are solid , and they have great customer support.

 

[scoutgc]

right now there is not to much difference between the 2 chipsets, and the Z97 are all brand new, no track record. they are even using the same haswell chip as the new haswell refresh and broadwells are not out yet. why not get something more reviewed and stable z87s are not that old. If you know anything about computers a 1600 system will not be the same next year but will work