Asus MoBo Features on New Gaming/HTPC Build

[zackneedshugs]

First time builder here! See below for breakdown. My goal, to have a powerful, future-proof rig for gaming modern hits (Destiny, Titanfall, Elder Scrolls, etc...), and for streaming movies & music to my AV system + projector. Hoping to accomplish media playback control (or general pc control) through a tablet, Windows 8 was purchased through a university at discount.

Everything is purchased, and almost all components have arrived. In the frenzy that is Thanksgiving week shopping, I updated my build a few times to take advantage of sales. Now I'm second guessing my MoBo choice. Considering returning my MoBo for an Asus model, I like the idea of the Homecloud features, and I want to ensure high quality audio. I've attempted to research features and have narrowed down to the following MoBo's

Z97-A
Z97-Pro
Sabertooth Z97 Mark 2

Is there a compelling reason for using the Pro or Sabertooth models? I'm not against choosing another company, but it's highly time intensive to dig through every companies marketing-speak to find what you need to know. If you're adamant to go a different route, I'm all ears.

Any other glaring issues with my build? Super appreciative of any insight!!!




PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/KRTPYJ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/KRTPYJ/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master GeminII M4 58.4 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($126.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($80.97 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($69.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 7K2000 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($71.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($359.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Silverstone GD09B HTPC Case ($87.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CSM 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($67.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($50.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1147.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-08 14:03 EST-0500

 

[sadams04]

MB - The only major differences between those boards are with highly clocked memory support and SATA / drive configuration. If you are staying at / under four internal SATA devices, then the Z97-A is a great choice. The upgrade option from there, IMHO, would be with the Z97 Pro WiFi AC (included BT and wireless).
CPU Cooler - The Scythe below has a lower profile and will support a good overclock.
MEM - Same specs on the ARES below and a bit cheaper.
SSD - Try to fit in the 250GB model. The 120 is fine, but you will want more space in the not too distant future.
PSU - Changed to an XFX

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Scythe BIG Shuriken 2 Rev. B 45.5 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($32.89 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($78.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($69.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 7K2000 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($71.68 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($351.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone GD09B HTPC Case ($87.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($62.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($50.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1147.44