Best value Z97 Motherboard

[Rybo]

Hello! So I'm helping my sister with some pc part picking, and I've already concluded in a cpu thread that we will currently select the G3258 cpu and then in a few months once broadwell drops, make the switch to a faster i5.
I'm almost considering doing this myself(comment if it's a stupid idea for me or not are appreciated. Current specs in sig)
Anyways, after doing some looking I've found a few proper budget z97 boards that I think would fit well.
Asrock Z97m OC formula
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157520&cm_re=oc_formula-_-13-157-520-_-Product

Asrock Z97 Pro4
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157507&cm_re=sata_express_z97-_-13-157-507-_-Product

The reason I'm looking at these mainly is due to them having sata express and m.2, which I want if I'm going to recommend a z97.

 

[rockie_]

The following mobo is good but may need BIOS update . But the same is for
Asrock Z97m OC formula

Asrock Z97 Extreme3 - 8 power phase design , SLI/Crossfire support
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157506&cm_re=asrock_z97_extreme3-_-13-157-506-_-Product

 

[Emerald]

of the two you listed I would get the OC Formula since it has two PCIe 3.0 slots

 

[Rybo]

The following mobo is good but may need BIOS update . But the same is for
Asrock Z97m OC formula

Asrock Z97 Extreme3 - 8 power phase design , SLI/Crossfire support
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157506&cm_re=asrock_z97_extreme3-_-13-157-506-_-Product

Doesn't have m.2 or sata express, I looked at that board yesterday and ruled it out since those newer features are pretty much a requirement in my eyes, especially when a 110$ ASrock board has the features.

 

[Rybo]

of the two you listed I would get the OC Formula since it has two PCIe 3.0 slots

I'll plan on that one then.

Now for my build update coming soon, I've been all over the place with what to purchase, xeon's, fx's, and the new i5's.

I was thinking I could do the same thing as this new build. Update mine with a z97 board, and the pentium until broadwell hits.

Is it a horrible idea? If so should I wait for broadwell to come out or just go for something like a 4690k?
I'm on a tight budget but I would be able to purchase the 4690k if I so desired.

 

[rockie_]

Get ssd then

 

[endeavour37a]

May want to also consider how the PCI lanes are shared on the MBs for the M.2 and SXpress ports, it may make a difference for you.

 

[Rybo]

May want to also consider how the PCI lanes are shared on the MBs for the M.2 and SXpress ports, it may make a difference for you.

I'm not too worried about that, I just want the features on the board, so if I ever want for example a SExpress drive I could get one.

 

[rockie_]

http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Fatal1ty%20Z97X%20Killer/

 

[powerpie5000]

I personally chose to go with the Asrock Z97 Extreme4 (my other option was the MSI Z97 Gaming 5). It receives good reviews and is definitely good value. It supports SLI & Crossfire via the PCIe 3.0 slots and also features SATA Express and M.2 that you're looking for. The 12 Phase power design can easily handle overclocking if you ever decide to have a go.

I got mine for £109.99 delivered in the UK, but you can get it for $123.79 on Newegg using the $20 rebate:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157503&cm_re=asrock_z97_extreme4-_-13-157-503-_-Product


Check out this review too:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/mainstream-gaming-z97-motherboard,3824-2.html

 

[Rybo]

I personally chose to go with the Asrock Z97 Extreme4 (my other option was the MSI Z97 Gaming 5). It receives good reviews and is definitely good value. It supports SLI & Crossfire via the PCIe 3.0 slots and also features SATA Express and M.2 that you're looking for. The 12 Phase power design can easily handle overclocking if you ever decide to have a go.

I got mine for £109.99 delivered in the UK, but you can get it for $123.79 on Newegg using the $20 rebate:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157503&cm_re=asrock_z97_extreme4-_-13-157-503-_-Product


Check out this review too:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/mainstream-gaming-z97-motherboard,3824-2.html

Hmm, I'll put it on the list of things to consider, it has all the features I could want.