H81 vs Z97 for a $100 difference. Will it matter

[tnaezap]

Trying to buy a customize computer for my husband for doing graphic design work (Adobe Illustrator, rendering, etc).

I have looked at two configurations which are already pushing my budget & not sure if I should upgrade to the $870 one just because of the motherboard (only option that they are offering, cannot choose my own motherboard). I have seen not great reviews on H81 and that is why I am concerned. NOTE: Not building it myself. Vendor will build it.

CyberPowerPC Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Processor with H81 Motherboard, CyberPowerPC 16GB DDR3-1600MHz, 1TB HDD, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 Graphics Card with 600W 80 Plus Power Supply-$770

CyberPowerPC Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Processor with Z97 Motherboard, CyberPowerPC 16GB DDR3-1600MHz, 1TB HDD, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 Graphics Card with 600W 80 Plus Power Supply-$870

 

[rolli59]

To save money the choice to go with the 4460 and H81 board is fine, to do the other selection is only if overclocking of the CPU is planned.

 

[okcnaline]

Yes, it would matter. H81 can't overclock, but Z97 could. H81 won't have Crossfire nor SLI, and Z97 has Crossfire, and some motherboards of Z97 also have SLI.

 

[tnaezap]

To okcnaline: My husband is not a gamer. He will be using the computer for his graphics work and ms office. Does that make a difference in your response?

 

[okcnaline]

Hm... I admit yes. If he doesn't need OC, does only Photoshop and Office, then any proper quality motherboards would be fine.

 

[tnaezap]

Thank you both. This really help me make my decision.

 

[Jlauderdal]

Yes, it would matter. H81 can't overclock, but Z97 could. H81 won't have Crossfire nor SLI, and Z97 has Crossfire, and some motherboards of Z97 also have SLI.

im overclocking a g3258 on a gigabyte h81 board..going at 4.2 no sweat