H97 vs Z97

[Novakane_]

These boards are pretty much the same price. Is one better than the other or should I stick with a H97 in my build? Don't think im looking to overclock.

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-motherboard-z97pcmate

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157564

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9GvDP6
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9GvDP6/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($185.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($77.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($79.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($77.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 950 2GB Superclocked Video Card ($149.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: NZXT Phantom 240 ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($93.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($21.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $818.64
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-12-12 23:09 EST-0500

 

[runesmite14]

Well, usually if you're not going to overclock, you would normally get an H97 board. However, between those two, the MSI looks much more practical for only a few dollars more. You can choose to get an unlocked processor later if you want, it's got more room for expansion if you want to add a second card, and I personally trust MSI's name a little more than ASRock. I recently serviced a computer that has been running for close to 20 years with an MSI Motherboard, all it needed was a new PSU. That's impressive quality.

Even if you're not looking to overclock now. I'd say go for the better board and get the MSI.

 

[4745454b]

The only thing that seems out of place is the PSU. $100 PSU that's double what you need. You'll only save ~$30 or so dropping down to something more appropriate so I'm not sure how much that will help. Possibly a better CPU, or more likely a larger drive. Or stay with that PSU and reuse it in a bigger/better build.

 

[Novakane_]

Forgot to mention everything is pretty much final with the build besides the MB and CPU. I learned that I do not need to overclock and the CPU I have is fine for what I need which is some gaming, and editing. I found a 650W modular cpu for $40 cheaper. If I need a larger drive, which I dont see myself needing, it can be added on easily.

 

[Novakane_]

Well, usually if you're not going to overclock, you would normally get an H97 board. However, between those two, the MSI looks much more practical for only a few dollars more. You can choose to get an unlocked processor later if you want, it's got more room for expansion if you want to add a second card, and I personally trust MSI's name a little more than ASRock. I recently serviced a computer that has been running for close to 20 years with an MSI Motherboard, all it needed was a new PSU. That's impressive quality.

Even if you're not looking to overclock now. I'd say go for the better board and get the MSI.

Do you know whether or not that version of the Z97 is good? Most Zs are over 100 for the most part, I also dont want to get a lower end MB

 

[runesmite14]

I have a z87 gaming version MSI Mobo and I think it's great. Very intuitive click-bios, and the quality is definitely there. I can also speak for MSI's support line (When I messed up, not the Mobo) who are pleasant to work with.

MSI's utilities/software are also all very good.

So, yes, that Z97 will be good, it's simple however, so you wouldn't have the overclocking headroom you'd have with a more expensive Z97, but you've mentioned that that's not what you're looking for. So, that's hardly a factor.

 

[Novakane_]

Got a link to you z87? hows it compared to the ASRock i linked to?