Is it worth spending out extra on a motherboard? Example included.

[hippofist]

Are there any more pro's to buying a better motherboard other than just having more ports?

For example,
ASRock Fatal1ty H97 vs MSI Z97 Gaming 5

The price difference is £30.
What are you getting for that extra £30?

 

[glamdringfh]

From an official chipset perspective, there are only two differences between Z97 and H97 chipsets. The first is the fact that the Z97 chipset supports CPU overclocking, while the H97 chipset does not. Secondly, the Z97 chipset has the ability to split up the 16 PCI-E lanes from the CPU which allows for SLI/Crossfire video card configurations.

If you want CPU overclocking or SLI/Crossfire (multiple graphics cards), then you want to go with the Z97 chipset. Everything else is the same.

 

[hippofist]

Is there a difference at all between the build quality?
As in, would you say either would be more likely to last longer than the other?

And will there be a difference between sound quality/internet speed between the two?

Thanks for the help. 😀

 

[glamdringfh]

No problem,

Sound will be very similar between those two boards, as will the ethernet. MSI's website liks to play up things like "audio boost super-extreme 2.0!," but in reality unless you buy a dedicated sound card you aren't going to be hearing much of a difference.

Both are high-quality boards that will last you a good long time. The real consideration comes down to whether or not you're getting an unlocked 'K' model CPU, and if you want support for 2 graphics cards in the future. If you're not overclocking your CPU and not planning on getting two graphics cards then go with the ASRock Fatal1ty H97.

 

[hippofist]

I've currently got an ancient Q6600 quad core that I'm upgrading to a i5 4690k which is why I'm having to look into motherboards.

I doubt I'd go into overclocking at all and I don't see myself getting 2 graphics cards either.

ASRock it is then.

Cheers!

 

[glamdringfh]

Cheers, happy building!