LGA 1150 Z97 Gaming mobo upgrade advice

[KustomZ86]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking at upgrading my mobo in my computer but I'm still unsure of what direction to go in.

My current setup contains:
CPU: i7 4770K @ 4.4Ghz with Corsair H105 cooler
MOBO: Asrock z87m Pro4
RAM: 16GB 1600 Corsair Vengeance
SSD: 250GB 840 EVO
HDD: 2x WD Caviar Black 1TB 1x WD Green 1TB
PSU: EVGA Supernova 850 G2
GPU: 2x Asus R9 280x in CF

My main concern is that my 2nd GPU is only running at 4x so I would like to upgrade to something I can use it to its full potential. I have been looking at either the Asrock Fatal1ty Z97X Killer, Z97 Professional or the Z97 Extreme4

Im not fixed on sticking with asrock but I just find it easier to work out what is higher than I already have by sticking with the same manufacturer for reference. I would like to try and keep around the $200-250 mark at most and still be at a point where I can upgrade other components in the future.

Any further advice with my setup recommendations would also be greatly appreciated.

 

[Darkbreeze]

For reference: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2383187/motherboard-tier-list-z97-chipset.html

Using two slots at full 3.0 x16 speeds is actually rather uncommon, so using it to it's full potential might be unrealistic. However, the difference between x8 and x16 speeds, and between 2.0 and 3.0 standards is probably not going to be noticeable to you. X4 speeds are another story so you're desire to upgrade is understandable.

I'd recommend moving up to the Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming 5 or ASUS Z97-A. Both will use dual slots at 3.0 x8 speeds when two cards are used, which is substantially better than at x4 speeds for the second card.

You'll probably also get some better storage controllers and improved VRM cooling as well.

Here's a good read on the speed considerations:

http://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Impact-of-PCI-E-Speed-on-Gaming-Performance-518/

 

[KustomZ86]

Thanks for your input darkbreeze. I shall have a read of those links you have included. I do realise that 3.0 both at 16x is uncommon but thank you for pointing that out. Im still learning in this area and from what I understand 3.0 x8/x8 is generally what is desired for CF setup and I would be happy with that. When I first started my build I wasnt even thinking of going for a CF setup but I got bored and decided to see what I could get out of it. Thats kind of why I was looking for something that can be upgraded because I will most likely be upgrading more components in the near future

 

[Darkbreeze]

For most current platforms, x8 x8 is plenty more than the GPU will even use, so it should not only be better than current speeds but probably more than the cards will even use. Without spending an unnecessary amount on a higher end board simply for it's looks, either of those two boards should be more than capable enough to do just about whatever you want with the platform you're sitting on.