Looking for a durable Z97 that fits my needs

[Holycow98]

When I say durable I'm mainly hoping to get 5 years of use out of the board.

I want to have the option to overclock
I want to have the option for SLI or Crossfire

I'm not a crazy overclocker due to this will be air cooled. I tend to watch the thermals and try to find a sweet spot where I get a little boost with out too much increased heat. I tend to use the best single GPU I can afford...but I like having the option to dual GPU (though haven't actually utilized this in ages).

What I want out of the board is for it to last until the CPU is needing to be upgraded (as in current CPU can no longer run my games etc). For this board its going to paired with a i7-4790k or maybe a i5-4690k. Leaning toward to he i7 just for the higher base clock. I'm hoping that either of these CPUs will avoid being a bottleneck for some years.

I'm getting this local so of what they have to offer I have three choices for motherboard

Top of the budget: Asus Sabertooth Z97 Mark 2
Middle of the budget: Asus Z97-A
Bottom of the budget: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI

Feature wise I believe I'm fine with any of these but on a scale of 1-10...how would you rate these board durability/life span?

P.S.
I wanted to thank the author of the motherboard tier list. That was a excellent starting point of reference to be able to see what motherboards to ask if they had available. I'm determined to dip no lower then tier 2b.

P.S. #2 - This store doesn't seem to like asrock or MSI as they only had chipsets B85/H87 from them. If you have alternative suggestions I can check to see if they have them available. Need to be similar features with a emphasis on durability/build quality.

 

[Suztera]

As stated, motherboards costing around the price range ASUS Z97-A, MSI gaming 5, ASrock Z97 Extreme4 will meet your needs. Lifespan should be roughly the same overall. As long you don't mistreat the motherboard it should easily last 5 years.

 

[Holycow98]

As stated, motherboards costing around the price range ASUS Z97-A, MSI gaming 5, ASrock Z97 Extreme4 will meet your needs. Lifespan should be roughly the same overall. As long you don't mistreat the motherboard it should easily last 5 years.

So assuming I keep the system cooled, use proper PSU (tier 2 or better), keep the system as dust free as I can etc....I shouldn't worry if I got the GA-Z97X-SLI lasting 4 or more years (assuming I don't get a lemon).

 

[Suztera]

As stated, motherboards costing around the price range ASUS Z97-A, MSI gaming 5, ASrock Z97 Extreme4 will meet your needs. Lifespan should be roughly the same overall. As long you don't mistreat the motherboard it should easily last 5 years.

So assuming I keep the system cooled, use proper PSU (tier 2 or better), keep the system as dust free as I can etc....I shouldn't worry if I got the GA-Z97X-SLI lasting 4 or more years (assuming I don't get a lemon).

Depending on how much you overclock I would spend a bit more than a GA-Z97X-SLI. The ASUS Z97-A is a solid choice and i would consider it one of the best Z97 motherboard to get that is enough for most people.

 

[Holycow98]

If I overclock, it would be very modest. I had a e8400 wolfdale that I never overclocked. I certainly won't be overclocking either a i5-4690k or i7-4790k right off the bat. I don't see the need. Like I said earlier...I just like having the option.

Okay....the Z97-A or for $15 more the Sabertooth Z97 Mark 2?

 

[Suztera]

If I overclock, it would be very modest. I had a e8400 wolfdale that I never overclocked. I certainly won't be overclocking either a i5-4690k or i7-4790k right off the bat. I don't see the need. Like I said earlier...I just like having the option.

Okay....the Z97-A or for $15 more the Sabertooth Z97 Mark 2?

Both are good motherboard to choose. Note that the Sabertooth does not have a M.2 slot. If you want to have the M.2 option, the Z97-A would be your choice.