Motherboard options for a new PC

[Utilize]

So I'm gonna be ordering soon and I was just wondering what advantages the ASUS Z97-E brings over the H81M-Pro gamer? Apart from extra PCI-E and RAM slots, what actually are the benefits?

Here's the other parts of the system:
Processor: i5 4690
RAM: 8GB Kingston HyperX Fury
Graphics: GTX 970
Cooler: CoolerMaster 212 evo
Case: Zalman Z11 plus

Thanks!

 

[Joseph DeGarmo]

Better power delivery and compatible with the CPU out of the box without BIOS updates.

 

[tambeshakunt]

What are you going to be using the system for?

The i5 4690 is a haswell refresh line CPU is likely will not work with the H81 right out of the box. The H81 will most probably need a BIOS update to be able to support the 4690. The Z97 however, won't need that as its a newer chipset that should support haswell refresh on the factory BIOS.

Also, the H81 won't be able to overclock (neither can the 4690 but if you upgrade later....etc). So if you plan on upgrading to a K series cpu later and overclocking, go for the Z97.

Other than that, you will have the greater number of ports, and lanes as you mention.

Also remember there is a huge price difference (about £60) between the two so choose wisely.

 

[Utilize]

So will it be faster, or will there be no difference in terms of performance? The BIOS won't be a problem for me and I'm not going to be overclocking. It's a system for gaming.

 

[tambeshakunt]

You shouldn't have any performance difference. Apart from the limitations of ports and possibility of sli, overclocking etc...

 

[Utilize]

You shouldn't have any performance difference. Apart from the limitations of ports and possibility of sli, overclocking etc...

Alright, thanks!