Some advice needed: motherboard and cpu

[talkuf]

Hi there!
So, I'm planning this haswell-based mini-itx rig. It's intended to run as cool and quiet as possible, and will use the processor's integrated graphics (no gaming whatsoever). My initial plan was to put one of the i5-4xxxS in it (prob 4570s), mainly for its low thermal output, but when looking into it a bit further it seems like an i3-4340 should be just as good, if not better, for general use (for example: http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/core-i3-4340-4330-4130_4.html#sect1 ), and they both have the hd4600 IGP. Moreover, it's significantly cheaper (30€ gap currently between 4670s and 4340). I would call it a no brainer, but what's holding me back is the thought that in certain scenarios, especially music encoding (high quality cd ripping), I will regret not choosing the i5.
So...after this too long epilogue, the questions:

-- how big of a difference in performance is there between the top i3 and a mid-range i5-4xx0s? All the info I find is about normal power i5 (84w), but almost nothing about the low power ones. Is there any sense in buying a pricier, low power i5 just because it has 2 more cores, just "in case I might need them"?

-- now for the mobo: it's either h87i-plus or z87i-pro, both from Asus, because I like the 6x sata and the centrally located CPU socket. I don't need any of the Z's OC features, but i like its superior audio chip, as well as the Bluetooth. There's a 50€ difference between them which is a lot, but I could cover some of it with the saving on the CPU. Worth it or not?

Any comments are welcome. Thanks!

 

[DonQuixoteMC]

The extra cores would seriously help when encoding. The i3 has Hyperthreading, but it's not as good as four physical cores. The regular 4570 would be a great fit.

I would also get the cheaper H87 board and get an actual sound card. (if at all possible) No matter how good an onboard audio chip is, you'll get better audio fidelity with a decent sound card.

 

[talkuf]

Thanks for your replay DonQuixoteMC. Taking a discrete sound card is of course something I had thought about. I can get a decent card for around 25€ with the H87 mobo and it will still save me some 25€ (from the price of the z87), so I guess that's the way to go.

And a bit of topic - any idea if prices of haswell processors and the compatible motherboards are expected to go down upon the release of the haswell update in week or so?

 

[DonQuixoteMC]

And a bit of topic - any idea if prices of haswell processors and the compatible motherboards are expected to go down upon the release of the haswell update in week or so?

Unfortunately, that kind of price drop rarely happens. Maybe a few dollars, but it's unlikely. The same thing goes for when next gen hardware comes out, the previous generation often retains its price for a while before the price starts to drop. (Take a look at Ivy Bridge pricing before and after Haswell's release, or Nvidia GK104 GPUs before and after GK110 was released)

What's your total budget?

 

[talkuf]

About 750 euro excl. case. I am going for a total overkill for my needs, hence the i5, 450w rm450 and Noctua cooling, but noise level are important and this rig is going to serve me in the next 7 years or so.

 

[talkuf]

Thanks all!