Which Z87 Motherboard to get?

[eutholevonik]

Hey everyone!

I need help deciding on a solid atx motherboard as I have just ordered a intel i7 4770k (thanks to intel retail edge 😀) along with a noctua nh-d14. I do plan on overclocking and my max budget is $250. I currently have a gtx 770 but plan to pick up another in a few months for sli.
I'm pretty fond of Asus, as I have had good luck with them in the past but I'm open to anything.

Thanks!

 

[enemy1g]

ASUS Maximus VI Hero, within budget, great board.

 

[Tradesman1]

Yep, looked long and hard (20 client Z87 builds) before deciding on the Hero for my Haswell (in sig) best Z87 I've found so far

 

[lonewolf7]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Motherboard: Asus Z87-PRO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $169.99
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-18 12:06 EST-0500)

And what is your PSU's make/model ?

 

[eutholevonik]

I have a thermaltake 750w.

I have actually been looking at both the asus pro and maximus hero.
As lonewolf linked, microcenter does have the pro on sale for $169.99. Even though the pro is $30 cheaper, I don't see myself using any extra features (wifi/bluetooth) it has over the hero. The hero on the other hand has a better sound card and the over all card looks a lot better which is nice since I have the fractal design r4 window edition.

Are there any other important differences between the pro vs hero that I'm missing?
Also thanks for the suggestions so far.

 

[lonewolf7]

No you are not missing anything, with Z87 Pro you cant go wrong.

Z87 support high memory frequency
Z87 has an extra PCI Express X1 Slot
Z87 has built in WiFi and Bluetooth
Z87 has more fan headers
Z87 has more USB 3.0
MAXIMUS VI HERO has more USB 2.0
MAXIMUS VI HERO has better audio
MAXIMUS VI HERO has Extreme Engine Digi+
MAXIMUS VI HERO has better 5x Protection
MAXIMUS VI HERO has GameFirst II
MAXIMUS VI HERO SSD Secure Erase
MAXIMUS VI HERO has RamDisk
MAXIMUS VI HERO has CPU Level Up
MAXIMUS VI HERO has ROG connect