Which of these 2 mini-itx?

[avrc]

I'm interested in:

Gigabyte Z97N-WIFI Intel Z97 (Socket 1150) DDR3 Mini ITX Motherboard (£103.99)
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-494-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2071

and

Gigabyte Z97N-Gaming 5 Intel Z97 (Socket 1150) DDR3 Mini ITX Motherboard (£122.99)
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-496-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2071

I'm not sure which to choose and why?

I've had a few different brands of board over the years and my current gigabyte ultra durable 3 board has been by far the most reliable board I've owned and I'd like the same reliability in my new build.

 

[McstylisT]

Hi ,

I was interested in those myself recently. Fittingly enough I just moved from the Gigabyte Z87N-Wifi board over to Z97.

As far as quality goes im sure both boards are excellent. Although seemingly basic, the Z97N will perform well i am sure. My previous Z87N version of this was amazing, clocked my 4670K to 4.4ghz , pushed my ram to 2600mhz. all on this incredible little board so im sure the Z97N will follow suit.

The Z97N Gaming 5 was the board i wanted originally. But as you can see its been stuck on pre order forever. I would really like to see what this is like all round. Sure it will be a monster performer, if not just cooler running board.

As you can see I managed to source a MSI Z97I Gaming and its awesome no regrets yet.

Can i ask , what sort of case you thinking ? and would you be intending to OC anything. Then i can help you a little more hopefully.

Cheers

 

[avrc]

I've got a corsair obsidian 250D sat here waiting and I'd like to overclock but I'm not much good at it. I was only able to get my current board to 3.6 stable myself. I noticed gigabyte offered their own utility within smart 6 so I pressed the magic button and it gave me 3.8 which I've not had any issues with whatsoever so I'd probably just go that route again and press some magic little button if available. I'm intending to go for an i7 4790K with Corsair H100i and probably Kingston HyperX 16GB (2x8GB) 2400MHz. I know I don't need an i7 or need 16GB for gaming but I intend to keep this spec for a good long time so it gives me headroom for future games that will no doubt be more demanding than they currently are. I just need a decent board!

 

[McstylisT]

I've got a corsair obsidian 250D sat here waiting and I'd like to overclock but I'm not much good at it. I was only able to get my current board to 3.6 stable myself. I noticed gigabyte offered their own utility within smart 6 so I pressed the magic button and it gave me 3.8 which I've not had any issues with whatsoever so I'd probably just go that route again and press some magic little button if available. I'm intending to go for an i7 4790K with Corsair H100i and probably Kingston HyperX 16GB (2x8GB) 2400MHz. I know I don't need an i7 or need 16GB for gaming but I intend to keep this spec for a good long time so it gives me headroom for future games that will no doubt be more demanding than they currently are. I just need a decent board!

It really is an amazing case mate. So Happy with it.

By the sounds of things your going to go the whole hog with this. Personally get the board you really want.
I was in the exact same position but the darn Gaming 5 just has not appeared anywhere. Lucky I got the MSI, as they are hard to get. Mostly sold out everywhere now too.
Although I knew the Z87 was very good, the Z97N would be as good, I just wanted something more and I think you will get that from the gaming 5 or the MSI.

Unless you just cant wait anymore.

 

[avrc]

I was going to order the MSI you've got this morning but noticed overclockers have finally gotten the Gigabyte Z97N-Gaming 5 in so I've ordered one of those

 

[McstylisT]

I was going to order the MSI you've got this morning but noticed overclockers have finally gotten the Gigabyte Z97N-Gaming 5 in so I've ordered one of those

Great choice

Once those gaming 5 and the msi are gone I think there go on back order again.

Let me know how you get on with it. Very interested.

 

[avrc]

Unfortunately it'll be quite a while before I can use it. I'm having to buy bits as and when I can afford them and my to buy list is still quite pricey!