Recommendation for Z97 Board

[koroshiya8]

With the requirements/preference;
1. Black/Red theme to go with my current GPU and casing
2. SLI
3. M.2
4. USB 3.1 (optional)
5. Solid Audio onboard (strongly preferred as i use both headphones and output to Speakers)

Shortlisted the below;
1. MSI Gaming 9 AC (non-K) or

Spoiler

2. Asus Maximus VII Hero

Spoiler

Any comments on the above options ? TIA !!

 

[Mikiberry]

Go for Hero. 3 slots mobo placement is damn important for SLI builds.
Dual slots will be hot, very hot.

 

[royfrosty]

To begin with, this 2 boards are of a different league.

Being that the MSI Gaming 9 will be a much of a better specs over the Hero.

There are useful and noticeable things on the Gaming 9 AC like:

- Intel Wireless Lan + Bluetooth module
- Supports up to 4 Front USB 3.0 Ports, 1 right angle and 1 surface mount
- Up to 8 USB 3.0 ports at the back and 2 USB 2.0 at the back


What is useful on Hero:

- Intel LAN
- Their own onboard sound
- Slightly placed apart PCIe x16 slots

So if you were to fit your criteria, i would say Hero would be the one for you.

Not unless you need that many USB 3.0 and Intel Wireless + Bluetooth Module.

 

[koroshiya8]

To begin with, this 2 boards are of a different league.

Being that the MSI Gaming 9 will be a much of a better specs over the Hero.

There are useful and noticeable things on the Gaming 9 AC like:

- Intel Wireless Lan + Bluetooth module
- Supports up to 4 Front USB 3.0 Ports, 1 right angle and 1 surface mount
- Up to 8 USB 3.0 ports at the back and 2 USB 2.0 at the back


What is useful on Hero:

- Intel LAN
- Their own onboard sound
- Slightly placed apart PCIe x16 slots

So if you were to fit your criteria, i would say Hero would be the one for you.

Not unless you need that many USB 3.0 and Intel Wireless + Bluetooth Module.

Thanks for the inputs.. i prefer more 3.0 port but i can always add a hub for this but certainly i dont need wireless as i prefer wired LAN... i should know what i'm going for already .

Go for Hero. 3 slots mobo placement is damn important for SLI builds.
Dual slots will be hot, very hot.

thanks!