Z87 - A vs Z97 - A for gaming desktop

[Hadleyben]

I just saw that PCS have started offering the Z97 boards, would it be a good idea to amend my gaming pc order to replace the Z87-A with the Z97-A for a saving of £1?

Thanks in advance guys

 

[keynes]

I would get the latest one

 

[Hadleyben]

Would you suggest amending it with the z97-A or the gaming variation?

 

[keynes]

Z-97a, anything higher in price won't bring any improvement in gaming performance

 

[mantadog]

I have been looking up the latest boards today. From a purely performance point of view they are almost identical. They have more features for some new and upcoming standards, refreshed looks and slightly different layouts with a few more USB 3 connectors for the front panel etc.

Overall unless you desperately need FanXpert 3 or to run a usb3 card reader and a couple of usb 3 front ports then they are not going to be much different for your average user.

That said I would get the newer version, not just because its a pound cheaper but because its new. Who doesn't like new stuff?

 

[Hadleyben]

I have just realized I can upgrade the i5 4670 for the i5 4690 for a £1 saving as well, is this also worth it?

 

[keynes]

I have just realized I can upgrade the i5 4670 for the i5 4690 for a £1 saving as well, is this also worth it?

The difference in price is small so yes

 

[Lex1970]

As the 4690 has a 5% increase over the i5- if the difference is only a £1 then definetly go for the former, The new Z-79 don't offer much over the Z87 in terms of performance but as they will support the next generation Intel Broadwell chip whenever it comes out at least the Z-97 will be more future proof