Difference between z97 motherboards

[Alexstrazsa]

There are so many motherboards and I have no idea which one to choose.

What's the difference between these
http://www.microcenter.com/product/432993/GA-Z97-HD3_LGA_1150_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

http://www.microcenter.com/product/433127/Z97_PC_Mate_Socket_LGA_1150_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

and these

http://www.microcenter.com/product/433130/Z97-Gaming_5_1150ATX_Intel_Motherboard

http://www.microcenter.com/product/432989/GA-Z97X-Gaming_3_LGA_1150_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

 

[Kenmitch]

Welcome to the forum

Price....Just kidding!

If you view the MB's as a whole on the webpage you'll see a box above the picture. If you check the 4 your wondering about and then click the green compare it'll show the specs side by side. You could also do the same at newegg if needed.

Here's neweggs if the link works. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007627%20600491547&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=280%7C13%2D128%2D715%5E13%2D128%2D715%2DTS%2C13%2D130%2D779%5E13%2D130%2D779%2DTS%2C13%2D130%2D770%5E13%2D130%2D770%2DTS%2C13%2D130%2D772%5E13%2D130%2D772%2D03%23&percm=13%2D128%2D715%3A%24%24%24%24%24%24%24%3B13%2D130%2D779%3A%24%24%24%24%24%24%24%3B13%2D130%2D770%3A%24%24%24%24%24%24%24%3B13%2D130%2D772%3A%24%24%24%24%24%24%24

Quick glance the major difference is the two more expensive better sound, network, and the M.2 slot.

 

[Alexstrazsa]

The only differences I can see is memory speed supported, audio system, lan chipset, and pci express. How come only the cheapest ones have x16? Is all the extra stuff worth it? Will an r9 280x fit in the cheapest motherboard? Does the audio system make a difference?

Is it still worth getting a z97 if I don't plan to crossfire/sli or overclock?

 

[Kenmitch]

The MSI Z97 Gaming 5 looks good to me.

Reading your above comment the cheapest one you listed would work fine for you. Audio is audio if your not audio anal....Same goes for the network.

Here's Gigabytes page for the GA-Z97-HD3 one you listed which is also the cheapest one you listed.

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4955#sp

You might be able to skip the Z97 chipset all together if it's only additional features are something you don't need/want.

 

[TheGoat Eater]

That GAMING 5 definitely would be a good buy - MSI GAMING line has the best performance and features for the $$.