Please suggest changes or improvements to CPU/Mobo/GPU combo

[mfenn]

I'm curious, do you really have 6 devices requiring high-speed data transfers that you want to hook up at once? A RAID array built out of USB drives? (Note: Don't actually do this.)

 

[dnut_00]

I don't. I have 3 (2 constant and another 1 I plug in and out). But 2 years ago I didn't have even 1. And USB3 wasn't as ubiquitous as it is becoming now.

I am not saying I necessarily need all of them, but having more is certainly in line with upgradeability and future-proofing we were discussing. Combine that with additional features like better NIC, eSata ports and (despite many claiming that it's not worth it) support for SLI, CrossFire - one can certainly see how Z87 is preferred by some.

 

[mfenn]

I don't. I have 3 (2 constant and another 1 I plug in and out). But 2 years ago I didn't have even 1. And USB3 wasn't as ubiquitous as it is becoming now.

I am not saying I necessarily need all of them, but having more is certainly in line with upgradeability and future-proofing we were discussing. Combine that with additional features like better NIC, eSata ports and (despite many claiming that it's not worth it) support for SLI, CrossFire - one can certainly see how Z87 is preferred by some.

Certainly it is preferred and even required by some, that is not the question here. There question is, is it required for your build? Based on the evidence you have provided, my answer to that is "no".