Background:
I'm planning on getting a Corsair 760T case, i5 4690k, ASUS GeForce GTX 970.
I am deciding between:
ASUS Maximus VII Formula LGA 1150 ATX Intel Motherboard
OR
ASUS Sabertooth Z97 LGA1150 ATX Intel Motherboard
is this your first build?
Yes, it is.
The maximus is aimed at hardcore overclockers
The sabertooth is almost as capable in that area but is designed for longevity.
Both are excellent boards - I own a maximus v formula and its still going rock solid
I would grab whichever is cheaper, or looks better - either is a safe choice
Well both boards are basicly fine.
The Maximus VII Formula is obviously the better board ofc.
This particular board is designed for gamers and overclockers.
It has better onboard audio, and a more advanced bios for overclocking,
And better looks.
Also technicaly, the Asus ROG boards in general, have also a better vreg design, but this isnt realy a big deal for Z97 platform.
I do have to say that the Maximus 7 Formula comes with a rediculous high price for a mainstream mobo in my opinnion.
And im not realy sure if all the extra feutures that board has to offer over the more affordable Asus Maximus VII Hero would be realy worth it?
Thats ofc a personal thing.
I think that i would recommend the Asus Maximus 7 Hero, if you are realy in the ROG look of boards.
IT comes with a more reasonable price, and it allmost offers the same amount of feutures.
Unless you realy need some specific feutures that the Formula comes with? like the option to watercool the vrm and mosfet heatsinks, or if you need onboard wifi + Bluetooth, and the OC panel.
But other then that, the Formula basicly hasnt much more to offer.
The Sabertooth is of course also a totaly fine board, of course this board is basicly designed for a diffrent field of users.
Its basicly totaly fine, But the rog boards are more design towards gamers and overclockers, thats why you find better onboard audio solution for example.
Also a nice board i would like to add to the choice list, is the Msi Z97 Gaming 7 and Gaming 5.
Personaly i think that a Maximus 7 Formula for just a 4690K is realy a waste of money.
I would personaly grab one of the cheaper options that i have mentioned above the Maximus 7 Hero, the Msi Gaming 7 or Gaming 5,
and for the money you are saving buy a 4790K instead of the i5, or invest in a better GPU.
do more research. i did the same thing on my first build i said "whats the best of the best." id recommend doing more research because there are things that are still great for a much cheaper price. if youre an asus fan check this out http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132287. especially if you are using a case without a window then it wont matter what the inside look likes.
i agree with angel msi z97 would be great especially if you want that red black color scheme. The formula or saber would be expensive for what youre using when boards that are good - better quality are $80-$180
if youre not intel only fan amd really isnt that bad. check it out if youre on a budget. because you are probably trying to get the best and you dont want to spend over $1000 you can build a very good pc with $700 amd that could compete with a $1100 intel.