Z97-C vs Z87-A [Linus, why?]

[d4rkwizo]

Just wanted to know why did Linus go with a Z97-C at $130 in the "Value Gaming Build Guide" [http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/281756-ultimate-value-gaming-build-guide/] and yet he went with a Z87-A at $90 in the "Game On ~$1700 System Holiday Buyer's Guide" [http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/250410-holiday-2014-buyers-guide-full-component-list/].

 

I've checked both at Asus' website and they have very, very similar specs.

 

Z97-C

[http://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/Z97C/specifications/]

 

Z87-A

[http://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/Z87A/specifications/]

 

My confusion here is that Linus went with a relatively more expensive Motherboard in a Value build, but he chose a relatively cheaper Motherboard in a ~$1700 Build.

 

Am I overlooking some relevant difference between the two Motherboards that I didn't notice?

[Aniallation]

Prices change over time, sometimes there's sales...

[lani100]

Just wanted to know why did Linus go with a Z97-C at $130 in the "Value Gaming Build Guide" [http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/281756-ultimate-value-gaming-build-guide/] and yet he went with a Z87-A at $90 in the "Game On ~$1700 System Holiday Buyer's Guide" [http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/250410-holiday-2014-buyers-guide-full-component-list/].

 

I've checked both at Asus' website and they have very, very similar specs.

 

Z97-C

[http://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/Z97C/specifications/]

 

Z87-A

[http://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/Z87A/specifications/]

 

My confusion here is that Linus went with a relatively more expensive Motherboard in a Value build, but he chose a relatively cheaper Motherboard in a ~$1700 Build.

 

Am I overlooking some relevant difference between the two Motherboards that I didn't notice?

Linus knows so much stuff about boards and other tech stuff he doesn't really care he just picks some random hardware or stuff that they already have laying around. 

[Sauron]

It's very possible that he just had those two lying around and used a different one in each system.

[georgespamme]

Yeah, Linus is an idiot hahahahah--

 

 

EDIT: This post has been terminated

[ELSknutson]

Why pay for something that you already have.

[ForsakenLive]

The Z87-A had a higher MSRP back then (close to $160). Linus doesn't consider discounts when he makes build guides or part lists.

[Guest]

That might have just been what he had or was sent... Similar to JayzTwoCents Skunkworks, he just uses components he gets sent, rather than ones that 'might be better'. 

[Queek]

As you have said, these have very similar specs, and a quick Pricebat search for both says the lowest prices are almost identical at this point

Z97-a: $154.97 http://www.pricebat.ca/z97-a-asus-atx-lga1150-ddr3-3pci-e16-2pci-e1/

Z97-c: $154.98 http://www.pricebat.ca/z97-c-asus-atx-lga1150-ddr3-2pci-e16-e1-3pci-crossfirex/

Either one will do the job, and I expect that when he was choosing parts, one was slightly less expensive than the other at the time.  That's probably what I would do.

 

EDIT:  Looking deeper at the specs, the Z97-A supports crossfire and SLI, while the Z97-C only supports crossfire.  That limitation would probably make me choose the A for the higher end system.   

[Faceman]

That holiday buyers guide was one of the worst pieces of work Linus has ever created.  Please, ignore any recommendations from that video.