On the assumption that your PC will be used almost entirely for gaming and other low demand tasks (internet browsing etc) then i don't think at this stage the Skylake gives good value. From what I've seen its certainly a great CPU, but for gaming the bulk of the work is done by the GPU. I went for a i5-4690k on a z-97 mobo and its been absolutely fine. These will start to come down in price now the next gen is out so save your money.
Just pros and cons for the people on the fence considering upgrading to 1440p
Pros
Picture quality
For me the difference is noticeable, you get used to it, it becomes standard. Trust me 1080p will never seem the same again. You dont realize the full extent of 1440p until you try and go back to a normal 1080p monitor. I've taken some screenshots with my monitor displaying 1440p and 1080p although I dont know if they do 1440p justice for you 1080p users
1080p
1440p
1080p
1440p
1080p
1440p
Even look at the crispness of the date and icons compared to 1080p
in games I do notice the difference but it is more noticeable in desktop use.
The picture quality alone is worth the money but my monitor is 144hz as well and id definitely recommend that.
If you're considering 1440p you'll probably be looking at 27 inch monitors. Before I got the current monitor I was using a 21.5 inch 1080p monitor, I thought the size was great and I didnt really understand people that said 27 inches is so much better. Even the monitors at school are 21.5 or 23 inches.
After living with a 27 inch monitor for a week you will never ever go back to anything less than 25 inches. You literally cant unsee a 27 inch monitor, before Christmas my eyes saw the school computers as normal size, to me they could quite easily compare to my iPad thats how small and squashed they look.
Cons
Gaming
This one depends on what system you have and what games you play of course but if you plan on playing AAA titles at 60 fps The lowest i'd recommend is a 970/390
even then I have to turn down some settings to get 60 FPS, if you happen to be running for example two 2GB R9 380s in CF kiss 1440p goodbye. I'd say get at least a 4gb card.
TL;DR If you're asking yourself if 1440p is worth it, it 100% is the picture quality is next level compared to 1080p but if you plan to game at 60 fps get atleast a 970/ R9 390
DeadKerbal got a reaction from BigChimp97 in Z97 or Z170?
