Should I use a Z chipset on a locked CPU?

[chatter_box]

I'm building a computer for a friend, and I was wondering if I should use a Z97 or H97 chipset. I'm getting an i5 4460 because he doesn't care about overclocking. I can save a good 30-40 dollars by choosing a non-overclockable chipset. Any suggestions are welcome!

[Skiiwee29]

Unless you are ever planning to upgrade to a K series processor, then no its not worth it. You should be able to find all the features you need and require on an H series board. 

[malon]

i recommend a h97( https://pcpartpicker.com/product/3mPzK8/asrock-motherboard-h97anniversary) or even a b85( like this one  https://pcpartpicker.com/product/VvPfrH/asrock-motherboard-b85mpro4) with that cpu, it is not worth paying top cash on a motherboard for a mid range cpu

[A User]

No, just go for a H serious or something... You will save money, there Is no difference In the board, but the overclock feature, and that you will not be using because of your locked CPU. Get some more/better RAM or something. 

If not get a unlocked chip, and overclock. The unlocked chip Is like $25-45 more I think.  

[SteveGrabowski0]

53 minutes ago, Chatter_Box said:

I'm building a computer for a friend, and I was wondering if I should use a Z97 or H97 chipset. I'm getting an i5 4460 because he doesn't care about overclocking. I can save a good 30-40 dollars by choosing a non-overclockable chipset. Any suggestions are welcome!

I use Z-series with a locked CPU so I can use overclocked RAM. It's probably not worth the extra $30-$40 whe on a tight budget, but what would be worth it is buying the cheaper H-series board and upgrading the CPU to an i5-4590, as the 4590 runs at 3.5 GHz on quadcore loads while the 4460 only runs 3.2 GHz on quadcore loads. The 4590 seems to usually be only about $15 more expensive than the 4460, so I think it has long been the best price to performance gaming cpu on Haswell.

[-rascal-]

Several reasons you would want a Z-series chipset based motherboard over the H-series -- even for a locked CPU

1. You wish to run (or have plans) to run more than one graphics card. H-series motherboards usually only have one PCI-E X16 slot that runs at full X16 speed. Z-series typically have two slots that run at X8+X8.
    
2. Additional features only found on Z-series motherboards. This includes possibly, WiFi antennas, multiple Ethernet ports, more storage drive support and connectivity options.
    
3. Customization (overclocking and tweaking) capability. Some boards now have controllable RGB lighting, UEFI level fan control, etc. These features are usually found only on upper tier Z-series motherboards.