Looking for Z97 mini-ITX motherboard advice

[Svnder]

Hey guys, first time here. I'm looking for some advice. 

I have an mITX build in the works, and the only thing I'm still really deliberating over is the motherboard. Honestly, I just don't know too much about the current, limited lineup of Z97 boards--and I can't really find many details--like audio quality info, or the realistic difference between 2 different series from the same manufacturer (e.g. "gaming" series). Any advice on a quality board that meets my needs, for a moderate price, would be much appreciated. I'll be using my PC as follows: 

 

Primary uses:

• Design/Photo work
• Gaming
• Streaming (via OBS)

Secondary uses:

• Music production
• Video editing

In case it's relevant, here's my WIP build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

 

CPU Cooler:  Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  (Purchased For $0.00) 

Memory:  Crucial Ballistix 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($149.00 @ Amazon) 

Storage:  Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($82.99 @ Best Buy) 

Storage:  Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($134.99 @ Amazon) 

Storage:  Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  (Purchased For $0.00) 

Video Card:  Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X Video Card  (Purchased For $0.00) 

Case:  Corsair 250D Mini ITX Tower Case  (Purchased For $0.00) 

Power Supply:  Corsair Professional 850W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  (Purchased For $0.00) 

Case Fan:  Corsair Air Series SP120 Quiet Edition (2-Pack) 37.9 CFM 120mm  Fans  ($24.99 @ Amazon) 

Case Fan:  Corsair Air Series AF140 Quiet Edition 67.8 CFM 140mm  Fan  ($17.98 @ OutletPC) 

Other: Intel Core i7 4790k ($279.99)

Total: $689.94

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-03 23:47 EDT-0400)

[Tea1337]

What is your budget for the mobo?

[Svnder]

Well it seems like the $1-200 range is what I'm stuck with, from what I can tell, but I really don't want to spend anywhere near $200 if it's not necessary. Figuring out which features are unnecessary bells and whistles is what I'm here to find out. 

[Tea1337]

Well it seems like the $1-200 range is what I'm stuck with, from what I can tell, but I really don't want to spend anywhere near $200 if it's not necessary. Figuring out which features are unnecessary bells and whistles is what I'm here to find out. 

I am going to suggest this ASUS motherboard, if you don't like the colors of it or something else try THIS motherboard.

[Geekazoid]

I am going to suggest this ASUS motherboard, if you don't like the colors of it or something else try THIS motherboard.

Aah dang it! You beat me to it.

[Geekazoid]

Well it seems like the $1-200 range is what I'm stuck with, from what I can tell, but I really don't want to spend anywhere near $200 if it's not necessary. Figuring out which features are unnecessary bells and whistles is what I'm here to find out.

You could possibly go for something like this (http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gaz97nwifi) if you're on a tight budget.

[Svnder]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll take a look. 

[Geekazoid]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll take a look.

No worries mate!

[Bagmup]

I was excited when the Z97 Impact was announced, then disappointed with the August release date. I don't like the cpu placement on the MSI board, so im probably going to go with the Asus Z97i-Plus.

[yummyxyz]

when can we expect to see the asus z97i deluxe/pro board?

[Bagmup]

when can we expect to see the asus z97i deluxe/pro board?

 

I dont think anything was announced at Computex, so probably never??