Z97 WS vs Deluxe

[tholly]

Planning a new build and I am trying to decide between the Z97 WS and the Z97 Deluxe.

Please advise.

Thanks.

[Heini]

Compare their features and select in accordance with with your needs. I chose the WS because I wanted better SLI support but didn't need the other features the Deluxe offers.

[XJP05]

I chose the Z97-WS for several reasons, but it was a close decision between the two:

1. - Server-grade power delivery featuring the beat thermal chokes (93% efficiency & 3-5 degrees of lower temps). I wanted strong, stable power delivery for reliable O.C.performance.

2. - 12k hr. capacitors (I tend to run my builds about 5 years minimum).
3. - 1000+ compatible devices, and 7000 validation hours (the same probably applies to the Deluxe).
4. - Graphics capability (4-way SLI capable, although I'll never utilize beyond 2-way SLI personally, but I do have a simulation focus with my build).

Both are excellent MBs. You can't go wrong either way. Like Heini said, "...select in accordance with your needs."

[geemale911]

Thank you both for the replies! I have now dug a little deeper and more formally tried to do a side-by-side comparison per Heini's recommendation. The quality of components XJP05 lays out are also reflected in several youtube reviews of the WS ... but I have not found any direct comparison to the components used on the Deluxe. A "work station" grade mother board should be more robust? But then there are also the "tough" grade boards whose category would make one think they were the most robust? I can not say once I have a PC capable of playing games at an enjoyable frame rate that I won't also delve into those some either ... but for now I am not able to call myself a "gamer." Seems an ROG board should out-game a WS or Deluxe? Some of the confusion is marketing stuff perhaps ... or just a result of manufacturing constantly scrambling to be a micro step better than the competition. What ever the source of the confusion ... sorting it out is educational for me.

Overview >>

As of now, I am leaning towards the WS because of higher quality components and an extra PCI x 16 slot.

However, the Deluxe does have Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and a better USB controller.

Please add to my observations that are listed below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am not very experienced at choosing hardware ... thus I have asked for the assistance. It really takes an expert to sort out the differences between motherboards. I am trying to future proof this purchase. My current PC is about 13 years old and I have replaced the OS and many components over the years to keep it alive to this point.

I wish there was a simple guide that said >>

With the "A" board, these can be done (list of things) and they can not be done using the "B" board (unless you add this type of adapter card or accessory).

The potential to 4-way SLI with the WS that XJP05 points out is certainly one item in the above wish list.

Below are some questions amongst what has caught my attention when comparing the specs of the two boards (an expert will undoubtedly list many more) >>


#1 -- Slots

The Deluxe has 3 PCI x 16 slots that are not equally spaced -- The WS has 4 PCI x 16 slots that appear equally spaced.
The Deluxe has no PCI x 4 slot -- The WS has 1 PCI x 4 slot.
The Deluxe has 4 PCI x 1 slots -- The WS has 2 PCI x 1 slots.
SLOT QUESTIONS >> These slots share bandwidth (or should I say bus width?) or are so close in proximity that not all can be used? For example, a video card in a PCI x 16 slot can physically block the nearby PCI x 1 slots? Seem to me that the advantage here goes to the WS board unless one specifically needs to plug in a lot of cards that use PCI x 1 slots? The slots in my dinosaur computer do not block each other out.


#2 -- Communication

The Deluxe has built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and the WS does not.
COMMUNICATION QUESTIONS >> The Deluxe wins obviously in this category. Are the antenna and hardware that comes with the Deluxe of high quality? Or are many users needing to add external antenna that are more powerful (have greater range)? I have very little experience with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth ... but hope to use both in the future. Thus if the WS wins out ... I will need to look at adding this capability. I do not have a notebook (or any wireless device) at this time; however, a friend with such gizmos can get onto the internet when visiting through the wireless capability of the router that came with my cable television/internet service. My current desktop connects with a cable that has a phone jack type connector directly to the cable router and the router has a couple of spare ports on the back as well. Is this router essentially a LAN (local area network) hub? Thus all the PCs directly connected to the router and any wireless devices that can connect could all share files through the OS (Win 7 or Win 8.1) provided the right permissions and settings are established?


#3 -- USB Controllers

The Deluxe >> has ASMedia Controller 1142 which supports 10 gbps USB 3.1.
The WS >> has ASMedia 1042 which supports 5 gbps USB 3.0.
Obvious winner is the Deluxe.


#4 -- Other stuff

In section 1.2.4 of the WS User Guide states there are 8 DIMM slots. I think this is an error as it does not match up to the drawings? There are only 4 slots on both the Deluxe and the WS?
Neither board accepts ECC type DIMMs. 😞
Both boards have the LGA 1150 socket and can accept the next generation Broadwell (14 nm) CPUs. (Slight future proofing.)
Can the more specialized "gaming" boards do certain things better than either the Z97 Deluxe or the Z97 WS?

--------------------

Sorting out the details certainly is an educational experience! I'll soon feel a byte more (pun intended) technologically "up-to-date" (less stupid) once I am comfortable making the motherboard choice.

[XJP05]

Keep in mind as a side-note: 4-way SLI will probably not work with some of the current dual-slot video cards. Even the thinner cards will only allow minimal spacing for airflow, between the cards. Be aware of that when making your decision. I also needed the wireless capability,and the Deluxe's onboard 802.11ac was tempting, but I still leaned towards the WS in my case.

While they don't advertise the WS as an OC gaming board, it does very well in that category for some people. It is capable.

USB Specs: I can't verify or contradict the USB specs you listed, but don't see them here.

Dimm Slots: 4 total

4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 3300(O.C.)/3200(O.C.)/3100(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2933(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666(O.C.)/2600(O.C.)/2500(O.C.)/2400(O.C.)/2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/2000(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1800(O.C.)/1600/1333 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory *
Dual Channel Memory Architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)

[geemale911]

XJP05 -- I compared the USB spec for the WS board in the link you provided to the similar online link for the Deluxe board and find them both to be 3.0.

What I observed as a difference are the USB controllers as listed in the Users Manuals. I have downloaded those in pdf for both boards.

Whether the USB controllers are the more capable 3.1 or not is not a game changer for me. Of course >> more is better! ... but it is overall board quality and capability that I am focused on.

The new rig I am planning will be more than 30 times faster than my current configuration. Single core Pentium 4 @ 2.4 GHz, Pata HDD, 1 gig of 1066 Rambus, EVGA GeForce 6200 AGP 8x video card that can squeeze out Win 7 with some effort. A very old system indeed! That video card is an upgrade over the original and 13 years ago this old box of wires was a bleeding edge Gateway and cost just about the same as the system I am looking to build now ... amazing !!

Best of luck on your new build. I am aiming at a similar level system. I have chosen to go with a Corsair h100i closed system radiator for CPU cooling and AX860i PSU. Not yet sure what brand/size SSD I will end up buying. Thinking about a 240ish size where I partition it and use 64 gig as a cache for a WD Caviar Black of at least the minimum 500 gig size. I am contemplating my first RAID usage and have yet to decide on the size of the HDDs.

As I said before ... diving into these details is a huge educational event for me as technology passed me by a dozen times over in the past decade.

I really appreciate you giving me some feed back. It really boosts my confidence.

Perhaps of no use to you ... but I found this link informative for SSD and the Win 8.1 configuration I am aiming at >> link

I also viewed some youtube reviews on Phantek cases after checking out your parts list. Very impressive! I am aiming at the Corsair 760T ... but still shopping around too.

Just for grins, here's the most artistic PC build I have ever seen >> here

[XJP05]

geemale911@hotmail.com wrote:
XJP05 --
The new rig I am planning will be more than 30 times faster than my current configuration. Single core Pentium 4 @ 2.4 GHz, Pata HDD, 1 gig of 1066 Rambus, EVGA GeForce 6200 AGP 8x video card that can squeeze out Win 7 with some effort. A very old system indeed! That video card is an upgrade over the original and 13 years ago this old box of wires was a bleeding edge Gateway and cost just about the same as the system I am looking to build now ... amazing !!

Best of luck on your new build. I am aiming at a similar level system. I have chosen to go with a Corsair h100i closed system radiator for CPU cooling and AX860i PSU. Not yet sure what brand/size SSD I will end up buying. Thinking about a 240ish size where I partition it and use 64 gig as a cache for a WD Caviar Black of at least the minimum 500 gig size. I am contemplating my first RAID usage and have yet to decide on the size of the HDDs.

As I said before ... diving into these details is a huge educational event for me as technology passed me by a dozen times over in the past decade.

I really appreciate you giving me some feed back. It really boosts my confidence.

Perhaps of no use to you ... but I found this link informative for SSD and the Win 8.1 configuration I am aiming at >> link

I also viewed some youtube reviews on Phantek cases after checking out your parts list. Very impressive! I am aiming at the Corsair 760T ... but still shopping around too.

GM911 - No problem. I'm happy to help whenever possible, but as always, it's just my opinion, and take that for what it's worth to you. I do understand your situation, and am ashamed to tell you how long my wife & I dragged out this laptop I'm currently typing on. Ancient technology, but it still runs well for casual work.

I'll have to review the WS manual again for that USB controller info. I just don't recall seeing it, and believe me, I researched every decent piece of hardware for 2 months daily before deciding on this build. Either way, the Z97 Deluxe, WS, and Sabertooth boards (to THolly) are all 1st class hardware. You can't go wrong but if I'm not mistaken, the thermal chokes used on the Sabertooth are of equal quality to those on the WS, but the capacitors are 10K rated vs 12K on the WS. Honestly, that's still a damn good component and I wouldn't let that sway me from the MB. Honestly, I like it's hardware but just didn't like the subdued camo scheme. It was just a visual appeal thing for me. Petty no doubt. If you like it, I think it's a great MB otherwise.

I think the H100i cooler will work well for you and if you combine it with good airflow, it should keep things running nicely. I'm going to initially try my Noctua NH-U12s air cooler. If temps don't stay where I want them I'm going to purchase that new Fractal Designs 360 mm rad AIO by Alphacool.

Let me know what you decide to do. I'm beginning on my build this Wed. the 23rd. I had some work obligations that prevented me from starting sooner, but all my parts are here and ready to go. Good luck on your research.

[tholly]

XJP05 -- I had some probs with the forum registration. My geemale911@hotmail.com is a secondary for the @gmail account. I use these for a bit of anonimity ... but my g/f told me of some secondary meanings that might be implied. None of that stuff matters ... so its all fun. Anyways, I think my forum registration is working out now.

The bench testing before assembly PCDIY video by JJ is "awesome" ... IMO. Just in case you have not viewed it ... find it >> here.

I found the flash updating of the UEFI (new version of BIOS) to be especially important. Formatting a USB to make it empty, extracting the compressed UEFI update, and "exactly" how to flash the update were all things I needed to understand and witness.

The lessor audio quality and lack of expansion slots on the Sabertooth has me wavering undecided between it and the WS ... but I do love the backing plate, the two tiny auxillary fans for pulling air through that top shroud, the filters, and those adjustable air flow channels. My background is chemical engineering and I have long enjoyed thermodynamics. For the past couple of years I have been thinking of perhaps a clear acrylic shroud with forced air over the motherboard for improved cooling. Fin spacing in radiators is important and the practice of using bulk air flow through cavernous cases is horribly inefficient. But here ASUS has already implemented what I have been contemplating! Those 12+3 thermocouples scattered all over the motherboard would also be fun for a heat paranoid like myself. I just need an infrared gun to complete the indulgence/curiosity of going a bit more extreme in that direction. The version of shroud I have been thinking about has ducts (a bit ugly perhaps) and would use a much larger fan with greater static pressure and also concentrate on cooling those memory sticks.

I also have an idea that I think will solve the problem of condensation when using Peltier cooling. That type of cooling is not very efficient ... as it takes about 3 times the heat load wattage to drive the Peltier device. But what fun it would be to control voltage across the Peltier while maintaining a CPU temp at some target value as low as minus 10 deg. C and upwards to say 50 deg. C. That way you could adjust the wattage load tremendously and throttle way back when not pushing those magical silicone switches.

Just past the clock time of 39:30 in this >> link is a tip to install "Games for Windows Live" before installing any games when using the Win 8.1 OS. Also, at around 33:20 the conversation steers towards new system testing. I found this portion of the tutorial also very helpful. I am not yet a "gamer" ... but I am beginning to accrue the tiniest amounts of "how-to" information. In googling to learn about Games for Windows Live ... I came upon this >> wiki that I feel is very important as well.

Just for grins, I'll throw in one more link to the most artistic custom PC build I have ever seen >> visually_stunning

Best of luck on your build. You are way ahead of me and I would enjoy any tips you have or discover during the process.

[XJP05]

tholly wrote:

The bench testing before assembly PCDIY video by JJ is "awesome" ... IMO. Just in case you have not viewed it ... find it >> here.

I found the flash updating of the UEFI (new version of BIOS) to be especially important. Formatting a USB to make it empty, extracting the compressed UEFI update, and "exactly" how to flash the update were all things I needed to understand and witness.


... Best of luck on your build. You are way ahead of me and I would enjoy any tips you have or discover during the process.

Thanks for that link tholly. I definitely learned a few things also. I'll be happy to share any info from my build. I'll update you soon enough.

BTW - Note*
Latest Z97-WS BIOS updated released today, 7-22-2014
Version: Formal BIOS 1204 release

1. Improve USB compatibility in Win8.
2. Improve the compatibility with Samsung M.2 device.

[tholly]

XJP05 -- Entered a nice, long reply earlier ... but it seemed to disappear?

Also, talked to an ASUS rep on the phone earlier and he suggest I look at Sabertooth "tough" series for longest warranty.

I am curious if the capacitors on the Sabertooth are equal or better than those on the WS?

The rep also explained the ROG boards do have greater granularity for custom tuning.

Sorting through all this is tricky !!