New mobo & CPU advice request from experts

[LoWRiDeR]

Dear all,

I am considering upgrading my motherboard and CPU to a more recent generation.
Currently I have the system you can see in the signature. I am planning to keep all pieces except mobo/CPU and maybe add a bit more ram.

When I first built my system, I received excellent advice from the xtremesystems gurus so I have complete trust in what you will suggest.
My questions are:

1)Which motherboard is the absolute best in features and overclocking capabilities? I am planning to oc the CPU using watercooling
2)Which CPU makes the most sense to get for longevity/overclocking capabilities?
3)How much more RAM of the same type should I get?

I thank you in advance for the time invested in helping me with your suggestions, and look forward to reading them.

[LoWRiDeR]

I was thinking of the new ASUS ROG MAXIMUS VII Z97, with i7 4770k. Do you guys think that would be a good combo? Or should I get a lower cpu and aim to upgrade to the 5th generation later on?

[cencik]

hi im no expert, but this questions are easy to answer for me
1. ASUS ROG Maximus VII Hero is great mobo for oc, but consider Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SOC Force
2. why not 4790K? better TIM=better OC capabilities(not much but still)4GHz out of the box is nice too.
3. obviously another set of 2x4GB Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR3-2133 for compatibility reason

good luck w oc

[LoWRiDeR]

Hi, thanks.
Yes indeed i will go with devils Canyon.

Question, if i insert for pieces of the same ram total, will they still run in dual channel? Cause older mobos required only 2 for dual.

[cencik]

well if i'm correct to run in dual channel you need new set of ram 2x8 gigs. upgrade from 2x4. if you will buy extra set of 2x4gigs. you will run in quad channel. which is ok for this mobo. anyway upgrading your ram is not mandatory. there are few games that need 8gb ram as recommended. you should be fine for 1 year. but remember ddr3 prices will only go up.

[NKrader]

well if i'm correct to run in dual channel you need new set of ram 2x8 gigs. upgrade from 2x4. if you will buy extra set of 2x4gigs. you will run in quad channel. which is ok for this mobo. anyway upgrading your ram is not mandatory. there are few games that need 8gb ram as recommended. you should be fine for 1 year. but remember ddr3 prices will only go up.

Quad channel memory is a s2011 thing.

OP get two sticks of 8gb if you need more, despite the fact that 8gb should do you fine for a while.

And I agree 4790K+Maximus VII Hero

[LoWRiDeR]

Thanks for the tips both.

Now I am undecided on motherboard! I am now leaning towards GA-Z97X-Gaming G1 WIFI-BK instead of the Maximus VII Hero...I would wait for the z97 Formula but it will come out too late (a month and a half from now more or less).

Do you think the gigabyte board is a good one?