Although Intel isn't quite ready to take the wraps off of its updated Haswell-based processors (codenamed Devil's Canyon) or its next-gen Broadwell-based processors, the company is at the ready with a brand new chipset that ups the ante in terms of features and overall performance. Intel's 9-series chipset isn't quite as extensive as previous families (there are just two options at this time), but the new capabilities it brings to the table will be welcomed by everyone from hardcore overclockers to IT types and business users.

We tested a quintet of Z97 based motherboards from MSI, EVGA, and Gigabyte, using Intel's current flagship Haswell-based processor, the Core i7-4770K. The Z97 Express chipset was designed to be a modern companion to Intel's high-end Haswell-based desktop processors, that adds more high speed SATA ports and M.2 / SATA Express SSD support, but it is also ready for next-gen Broadwell-based processors...