As a caster (Witch Doctor or Wizard) is there any benefit to strength or dexterity items?

Do either of these statistics provide any tangible benefit for casters (possibly excluding melee-spec wizards)? Or are they just wasted points?

Solution 1:

Not of some notable value for a caster but you get:

• +x% dodge for every point of dexterity

• +x armor for every point of strength

For a caster they are pretty much wasted points even for melee casters since strength/dexterity give damage only to barbarian/demon,monk.

Here is more about stats and you can see what stat provides what bonus depending on different class.

Solution 2:

If it's a choice between Str/Dex and your "core" attribute, obviously go with the core attribute.

However, Dexterity will give you a bonus to your Dodge, and Strength to your Armour.

Solution 3:

Strength and Dexterity, like Vitality and Intelligence, are class generic attributes and they respectively increase your armor and your dodge chances. So for sure they give a little help if you remain stuck in a fight, but probably I would avoid focusing on those with Wizards and Witch Doctors.