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Announced in early January Intel processors The 7th Gen Cores, also code-named Kaby Lake, have an LGA 1151 socket and are basically compatible with boards based on Intel 100-series chipsets. However, along with the new processors, Intel also introduced a new 200th series of chipsets, and manufacturers motherboards, accordingly, updated their lineups.
In this article, we will look at one of the new products on the market - the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming motherboard based on the new Intel Z270 chipset.
Completion and packaging
The Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board comes in a small black box, on which the name of the board and logos of supported technologies are applied by lamination. In addition to the board itself, the package includes a user manual (only in English), a DVD with software and drivers, four SATA cables (all connectors are latched, two cables have an angled connector on one side), an SLI bridge for two video cards , board back panel blank, RGB Header cable. There is also a special mounting frame to facilitate the installation of the processor into the socket. And the most necessary accessory included in the kit is a stand for a beer mug (you can, of course, use it for tea / coffee, but this is already called misuse).
Board configuration and features
A summary table of the characteristics of the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board is given below, and further in the text we will consider all its features and functionality.
| Supported processors | Intel Core 7th and 6th generation |
| Processor socket | |
| Chipset | |
| Memory | 4×DDR4 (up to 64GB) |
| Audio subsystem | SupremeFX S1220A |
| Network Controller | |
| Expansion slots | 1 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 |
| SATA connectors | 6 x SATA 6Gb/s |
| USB ports | 6 x USB 3.0 |
| Connectors on the rear panel | 1 x DVI |
| Internal connectors | 24-pin ATX power connector |
| Form Factor | ATX (305x244mm) |
| average price | |
| Retail offers | L-1716489585-10 |
Form Factor
The Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board is made in the ATX form factor (305×244 mm). Nine standard holes are provided for mounting the board.
Chipset and processor socket
The Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board is based on the new Intel Z270 chipset and only supports 7th and 6th generation Intel Core processors (codenamed Kaby Lake and Skylake) with LGA1151 socket.
Memory
There are four DIMM slots for installing memory modules on the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board. The user manual notes that the board supports unbuffered DDR4 (non-ECC) memory, and the maximum memory is 64 GB (using 16 GB modules).
Expansion slots
To install video cards, expansion cards and drives, the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming motherboard has three slots with the PCI Express x16 form factor, four PCI Express 3.0 x1 slots and two M.2 connectors, one of which allows you to install drives of size 2242/2260/ 2280/22110 and supports PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA devices, while the other allows you to install 2242/2260/2280 drives and only supports PCIe 3.0 x4 devices.
The first two (from the processor socket) slots with the PCI Express x16 form factor are implemented using 16 PCIe 3.0 processor lines, which, using multiplexers / demultiplexers, are grouped into either one PCI Express 3.0 x16 port or two PCI Express 3.0 x8 ports . That is, if only one slot with the PCI Express 3.0 x16 form factor (closest to the processor socket) is used, then it will operate at x16 speed, and if both slots are used simultaneously, they will operate at x8 speed.
Another PCI Express x16 slot is based on four PCI Express 3.0 lanes of the Intel Z270 chipset. In fact, this is a PCI Express 3.0 x4 slot, but in the PCI Express x16 form factor.
Note that the board supports technologies Nvidia SLI and AMD CrossFireX and supports up to two Nvidia graphics cards and up to three AMD graphics cards.
Four PCI Express 3.0 x1 slots (with closed ends) are implemented through the Intel Z270 chipset.
One of the M.2 slots (M.2_1) supports both PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA devices. For its implementation, four PCI Express 3.0 chipset ports and one SATA 6 Gb / s port are used.
Another M.2 slot (M.2_2) only supports PCIe 3.0 x4 devices.
Video connectors
Since Kaby Lake and Skylake processors have an integrated graphics core, there are DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs (maximum resolution 4096×) for connecting a monitor on the back of the board. [email protected] Hz), HDMI 1.4 (4096× [email protected] Hz/2560× [email protected] Hz) and DVI-D (1920× [email protected] Hz). Three monitors can be connected to the board at the same time.
SATA ports
To connect drives or optical drives The board provides six SATA 6 Gb / s ports, which are implemented on the basis of a controller integrated into the Intel Z270 chipset. These ports support the ability to create RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 10.
USB connectors
To connect all kinds peripherals The board provides six USB 3.0 ports, six USB 2.0 ports, and two USB 3.1 ports.
Six USB 3.0 ports and six USB 2.0 ports are based on the Intel Z270 chipset. Four USB 3.0 ports placed on back panel board, and to connect two more USB 3.0 ports and six USB 2.0 ports, the board provides one USB 3.0 connector and three USB 2.0 connectors.
To implement two USB 3.1 ports, the board uses an ASMedia ASM1142 dual-port controller. This controller is connected to the chipset with two PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Both USB 3.1 ports are routed to the back panel of the board. One port has a regular Type-A connector and the other port has a balanced Type-C connector.
network interface
To connect to the network, the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board has a gigabit network interface based on the PHY controller (physical layer controller) Intel i219-V (the MAC layer controller integrated into the chipset is used). This controller uses the PCIe chipset port for connection.
How it works
Recall that the Intel Z270 chipset has 30 high-speed I / O ports (HSIO), which can be PCIe 3.0, USB 3.0 and SATA 6 Gb / s. Some of the high-speed I / O ports are strictly assigned to USB 3.0 ports, another part of the ports can only act as PCIe 3.0 ports, but there are also dual-purpose ports that can be configured as either PCIe 3.0 ports or SATA 6 Gb / s ports, and there are ports that are configured as either PCIe 3.0 ports or USB 3.0 ports. Including dual-purpose ports, 10 chipset high-speed I/O ports are allocated for USB 3.0 ports, 6 ports for SATA 6 Gb / s ports, and 24 ports for PCIe 3.0 ports (in the Intel Z170 chipset, 20 chipset ports were allocated for PCIe 3.0 ports). HSIO ports, for a total of 26 HSIO ports in the chipset).
And now let's see how all this is implemented in the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board.
Actually, it is very simple here and only SATA 6 Gb / s ports are separated. The first SATA 6Gb/s port (SATA #1) is shared with the M.2_1 connector, so if the M.2_1 connector is used in SATA mode, then the first SATA 6Gb/s port will be unavailable. But if the first SATA 6Gb/s port is enabled, then the M.2 connector can be used in PCIe 3.0 x4 mode.
The M.2_2 connector is shared with two SATA 6Gb/s ports (SATA #5, #6), but slightly different from the M.2_1 connector. If the M.2_2 connector is used in PCIe 3.0 x4 mode, then SATA ports #5, #6 will not be available (two HSIO chipset ports are configured as PCIe 3.0 ports). If SATA ports #5, #6 are used (two HSIO chipset ports are configured as SATA ports), then the M.2_2 connector will be available only in PCIe 3.0 x2 mode. The mode of operation of the M.2 connectors is configured in the UEFI BIOS.
If we count the total number of implemented chipset HSIO ports, then there will be 29 of them: 6 USB 3.0 ports, 4 SATA 6 Gb / s ports and 17 PCIe 3.0 ports. The other two HSIO ports can either be SATA ports or PCIe 3.0 ports.
The block diagram of the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board is shown in the figure.
Additional features
The number of various additional features on the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board is kept to a minimum. There are no power and reset buttons on this board, there is no POST code indicator.
Nevertheless, some of the newfangled chips are still present on the board. The plastic shroud that covers the connectors on the back of the board has built-in RGB lighting. When the board is connected to the power supply, this backlight starts to glow, and the color of the backlight changes in waves. Moreover, using special utility Asus AURA can customize this backlight.
In one of the corners of the board there is a special place (3D Mount), which is designed for mounting decorative elements printed on a 3D printer. On the Asus website, you can even download a drawing of such an element with the Asus logo.
Another newfangled feature is that the two PCI Express x16 form factor slots have a metal shroud.
There are also two special Aura RGB Strip connectors that are designed to connect an LED strip (it is not included in the board), but there is only one 77 cm adapter cable for connecting the strip itself. However, such a cable is not a mandatory accessory, you can do without it, and it is unlikely that anyone will need to connect two RGB strips to the board. It's just that the connectors for connecting the tape on the board are in different places, which is very convenient.
There are also jumpers on the board such as Clear CMOS (for resetting BIOS settings) and CPU Over Voltage (for overclocking the processor, allows you to increase the voltage on the processor over a wider range).
In addition, there is a two-pin connector for connecting a temperature sensor (the sensor itself is not included).
There is (however, it is not clear why) and a connector for connecting a rare COM-port.
It is also worth noting the presence of a special ROG Extension connector, which is designed to connect various ROG accessories, which are purchased separately.
In addition, there is a special Fan Extension connector, designed to connect a special board (not included), to which you can connect several additional fans and thermal sensors.
Supply system
Like most modern boards, the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming model has 24-pin and 8-pin power supply connectors.
The processor voltage regulator is 10-channel and is based on the Digi + VRM PWM controller with the ASP1400 marking. The power channels themselves are built using NTMFS4C09B and NTMFS4C06B MOSFET transistors from On Semiconductor.
Cooling system
The cooling system of the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board consists of three radiators. Two heat sinks are located on two adjacent sides of the processor socket and are designed to remove heat from the elements of the processor voltage regulator (MOSFET transistors). Another heatsink is designed to cool the chipset.
In addition, to create an efficient heat dissipation system, the board provides two four-pin connectors (CPU Fan, CPU Opt) for connecting CPU cooler fans, three four-pin connectors for connecting additional case fans, and one four-pin connector for connecting a water cooling pump. One of the three four-pin connectors for connecting additional case fans is called High Amp Fan and supports fans with a current of up to 3A.
The operation mode of each fan connected to the board can be configured in the UEFI BIOS. In addition, the board supports the installation of an Asus Fan Extension card (a special connector is provided for this) for connecting additional fans and thermal sensors, and the UEFI BIOS of the board provides the ability to configure the speed mode of these additional fans. The Asus Fan Extension board itself is not included.
Audio subsystem
The audio subsystem of the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board has the marketing name SupremeFX, traditional for Asus boards. AT this case it is based on the new Realtek ALC1220 HDA audio codec, which is not yet listed on the Realtek website.
The chip is covered with a metal casing. All elements of the audio path are isolated at the level of PCB layers from other components of the board and allocated to a separate zone.
The rear panel of the board has five minijack audio connectors (3.5 mm) and one optical S/PDIF connector (output).
To test the output sound path intended for connecting headphones or external acoustics, we used an external sound card Creative E-MU 0204 USB in combination with the Right Mark Audio Analyzer 6.3.0 utility. Testing was conducted for stereo mode, 24-bit/44.1 kHz. According to the test results, the audio section on the Asus Z270F Gaming board received a "Very good" rating. The full report with the results of testing in the RMAA 6.3.0 program is placed on a separate page, a brief report is given below.
| Frequency response unevenness (in the range of 40 Hz - 15 kHz), dB | ||
| Noise level, dB (A) | ||
| Dynamic range, dB (A) | ||
| Harmonic distortion, % | ||
| Harmonic distortion + noise, dB (A) | ||
| Intermodulation distortion + noise, % | Very well |
|
| Interpenetration of channels, dB | ||
| Intermodulation at 10 kHz, % | ||
| Overall score | Very well |
|
UEFI BIOS
Despite the fact that the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board is based on a new chipset, its UEFI BIOS interface is no different from that of Asus boards with the Intel Z170 chipset. There is nothing to be surprised here: apart from an increase in the number of HSIO ports in the Intel Z270 chipset, there is nothing that would not be in the Intel Z170 chipset. And in terms of overclocking capabilities, they are absolutely the same.
However, once again we will describe the possibilities for setting up the UEFI BIOS on an Asus motherboard with an Intel Z270 chipset.
Let's start with the fact that, like all Asus motherboards, the Strix Z270F Gaming has the ability to update the UEFI BIOS version very simply using the traditional Asus EZ Flash 3 utility built into the BIOS, which allows you to update the UEFI BIOS not only from a flash drive, but also via the Internet.
Traditionally, the UEFI BIOS on Asus motherboards has two display modes: simple (EZ Mode) and advanced (Advanced Mode).
EZ Mode is designed for basic board configuration and control of basic parameters, while board fine-tuning and system overclocking are available only in Advanced Mode.
For overclocking the processor and memory, the traditional AI Tweaker tab is designed, which provides all possible options for overclocking.
And just like on other Asus motherboards, overclocking an unlocked processor (K-series) is possible only when Turbo Mode is activated (it is activated by default). This mode is activated on the Advanced tab in the CPU Power Configuration\CPU Power Management Configuration menu.
If you block the Turbo Mode, then, despite the possibility of changing the processor multiplier, it will operate at the nominal frequency.
In addition, to overclock the processor on the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board (as, by the way, on other Asus boards), on the Ai Tweaker tab, the Ai Overclock Tuner parameter must be set to Manual or XMP.
In this case, it is possible to change the frequency of the clock generator BCLK and the multiplier of the processor cores. You can set the multiplication factor for each case of the number of loaded processor cores, or you can set the multiplication factor simultaneously for all loaded processor cores.
The BCLK frequency can be changed in 0.1 MHz steps from 50 to 650 MHz.
In addition to the processor core multiplier (CPU Core Ratio) and the BCLK frequency (BCLK Frequency), in the AI Tweaker settings, you can set the BCLK Frequency: DRAM Frequency (100:100, 100:133) coefficient and configure the operation of memory modules.
At 100 MHz BCLK, the maximum frequency of DDR4 memory modules can be 4266 MHz.
Naturally, it is possible to adjust the memory timings.
In addition, you can adjust the voltage of the processor, memory, etc., as well as set the operating mode of the voltage regulator.
In a word, everything is as usual here.
findings
Let's summarize. The new Intel Z270 chipset, by and large, is no different from a similar solution of the previous generation (Z170). We added a few PCIe 3.0 ports (was 20, now 24) and, accordingly, high-speed HSIO ports (was 26, now 30). How might this affect the boards themselves? This will simplify them a little in the sense that there is less need to come up with clever separation schemes to ensure that all connectors, slots and controllers work in the face of a shortage of PCIe 3.0 lanes/ports. That is, the functionality of the boards will increase in the sense that more additional devices on the board will be able to work simultaneously. But there is no need to wait for an increase in the number of connectors and ports: there are already too many of them on the boards.
And the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board is an excellent illustration of all that has been said. The use of additional PCIe 3.0 chipset lines made it possible not to separate M.2 connectors with a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot and PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, while in terms of the number of slots, connectors and ports it does not differ from the previous generation Asus boards based on the Intel Z170 chipset.
At the time of this review, the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board has not yet gone on sale, so we cannot say anything about its cost.
The board is provided for testing by the manufacturer
Today we will understand what are the differences between Intel 1151 chipsets and the differences between motherboards based on H110, B150, B250, H170, H270, Z170, Z270 chips. There are many different misconceptions: someone "overclocks" processors on motherboards with the H110 chipset, others are "convinced" that games require only a "game board" Z170, Z270.
In 2018, the article “What are the differences between Intel chipsets 1151v2“You can read it.
Let's look at what really makes the difference and which motherboard is right for your tasks.
The first point should be noted that there is no cardinal difference between the 100th and 200th series of chips. Overall, the 200 series received minor feature improvements over the 100 series.
The hundredth series of motherboards was made before the release of the seventh generation of Intel processors - Kaby Lake and, accordingly, their "old" BIOS is designed only for Skylake (6th generation Intel processors). However, if you buy a new motherboard of the hundredth series, then the BIOS will most likely be flashed at the factory by the manufacturer itself (usually indicated on the packaging), which means it will support processors of both generations. The 200 series supports both Kaby Lake and Skylake out of the box.
All the features and functions of the 100-series have been carried over to the 200 with some additions. For example, the operation of an SSD with Optane cache support will require a strictly 200-series chipset and Kaby Lake processors of at least i3. The best PC in 2018 is to read.
Features of motherboards based on the H110 chipset
If you decide to build a system on a tight budget, then the H110 chipset is your choice.
H series chipsets have traditionally served as stripped-down versions of the Z series due to smaller HSIO slots and lack of overclocking support.
- No processor overclocking (with the exception of very rare models which are quite difficult to get in Russia)
- The power system is usually 5-7 phases. (For a motherboard not designed for overclocking, it is enough)
- Two slots for RAM
- One graphics card (no Crossfire/SLI capability)
- Maximum RAM frequency - 2133MHZ
- Up to 4 USB, 4SATA 3x4PIN FAN
- Technology missing: INTEL SMART RESPONSE RAPID STORAGE
All these limitations lead to the fact that this motherboard is very cheap. It is perfect for budget builds, but with the ability to install the latest generation of processors. Based on this chipset, you can assemble gaming computer elementary-intermediate level. The average price of motherboards based on the H110 chipset is 2.5-3.5 thousand rubles.
Features of motherboards based on B150/B250 chipsets
Motherboards based on B150/B250 chips have, perhaps, the most optimal price/quality ratio (if overclocking is not important for you). Ideal for medium system.
The price for boards based on B150/B250 chips is from 4,000. The only drawback is that there is no support for a raid array (combining two (or more) physical disks into one "physical" disk).
- No CPU overclock
- No overclocking random access memory
- Maximum RAM frequency - 2133MHZ (B250 - 2400MHZ)
- Up to 12 USB, 6 SATA 3-5 X4PIN FAN, up to 2 M2 connectors? USB 3.1 support
- Technology support: INTEL SMALL BUSINESS ADVANTAGE
Features of motherboards based on H170/H270 chipsets
H170 based solutions are a compromise between B150/B250 and Z170/Z270 chips. The user gets even more features: support for a raid array, more ports, but still cannot use this motherboard for overclocking.
- No CPU overclock
- No overclocking RAM
- Power system 6-10 phases (typically)
- Up to 4 RAM slots
- There is Crossfire X16X4, No SLI support
- Maximum RAM frequency - 2133MHZ (H250 - 2400MHZ)
- Up to 14 USB, 6 SATA 3-7 X4PIN FAN, up to 2 M2 connectors? USB 3.1 support
Features of motherboards based on Z170/Z270 chipsets
Motherboards based on the Z170/Z270 chipset are overclockable. There are useful features for enthusiasts, such as: power buttons directly on the motherboard itself, post-code indicators, additional fan headers, BIOS reset and switch buttons. All this greatly simplifies the life of enthusiasts (people who are engaged in overclocking).
In addition to the fact that motherboards with Z170 / Z270 chips can drive a processor, they also allow you to use faster sets of random access memory (RAM) and overclock them.
- Supports CPU overclocking
- Supports overclocking RAM
- Power system 7-13 phases (typically)
- Up to 4 RAM slots
- CROSSFIRE X8X8/X8X4X4/X8X8X4, SLI X8X8 possible
- Maximum RAM frequency - 4500MHZ (B250 - 2400MHZ)
- Up to 14 USB, 6 SATA 5-7 X4PIN FAN, up to 3 M2 connectors, USB 3.1 support
- Technology support: INTEL SMALL RESPONSE TECHNOLOGY, INTEL RAPID STORAGE
Comparative characteristics of motherboards for the LGA1151 platform
|
Characteristics |
H 110 | B150/B250 | H170/H270 |
Z170/Z270 |
|
Overclocking the processor, memory |
No | No | ||
|
Connectors (slots) for RAM |
2-4 | 4 | ||
|
Maximum RAM frequency |
2133/2400 | 2133/2400 | ||
|
Number of power phases |
6 — 10 | 6 — 11 | ||
|
SLI support |
No | No | ||
|
CROSSFIRE support |
X16X4 | X16X4 | ||
|
Connectors SATA 6 GB/S |
6 | 6 | ||
|
Total USB (USB3.0) |
12 (6) | 14 (8) | ||
|
Connectors M 2 |
1 — 2 | 1 — 2 | ||
|
Intel Smart Response |
No | Yes | ||
|
Support SATA RAID 0/1/5/10 |
No | Yes | ||
|
Intel Small Business Advantage |
No | Yes | optional | |
|
Number of monitor outputs |
3 | 3 |
By the way, we have not touched on motherboards based on the chipset with the “Q” index. These motherboards are used primarily for business and very rarely in home assemblies. In fact, the Q170 chip is an analogue of the H170, but with corporate "chips". By the way, you may be interested in the article “The best gaming processor. Review of the Intel Core i7-8700K ”, you can read it.
If you are building a computer and looking for the best prices for components, then option number one - computeruniverse.com. Time-tested German store. Coupon for 5% euro discount — FWXENXI. Happy assembly!
I'll start with the most important thing: Kaby Lake processors (a review of three models) are fully compatible with motherboards built on 100-series chipsets. This is H110/B150/H170/Z170 Express. Only one action is required - update the BIOS to the latest version. Anyone who wants to upgrade to a 7th generation Core (for example, to change their Core i3 to Core i7) does not need to buy a new board.
Intel released eight sets of logic for building home and corporate systems at once. The first question is: why? After all (according to the tick-tock-tock concept), the transition to new platform Did not happen. We saw something similar in 2014 when the processor giant released Haswell Refresh processors. So the logic in the actions of the chipmaker can be traced.
Manufacturers of motherboards are only satisfied. Kaby Lake is, if indecisive, but an incentive to upgrade your computer. Enthusiasts and other sympathizers are primarily interested in motherboards based on B250 Express, H270 Express and Z270 Express chipsets. Let's consider the functionality of these solutions in more detail.
Features of the new chipsets
Obviously, the LGA1151 platform will be relevant not only throughout 2017, but also in 2018. Kaby Lake chips came out, for which the Skylake Refresh name is more suitable. Further, Intel will transfer the same architecture, as I like to say, to new “rails”, thereby using the 10-nm process technology. So, keeping in mind Haswell Refresh and Broadwell desktop processors, there is an opinion that Coffee Lake/Cannonlake will be supported only by boards based on 200-series chipsets.
If Intel's concept does not change, then 10nm Cannonlake/Coffee Lake processors will also be compatible with the LGA1151 platform.
Again, most users are interested in three chipsets. The functionality of the Z270 Express, H270 Express and B250 Express logic is described in detail in the table.
Processor PCI Express 3.0 bus configuration
1x 16 1x 8 + 2x 4 1x 16 1x 16 Chipset PCI Express 3.0 lanes
Number of monitor outputs
Number of M.2 ports (PCI Express x4 3.0)
Number of memory channels
Number of SATA 3.0 ports Number of USB (3.0) ports
RAID 0/1/5/10 support Overclocking support
Support for Intel Smart Response Technology
Are you asking for innovation? Intel has them. The most important thing is the use of additional PCI Express 3.0 lanes. For comparison, the Z170 Express, H170 Express, and B150 Express have 20, 16, and 8 lanes, respectively. I wrote in detail about 100-series chipsets in this article. Intel calls this increase in PCI Express lanes an optimization for Optane memory (reminder), which is still not going to be sold.
In our opinion, it sounds like this: now even the cheapest motherboards based on the B250 Express chipset will have an M.2 port (PCI Express x4 3.0). In cool gaming motherboards - two, or even three The number of other elements, if we continue to compare the hundredth series with the two hundredth, has not changed. That's all "innovations". We will talk about overclocking later, but it is available only with Z270 solutions. Boards based on the B250 chipset belong to the corporate class due to the support of the Intel Small Business Advantage complex. This will not prevent ASUS, ASRock, GIGABYTE, and MSI from releasing a whole bunch of "gaming" devices based on this logic.
For office machines and workstations, solutions based on the Q270 Express and Q250 Express logic will be released. The Taiwanese even manage to "rivet" game boards with such chips. The same Q270 Express functionality is no different from the Z270 Express. There is no overclocking, but there is support for technologies such as Intel Standard Manageability and Intel Active Management Technology 11.6.
What do we end up with? Chipsets of the 200th series are the most functional solutions to date. But let's be honest: the differences between, say, the Z270 Express from the Z170 Express are minimal. I don’t see a queue for Intel Optane (as well as the drives themselves). In addition, we take into account the fact that store warehouses are crammed with unsold products. Therefore, new items at first will certainly cost more than “junk”.
AMD has already declassified the features of the X370/B350 logic for the AM4 platform. Let's see what the partners of the "Reds" will offer both in the budget and in the top segments. But it is already obvious that in 2017 all developers of central processors will use modern developments: USB 3.1, PCI Express 3.0, NVM Express. "Forever drunk, forever young" AM3 + and FM2 are noticeably outdated. It's time for them to retire to conquer flea markets.
ASUS PRIME Z270-A and ASUS STRIX Z270E GAMING
The PRIME Z270-A and STRIX Z270E GAMING boards are real midrangers. In the good sense of the word. Because there will be cheaper solutions on the Z270 Express chipset, as well as more expensive ones. Noticeably more expensive. A cursory study specifications leads to one thought: we have twins. The only noticeable difference is that STRIX Z270E GAMING has a wireless module with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. But not everything is so clear.
Regular readers of the “Computer of the Month” column know that I install boards of a similar level in assemblies costing 100,000 rubles and 150,000 rubles. Since they have all the necessary functions, including the ability to overclock the processor and memory.
4x DIMM, DDR4-2133-3866, up to 64 GB 4x DIMM, DDR4-2133-3866, up to 64 GB
6x SATA 3.0 2x M.2 (PCI Express x4 3.0)
Expansion slots
3x PCI Express x16 4x PCI Express x1 3x PCI Express x16 4x PCI Express x1 Intel I219V, 10/100/1000Mbps Intel I219V, 10/100/1000Mbps Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ ac Bluetooth 4.1 Crystal Sound 3 (Realtek ALC1220)
ROG SupremeFX (Realtek ALC1220)
Connectors on the rear panel
5x 3.5mm jack
1x HDMI 1.4b 1x DisplayPort 1.2 1x DVI-D 1x PS/2 1x USB 3.1 Type-C 1x USB 3.1 Type-A 4x USB 3.0 1x RJ-45 1x S/PDIF
5x 3.5mm jack
Form Factor
Classic Mother Series ASUS boards named PRIME. Model Z270-A is one of the most functional solutions in the line. But the PRO GAMING series will no longer be. The Taiwanese are launching a new one - ROG STRIX. The STRIX Z270F GAMING model is similar to the STRIX Z270E GAMING, but without Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. STRIX Z270G GAMING is a mATX form factor board. The MAXIMUS (already IX!) and TUF lines remain.
And here are the first noticeable differences! The set is different. PRIME Z270-A has only a HB-bridge for combining NVIDIA GeForce video cards into a single array. STRIX Z270E GAMING has a bunch of all kinds of waste paper (stickers, a mug holder, stickers for SATA wires), an RGB strip extension and a remote Wi-Fi antenna. The SLI bridge is, of course, present. By the way, this is the first feature of boards of this level. Cheaper solutions based on the Z270 chipset only have CrossFire support.
As for the number of expansion slots and their wiring, both boards copy each other. All possibilities are used, namely, the textolite has three PCI Express x16 and four PCI Express x1 ports. PEG work in x8+x8+x4 mode. And here nothing has changed compared to the logic of the Z170 Express.
The slots are reinforced. This is a trendy feature among all manufacturers. The Taiwanese prove that in this way the ports are additionally protected from breakage due to inaccurate installation of video cards. But... I've been doing computer hardware for over ten years and have never encountered a similar problem. So there are two options. Either I'm bragging, or we're dealing with ordinary marketing. Another well-known motherboard manufacturer also reinforces DIMM slots.
Two M.2 interfaces are soldered between the PCI Express ports. As we have already found out, this is the main highlight of the 200 series chipsets. One (top) allows you to install a drive up to 110 mm long (when using it, the first SATA port is disabled). The second (lower) - up to 80 mm (when using it, the fifth and sixth SATA ports are disabled).
STRIX Z270E GAMING has six connectors for connecting fans. All are 4 pin. And two ports for connecting RGB tapes. The PRIME Z270-A has a similar number of fan headers. And only one connector for RGB tape. In top solutions, a separate connector for connecting a CBO pump has long been provided.
By the way, about the backlight. Both boards boast this element. Only STRIX Z270E GAMING, in addition to the isolating sound path, also has illuminated cooling radiators for the power subsystem. "Garland" is configured in the Aura Sync application.
ASUS, which is commendable, pays a lot of attention to modding and in general appearance computer systems
I did not mention (and in vain), but I am correcting myself - the kit comes with a discount coupon for buying braided cables on asus.cablemod.com. And on the motherboard there are several 3D Mount fasteners. You can 3D print all kinds of decorations for the device and fix them. Examples of work are located here.
ASUS STRIX Z270E GAMING
The power subsystem for PRIME Z270-A and STRIX Z270E GAMING is the same. Eight phases are dedicated to the processor. Two more - for integrated graphics. Only the STRIX version will have larger radiators. How this affects overclocking and cooling efficiency, I will tell / show further.
Overall plastic visors are another modding attribute of modern ASUS motherboards.
Please note that ASUS engineers abandoned the interface SATA Express. Other manufacturers do too. Dead port. Since its inception, at least some normal drive has not appeared. Only concepts. Time has shown that M.2 (PCI Express x4) is much more promising. And so, PRIME Z270-A and STRIX Z270E GAMING have a standard number of SATA 3.0 - six each.
I have already managed to get acquainted with a large number of motherboards for Kaby Lake processors. In most cases, solutions based on the Z270 chipset will receive a new sound chip - Realtek ALC1220. It is he who is used in the Crystal Sound 3 subsystems for PRIME Z270-A and ROG SupremeFX for STRIX Z270E GAMING. The photos show that in the second case, more Japanese Nichicon capacitors were used, as well as two headphone amplifiers. Crystal Sound 3 doesn't have that.
The RightMark Audio Analyzer benchmark found the Realtek ALC1150 and Realtek ALC1220 to have "very good" sound quality. But in some patterns, the new chip looks better. To be honest, I didn't notice much of a difference.
Frequency response unevenness (in the range of 40 Hz - 15 kHz), dB +0.01, -0.08 Excellent
0.01, -0.12 Excellent
Noise level, dB (A)
108.9 Excellent
85.5 Good
Dynamic range, dB (A)
Harmonic distortion, %
0.006 Very good
Harmonic distortion + noise, dB (A)
Intermodulation distortion + noise, %
0.035 Excellent
0.017 Very good
Interpenetration of channels, dB -92.2 Excellent
80.2 Very good
Intermodulation at 10 kHz, %
0.021 Good
Overall score
Very well
Very well
The interfaces of the motherboards are the same. Only STRIX Z270E GAMING has outputs for connecting an external Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antenna on the I/O-panel. There are HDMI 1.4b and DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs, and this is a minus of the devices. Kaby Lake chips received HD 630 graphics that support HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 interfaces and output 4K images at 60 Hz.
USB 3.1 interfaces are implemented using ASMedia controllers.
Here on the STRIX Z270E GAMING board, next to the 24-pin power connector, the internal USB 3.1 interface is wired. Cases with such ports are already on sale. PRIME Z270-A has a regular internal USB 3.0 connector. But from the controls, the board received a hardware power key. Both devices are equipped with a color indication that replaces the display of POST signals. They show at what stage the system boot stalled. The PRIME Z270-A still has the MemOK! button.
BIOS and software
In terms of functionality, PRIME Z270-A and STRIX Z270E GAMING have the same BIOS firmware. Only the skins are different. Cataloging, ergonomics and options have not changed much compared to the same Z170 PRO GAMING. Of the useful features, the ability to adjust the multiplier for applications using AVX instructions has been added. This feature first appeared in Broadwell-E processors.
Otherwise, nothing special compared to the solutions of past generations. But there is nothing wrong with that. motherboard BIOS board is good, very good.
Concerning software, then the AI Suite 3 integrated utility has been developing on its own for quite a long time. With its help, you can overclock the processor and memory, configure the operation of all fans connected to the board, and also monitor the temperatures and voltages of the main components of the system.
Overclocking and heating
The test stand is as follows:
CPU: Core i7-7700K @5.0GHz CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X61 RAM: DDR4-3000 (16-16-16-36), 4x 4GB Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Storage: SSD 480GB Block Power Supply: Corsair AX1500i, 1500W Operating Windows system 10 x64 Core i7-7700K test results presented in a detailed review.
PRIME Z270-A and STRIX Z270E GAMING are equipped with EZ Tuning Wizard. Depending on the type of cooling system, the "wizard" will offer the following options: boxed cooler- 12% chip overclock and 0% memory; air cooling - 15% and 0%; water cooling - 17% and 4% respectively. It won't be enough!
I manually overclocked the Core i7-7700K I have at hand to 5 GHz without any problems. The stand used a maintenance-free liquid cooling system NZXT Kraken X61. To do this, I needed to raise the voltage to 1.4 V. Interestingly, when the Load Line Calibration function was activated, the boards behaved differently. But both kept stable 5 GHz.
ASUS PRIME Z270-A ASUS STRIX Z270E GAMING
Level 4 1.376V 1.36V Level 5 1.392V 1.392V Level 6 1.424V 1.408V The STRIX Z270E GAMING regulates the voltage more precisely from the fifth LLC level.
Kaby Lake with the letter "K" in the name can be overclocked, including on the bus. Whether there will be special firmware for boards based on the Z270 Express chipset that will allow overclocking other seventh-generation Cores, I don’t know. I hope that everything will be. But PRIME Z270-A and ASUS STRIX Z270E GAMING show excellent results. The first overclocked to 240 MHz, the second - up to 290 MHz. Such an overclock is enough to, for example, overclock the Core i5-6400 from 2700 MHz to 240x27=6480 MHz. But, I repeat, everything depends on the appearance of appropriate BIOS versions. We keep our fists.
In overclocking, under load, the PRIME Z270-A power subsystem noticeably heats up - up to 96 degrees Celsius after half an hour of LinX 0.7.0. The “patient” will live, but I would like more “calm” temperatures. We take into account that CBO is specially used for testing motherboards. With the use of an air cooler, the batteries will be additionally blown. Especially with the Down Flow system. And yet, good air circulation in the case is indispensable.
The remaining elements of the board cannot be called hot.
The STRIX Z270E GAMING power subsystem is noticeably cooler under the same load. The temperature is about 10 degrees Celsius lower. I think it just affects the presence of better cooling. The boards have the same batteries.
Finally
Well, we found out that there is nothing fundamentally new in the 200 series chipsets. M.2 drives with PCI Express x4 interface are implemented on many solutions for Skylake processors. It is clear that new system it is better to assemble on the basis of more modern hardware, but you need to look at prices. At first, the cost of new products will be overestimated.
The PRIME Z270-A and STRIX Z270E GAMING motherboards are high-quality "fighters" and fully correspond to their positions. Based on these solutions, you can easily assemble a powerful gaming computer. With Core i7 on board. With two NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon graphics cards. With fast NVM Express storage. I liked the STRIX Z270E GAMING more. She has more quality cooling. If there is no need for a wireless communication module, then feel free to take the STRIX Z270F GAMING. Definitely a good buy for those who will be building a system with a Core i7-7700K.
For office machines and workstations, solutions based on the Q270 Express and Q250 Express logic will be released. The Taiwanese even manage to "rivet" game boards with such chips. The same Q270 Express functionality is no different from the Z270 Express. There is no overclocking, but there is support for technologies such as Intel Standard Manageability and Intel Active Management Technology 11.6.
What do we end up with? Chipsets of the 200th series are the most functional solutions to date. But let's be honest: the differences between, say, the Z270 Express from the Z170 Express are minimal. I don’t see a queue for Intel Optane (as well as the drives themselves). In addition, we take into account the fact that store warehouses are crammed with unsold products. Therefore, new items at first will certainly cost more than “junk”.
AMD has already declassified the features of the X370/B350 logic for the AM4 platform. Let's see what the partners of the "Reds" will offer both in the budget and in the top segments. But it is already obvious that in 2017 all developers of central processors will use modern developments: USB 3.1, PCI Express 3.0, NVM Express. "Forever drunk, forever young" AM3 + and FM2 are noticeably outdated. It's time for them to retire to conquer flea markets.
ASUS PRIME Z270-A and ASUS STRIX Z270E GAMING
The PRIME Z270-A and STRIX Z270E GAMING boards are real midrangers. In the good sense of the word. Because there will be cheaper solutions on the Z270 Express chipset, as well as more expensive ones. Noticeably more expensive. A cursory study of the technical characteristics leads to one thought: we have twins in front of us. The only noticeable difference is that STRIX Z270E GAMING has a wireless module with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. But not everything is so clear.
