ASUS has unveiled a new line of motherboards based on the Intel Z270 chipset, allowing users to experience the full potential of the latest seventh generation Intel® Core™ processors. Among all the 2017 models, the highly anticipated ASUS Maximus IX Apex motherboard from the Republic of Gamers ROG series, with which the world’s best overclockers have set eight records and took 13 first places in popular benchmarks, is worth special mention.
New motherboards have been added to the lineup, along with the latest ROG Strix Series models, designed specifically for the style-conscious enthusiast. New series motherboards ASUS Prime with a wide range of options suitable for everyday use. ASUS TUF series remains a highly reliable motherboard, but now with new overclocking capabilities. ASUS motherboards optimized for workstation use have also been upgraded to support new proprietary technologies.
Joe Hsieh, Vice President of Motherboard Division at ASUS, said “Our last generation motherboards have received numerous awards from various prestigious publications and media, and ASUS itself is rightfully considered the No.1 brand in motherboard design. We aim to make the best motherboards: reliable and easy to use.
With the Intel Z270 motherboard lineup, we pushed the limits of customization and innovation such as Aura Sync RGB LED Sync or 3D printed interchangeable motherboard bezels.
In partnership with Shapeways, a global leader in 3D printing services, we have launched a company store where users from around the world can purchase interchangeable parts or download the source files to print on a 3D printer. It’s time to unleash the full potential of the new 7th generation Intel Core processors with ASUS motherboards based on the Intel Z270 chipset.
New technologies to boost performance
ASUS is the world’s leader in motherboards. ASUS engineers pursue uncompromising performance when designing its components, and have been tested to meet today’s stringent industry standards. Users now have the ability to increase CPU clock speed up to 5.0GHz, and even higher, with just a click of the mouse. New Z270-based ASUS motherboards feature a variety of useful features for overclockers.
Exclusive 5-Way Optimization feature optimizes system settings for peak performance. Brand new Stress Test Distribution feature allows you to distribute the load level between CPU and RAM when overclocking. Fan Xpert 4 is a new generation intelligent fan control system, the latest version of which allows you to set the temperature of the GPU as the basis for fan control of the PC cooling system.
ASUS Pro Clock is a special overclock generator to provide 425MHz or better BCLK for 7th generation Intel Core processors. This enables you to overclock your PC and boost CPU speeds to a record 5.4GHz or faster.
Third-generation T-Topology enables users to boost memory overclocking potential. Custom T-slot connection topology to achieve 4133MHz1 and higher memory frequency when overclocking DDR4 memory modules on the new ASUS motherboards. ASUS engineers collaborate with memory module manufacturers to ensure component compatibility.
Motherboard Customization
Proprietary ASUS Aura Sync technology allows you to use multiple Aura LED-backlit devices together, syncing visuals perfectly together with a single control center from a convenient app. Worth noting the brand-new backlight pulsing mode in the rhythm of the played tune and 4-pin connector for connecting RGB tapes 12 V , which will help make the design of the computer unique. Aura Sync brings a symphony of light to your PC, giving you a truly unmistakable look and feel.
ASUS has always striven to make it easy for users to customize the look of their computers and components. Now ASUS is the first motherboard manufacturer to offer models supporting unique 3D printed customization. This means that the user can create different parts on a 3D printer to help personalize the appearance or expand the functionality of the device.
The motherboard features special mounting holes for 3D printed accessories. They are mounted with the same screws that are used to mount the M.2, so the user can easily install a nameplate, a cable holder, a cover for the SLI™ bridge, a panel with text written in ROG branding, or even a fan holder. All of this allows you to create a fully customized design for your system.
ASUS has partnered with Shapeways, a global leader in 3D printing services, to launch the ASUS 3D Printing Store, where users around the world can download 3D drawings in CAD format of replacement parts and then print them themselves on a 3D printer.
Record performance of seventh generation Intel Core processor
The all-new ROG Maximus IX Apex motherboard is the innovative ROG series. The new product brings players back to the roots of the Republic of Gamers brand, an elite community of enthusiasts striving for maximum computer performance. The ROG Maximus IX Apex motherboard will allow you to go beyond the usual things. The motherboard already set 8 world records WRs and tied 13 global first places GFPs in popular benchmarks. ROG Maximus IX Apex motherboard was able to overclock the Intel Core i7-7700K CPU to a record 7.383GHz with one active core and 7.328GHz with four active cores. BCLK frequency was 584 MHz and RAM frequency reached 5041 MHz.
| 2D benchmarks | ||
| Category | Category | Category |
| PiFast | 8c72ms | WR |
| SuperPi1M | 4 c937ms | WR |
| SuperPi32M | 4min17s500ms | WR |
| CinebenchR11.5 – 4x | 16,73 | GFP |
| CinebenchR15 – 4x | 1515 | GFP |
| Geekbench3 multi – x4 | 29463 | GFP |
| GPUPI for CPU – 1B x4 | 225643 | GFP |
| HWBOT Prime – 4x | 8471 | GFP |
| wPrime32M – 4x | 2c891ms | GFP |
| wPrime1024M – 4x | 1min31s516ms | GFP |
| XTU – 4x | 2301 | GFP |
| Benchmarks from past generations | Category | Category |
| Aquamark | ||
| 1x GPU | 652098 | GFP |
| 3DMark2001 SE | ||
| 1x GPU | 212326 | WR |
| 3DMark03 | ||
| 1x GPU | 351557 | WR |
| 2x GPU | 342682 | GFP |
| 3DMark05 | ||
| 1x GPU | 88398 | WR |
| 2x GPU | 87604 | GFP |
| 3Dmark06 | ||
| 1x GPU | 68888 | WR |
| 2x GPU | 68766 | GFP |
| 3D benchmarks | Category | Category |
| UnigineHeaven -Xtremepreset | ||
| 1x GPU | 11009.58 | GFP |
| 2x GPU | 11187,77 | WR |
*List of world records as of January 3, 2017
ROG and ROG Strix: Together to win
The Republic of Gamers line of motherboards includes the familiar next-generation Maximus IX Extreme, Maximus IX Formula, Maximus IX Hero as well as two new models Maximus IX Code and Maximus IX Apex. The all-new ROG Strix series added. All new motherboards based on Intel Z270 chipset feature exclusive ROG technologies for best performance, blistering sound quality, cooler performance, and cooler styling.
Maximus IX Apex motherboard gives you incredible overclocking capabilities. It features the revolutionary DIMM socket.Two side-by-side RAM slots, which is used to install two high-speed M-SDDs.2. Not only is the Maximus IX Apex motherboard asymmetrically shaped, but more importantly, it has a custom cutout that makes the Aura Sync LED backlighting look even brighter. Air ducting that looks somewhat like an airplane and a nameplate make Maximus IX Apex a truly unique design.
Two ROG series motherboards based on Z270 chipset, Maximus IX Extreme and Maximus IX Formula, are prepared for water cooling system.
Maximus IX Extreme is the world’s first motherboard with an integrated monoblock a waterblock with a single base for dissipating heat from the CPU and power supply designed by Bitspower. The innovative ROG technologies implemented on this motherboard represent a refinement of traditional motherboards: The monoblock detects coolant flow rates, has a dedicated inlet and outlet temperature monitoring function, and has a leak detection technology. Also integrated into the waterblock is a heat sink for M-interface.2, which guarantees the reliability and provides the increased performance of the board.
Liquid-cooling component maker EKWB refines the hybrid heat sink found on Maximus IX Formula. Thanks to this new design, a 4˚C reduction in temperature compared to the previous generation model.
ROG Strix is a completely new range of products for gamers. It includes ROG Strix Z270E Gaming, ROG Strix Z270F Gaming, ROG Strix Z270H Gaming ATX form factor , ROG Strix Z270G Gaming mATX and ROG Strix Z270I Gaming mini-ITX motherboards.
The ROG Strix Z270 Series motherboard offers daring design, top-notch performance, and incredible sound. In short, it delivers everything the modern gamer demands. Unique contrasting patterns and a bright Republic of Gamers logo complete the sleek look of the matte black PCB. Aura backlight with Aura Sync technology for an unforgettable experience.
ASUS Prime: built for excellence
ASUS Prime is the next generation of ASUS motherboards going all the way back to 1989. The Prime series engineering team wanted to make the series as flexible and customizable as possible which is exactly what most demanding users want. Prime motherboards empower computer enthusiasts with maximum performance, flawless stability and complete control over their systems.
Prime series motherboards feature 5-Way One Click Optimization with overclocking speeds up to 4.8GHz and higher2. Fan Xpert 4 technology for intelligent fan control. 3rd Generation T-Topology enables DDR4 memory to run up to overclocking speeds of up to 3866MHz. 5X Protection III incorporates a full range of technologies to protect against electrical overloads, corrosion, static electricity and other threats. SafeSlot Core technology is a special way to attach the PCIe slot, which provides greater durability and resistance to deformation.
Prime series motherboards feature Aura backlighting with flexible adjustment and the ability to sync with other compatible devices. You can also connect standard LED strips to them to add even more personality and brightness to your computer.
Another feature is support for 3D-printed parts. High quality built-in audio system based on Realtek S1220A codec, which has a signal-to-noise ratio of 120dB and 113dB for stereo output and linear audio input, respectively. When headphones are plugged in, gain adjusts automatically to provide the optimal volume range. Integrated innovative DTS Headphone:X® technology produces a spatial sound effect when using headphones.
Using the PCI Express® PCIe® bus, the M.2 Gbps data transfer rate up to 32Gbps. Ideal for use with the latest solid state drives. Prime Z270 series motherboards feature USB 3 ports.1 With a standard Type-A connector and Type-C™ connector. Most Prime Z270 series motherboards are compatible with the new Intel Optane™ non-volatile memory. Prime Z270-A and Z270-AR get the next generation ASUS SLI HB bridge with double the bandwidth, designed for multi-processor graphics configurations. It’s compatible with modern NVIDIA processor-based graphics cards including Titan X, GeForce GTX 1080, and GeForce GTX 1070.
ASUS TUF: reliability in every detail
The TUF Z270 series is the epitome of unsurpassed reliability and performance. Key components used on TUF Z270 series motherboards meet military quality standards. To ensure the reliability of these motherboards, a 5 year warranty from the manufacturer is also offered.
TUF Series features advanced overclocking capabilities for the first time. Original T-Type topology of DIMM slots gives more memory overclocking potential. As a result, these DDR4 modules can run at extremely high speeds of up to 3866 MHz or faster with all slots enabled.
Pro Clock is a proprietary overclock generator that allows you to increase the base clock speed of 7th generation Intel Core processors up to 425 MHz3, giving you a huge boost in system performance. Thermal Radar 2+ features TurboV Processing Unit, so even inexperienced users can overclock their PC quickly and easily.
The hardware monitoring featured on TUF Z270 series motherboards with the TUF Ice processor is extremely accurate, so you can be confident that you will always have accurate information on the condition of your PC. A variety of onboard temperature sensors monitor component temperatures in real-time, and fan optimization for both onboard and offboard ASUS graphics cards is handled by the Thermal Radar 2+ utility or TUF Detective 2 mobile app.
TUF Z270 series motherboards feature the unique TUF Thermal Armor with built-in Aura lighting. In addition to protecting the motherboard from physical effects, it improves cooling by optimizing airflow. Lower component temperatures around the voltage regulator by 18.9°C by installing an optional fan4.
Crystal Sound 3 audio is built into TUF Z270 series motherboards with Realtek S1220A codec and DTS Headphone:X technology.
The TUF Z270 series gives you a solid platform for your workstation PC with high-end graphics cards. The TUF Z270 has a long list of compatibility options for video cards designed for high-end workstations, so before you buy one you can be sure that it will work with your motherboard without the slightest problem.
ASUS Workstations: For Real Professionals
ASUS workstation motherboards also received upgraded versions based on Z270 chipset. Find optimal PC settings with ASUS 5-Way Optimization feature on WS Series motherboard.
Four PCI Express 3 slots.0 x16 slots allow for powerful multiprocessor graphics configurations with up to four GPUs. With support for NVIDIA GeForce SLI, NVIDIA Quadro® SLI and AMD® CrossFireX™ technologies, the Z270-WS motherboard is the perfect choice for graphics and video editing professionals to get the most out of their 3D applications.
Just like Prime series motherboards, Z270-WS introduces Crystal Sound 3 audio system including Realtek S1220A codec and DTS Headphone:X technology.
Z270-WS offers two M ports.2 and two U.2 ports with data transfer rates of up to 32 Gbps. USB 3.1 connector is available as a standard Type-A connector for compatibility with previous generations, and a reversible Type-C connector. Peak throughput up to 10Gbps. Z270-WS is also compatible with the ThunderboltEX 3 expansion card, which is a Thunderbolt 3 high-speed peripheral Thunderbolt 3 controller up to 40Gbps . Two Intel Gigabit LAN adapters optimized by ASUS engineers for easy connectivity.
What are the key features and specifications of the new ASUS motherboards based on the Intel Z270 chipset?
The new ASUS motherboards based on the Intel Z270 chipset come with a variety of key features and specifications. Some of the standout features include support for 7th generation Intel Core processors, DDR4 memory support up to 3866MHz, multiple PCIe slots for graphics cards and storage devices, USB 3.1 connectivity, M.2 and SATA Express for high-speed storage options, and configurable RGB lighting for a personalized look. These motherboards also come with advanced overclocking capabilities, improved audio quality, and robust cooling solutions to ensure optimal performance and stability. Overall, ASUS Z270 motherboards offer a solid foundation for building a high-performance gaming or productivity PC.
What are the key features and improvements of the new ASUS motherboards based on the Intel Z270 chipset?
What are the key features and improvements of the new ASUS motherboards based on the Intel Z270 chipset?