Asus mother card. ASUSTeK - motherboards and network equipment. Internal and external connectors

We continue our review of the wide range of ASUS motherboards. This material will present a version running the “top” Intel Z87 Express chipset. In its name, form factor, appearance and functionality, it is very close to the ASUS Z87-A and ASUS Z87-C models. At the same time, the manufacturer itself positions it as an affordable solution based on the flagship system logic set for creating a productive PC with support for processor overclocking.

ASUS Z87-K motherboard specification:

Manufacturer	ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
	Intel Z87 Express
CPU socket
Supported processors	Intel Core i7 / Core i5 / Core i3 / Pentium / Celeron fourth generation
Frequency of used memory	2933* / 2800* / 2666* / 2600* / 2400* / 2200* / 2133* / 2000* / 1866* / 1600 / 1333 MHz *in acceleration
Memory support	4 x DDR3 DIMM slots supporting up to 32 GB memory
Expansion slots	1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 (in x16 mode) 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 (in x4 mode) 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1
Disk subsystem	6 x SATA 6 Gb/s
	1 x Realtek 8111GR (10/100/1000 Mb/s)
Sound subsystem	8-channel HD Audio based on codec
	24-pin connector ATX power supply 8-pin ATX12V power connector
Fans	1 x CPU Fan Header (4-pin) 2 x connection connectors system fans(4-pin)
Cooling	Aluminum heatsink on elements of the processor power subsystem Aluminum heatsink on chipset
External I/O ports	2 x PS/2 (keyboard and mouse) 3 x audio ports
Internal I/O ports	1 x USB 3.0 supporting two USB 3.0 ports 3 x USB 2.0, each supporting two USB 2.0 ports 6 x SATA 6 Gb/s 1 x S/PDIF Out 1 x front panel audio output connector 1 x front panel connector block 1 x CMOS reset jumper
	64 Mbit UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 2.0a
Form factor
Products webpage Product page	New versions of BIOS and drivers can be downloaded from the support page

All prices for Asus+Z87-K

Packaging and equipment

The motherboard comes in a classic box made of thick cardboard. It is decorated in traditional black and yellow colors, familiar to us from other ASUS products. On the front side there is the name of the model and manufacturer, the type of processor socket used and an indication of support AMD technologies CrossFireX, 4K Ultra HD monitors and 5X PROTECTION concept. Let us remind you that the latter includes:

• digital power subsystem DIGI+ VRM, based on high-quality and durable components;
• fuses capable of protecting internal components from damage when excessive current or current is applied short circuit;
• system for protecting external connectors from electrostatic discharges;
• solid-state capacitors with increased service life (up to 5,000 hours at a temperature of 105°C), which have good resistance to elevated operating temperatures;
• interface panel made of high-quality stainless steel, which has anti-corrosion properties thanks to a chromium oxide coating.

The reverse side of the box, in addition to illustrating the capabilities of 5X PROTECTION technologies, also contains a diagram of key connectors and a list of proprietary technologies that significantly expand functionality ASUS Z87-K:

• ASUS USB 3.0 Boost - everything USB ports 3.0 support the UASP protocol, which can significantly increase data transfer speeds;
• ASUS Fan Xpert 2 - proprietary software for independent control of the rotation speed of each fan;
• ASUS GPU Boost is a function of the AI ​​Suite III program, which allows you to overclock the integrated graphics core;
• ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode) - UEFI BIOS user interface for configuring parameters of all system components using the mouse.

The ASUS Z87-K model package includes:

• interface panel cover;
• two SATA cables;
• disk with software and drivers (including Windows 8.1);
• operating instructions;
• quick user guide;
• sticker on the computer case.

Board design and features

The ASUS Z87-K motherboard is made on dark brown PCB and has a classic ATX form factor. The design features a bright yellow color, which is used to color some connectors and radiators of the cooling system. It is also used to visually distinguish different channels of RAM connectors.

In general, the layout of the onboard elements is quite successful, but there are several points that need to be paid attention to. Firstly, the mounting holes on the right edge are shifted closer to the center, so you should carefully connect the 24-pin ATX power connector and SATA cables. Secondly, the SATA 6 Gb/s ports are distributed throughout the PCB: four of the six are located in the lower right corner, and the remaining two are in the middle of the right edge. Thirdly, it deserves special attention COM connector, for which there was no place at the bottom of the board, so it is located between the processor socket and expansion slots.

back side printed circuit board does not contain any important functional elements. The only thing that certainly deserves attention is the metal plate, which strengthens the processor socket and allows you to install an oversized cooling system without the risk of damaging the PCB.

Most of the connectors are concentrated at the bottom of the motherboard. There are: S/PDIF out, a connector for connecting front panel audio ports, three connectors for connecting USB 2.0 ports, a connector for connecting the front panel and a jumper for resetting CMOS parameters. In total, the chipset has ten USB 2.0 ports on the board: six internal and four external (displayed on the interface panel).

In the lower right corner of the new product there are four SATA 6 Gb/s ports. Their location can be considered quite successful, since adjacent connectors or expansion cards with a PCI interface should not block access to them.

Two more SATA 6 Gb/s ports are located in the middle of the right edge of the PCB. They can be used to connect an optical drive or an external pocket for 3.5" drives, which are usually located on the top system case. Also nearby are: a 24-pin ATX power connector, one of two connectors for connecting a system fan, and a connector for connecting two USB 3.0 interfaces. The total number of USB 3.0 ports in the ASUS Z87-K model is four, two of which are internal, and two more are located on the interface panel.

The new product is equipped with four DIMM slots that allow installation of DDR3 memory modules. They support operation in dual-channel mode, to activate which you need to install modules in connectors of different colors (more details this procedure described in the user manual). In this case, memory modules with an operating frequency from 1333 to 2933 MHz can be used, and the maximum total amount of RAM should not exceed 32 GB.

The ASUS Z87-K cooling system is represented by two aluminum radiators. They are secured with spring-loaded clips and painted yellow, which makes them stand out noticeably against the background of other components. The first heatsink is installed on the chipset. During testing, its maximum temperature was recorded at 34.9°C. The second is used to remove and dissipate heat from the power subsystem central processor. Its maximum temperature during testing did not exceed 40.4°C.

The power subsystem of the central processor of the ASUS Z87-K motherboard is made according to a 4-phase circuit. The controller in this case is the proprietary DIGI+ VRM ASP1253 chip. Among its main advantages are efficiency, accuracy and stability of operation under increased load for long term services. 24-pin and 8-pin connectors are used to supply power.

The set of slots for expansion cards of the ASUS Z87-K is very diverse. It is able to meet the needs of many users. To install one graphics accelerator, a yellow PCI Express 3.0 x16 connector is provided, which uses all 16 processor lines. In this case, the video card will operate in maximum performance. If you want to use the AMD CrossFireX configuration, you should also use the black PCI Express 2.0 x16 connector. But it is worth keeping in mind that it will not be able to unleash the full potential of a modern graphics accelerator, since it uses only 4 lines from the chipset.

As for the connectors for other expansion cards, there are two available for their installation PCI slot Express 2.0 x1 and three PCI. As you can see, the configuration of the available connectors is more conducive to creating a system based on one discrete graphics adapter and a number of additional expansion cards.

To provide proper operation HDMI, D-Sub and DVI-D video interfaces use a separate ASMedia ASM1442K controller. Another chip from the same manufacturer - ASMedia ASM1083 - makes it possible to use outdated PCI connectors.

Monitoring functions, PS/2 ports and system fans are supported by the Nuvoton NCT5538D Multi I/O controller.

The network connection is provided by a Realtek 8111GR gigabit LAN controller. As for the sound subsystem of the motherboard in question, it is based on the fairly popular 8-channel HDA codec Realtek ALC887.

As mentioned above, the interface panel ASUS solutions The Z87-K is made of stainless steel and coated with a layer of chromium oxide, making it corrosion resistant. The following connectors are located on it:

• 2 x PS/2 (mouse and keyboard);
• 1 x HDMI;
• 1 x D-Sub;
• 1 x DVI-D;
• 4 x USB 2.0;
• 2 x USB 3.0;
• 1 x LAN (RJ45);
• 3 x audio ports.

In general, we can say that this number of connectors should satisfy the needs of most users. I would especially like to note the presence of three video outputs and two full-fledged PS/2 connectors (for keyboard and mouse), which are not so often found on modern motherboards.

As for owners of multi-channel acoustics, they may experience certain difficulties when connecting them due to the small number of audio outputs.

The new product in question has three 4-pin connectors for connecting fans. Two of them allow you to activate the system turntables, and the third is the propeller of the CPU cooling system. This set allows you to organize a classic blowing scheme (blowing, blowing) and is the most optimal for a model in this price category.

UEFI BIOS

ASUS Z87-K is equipped with a modern UEFI BIOS preloader with a convenient and functional shell, which has a Russian-language interface and supports mouse control.

The main section for overclocking the system and fine-tuning parameters is “Ai Tweaker”. Frequency increase system bus makes it possible to comprehensively improve the performance of key components.

An interesting feature is that in the settings it is possible to set the maximum memory frequency at 3200 MHz, although the specification indicates support for modules with speeds up to 2933 MHz (using overclocking).

It is also possible to produce more fine tuning by changing memory delays or adjusting supply voltage.

For convenience, the overclocking and optimization settings are summarized in the table:

Parameter	Menu name	Range
System bus frequency
	Initial BCLK Frequency
		100, 125, 166, 250
RAM frequency	Memory Frequency	3200, 3000, 2933, 2800, 2666, 2600, 2400, 2200. 2133, 2000, 1866, 1800, 1600, 1400, 1333, 1066, 800
RAM timings		CAS Latency, RAS to CAS Delay, RAS PRE Time, RAS ACT Time, DRAM COMMAND Rate, RAS to RAS Delay, REF Cycle Time, Refresh Interval, Write Recovery Time, READ to PRE Time, FOUR ACT WIN Time, WRITE to READ Delay, CKE Minimum Pulse Width, Write Latency
	CPU Core Ratio Limit
Operating frequency of the PWM controller of the processor power converter	CPU Fixed Frequency(KHz)
	Long Duration Package Power Limit
	Package Power Time Window
	Short Duration Package Power Limit
	CPU Integrated VR Current Limit	0,125 - 1023,875
	Power Fast Ramp Response
	Power Saving Level 1 Threshold
	Power Saving Level 2 Threshold
	Power Saving Level 3 Threshold
	CPU Core Voltage Override
	CPU Cache Voltage Override
Permissible deviation from the set voltage on the system agent	CPU System Agent Voltage Offset
	CPU Analog I/O Voltage Offset
	CPU Digital I/O Voltage Offset
CPU input voltage	CPU Input Voltage (VCCIN)
Voltage on RAM modules		1,18500 - 1,80000
Chipset voltage	PCH Core Voltage	0,73500 - 1,50000
		1,18500 - 2,13500
	DRAM CTRL REF Voltage	0,39500 - 0,63000
	DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA	0,39500 - 0,63000
	DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHB	0,39500 - 0,63000

The “Monitor” section provides ample opportunities for monitoring the temperature and voltage of key components, as well as for adjusting the rotation speed of all fans connected to the motherboard.

Overclocking options

Manual overclocking of the Intel Core i7-4770K processor by increasing the multiplier allowed us to fix its frequency at 4599 MHz at a voltage of 1,210 V. This result is quite good and indicates the high quality of the components of the ASUS Z87-K motherboard.

Automatic overclocking of this CPU using the ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 4 utility in the “Ratio only” mode (only the multiplier value increased) allowed us to achieve a frequency of 4399 MHz at a voltage of 1.239 V. In UEFI BIOS, the same mode showed a result of 4307 MHz at a voltage of 1.156 V. Such differences in the results achieved may be due to the use of different algorithms when performing automatic overclocking. It should also be noted that the system automatically increased the speed of the RAM to 1200 MHz (DDR3-2400 MHz).

Automatic overclocking in “BCLK First” mode also showed different meanings: ASUS program Dual Intelligent Processors 4 made it possible to fix the frequency of 4316 MHz at a voltage of 1.224 V, and the UEFI BIOS - 4251 MHz at a voltage of 1,200 V. At the same time, the speed of the RAM modules increased to 1015 MHz (DDR3-2030 MHz) and 1000 MHz (DDR3-2000 MHz ) respectively.

The results obtained cannot be called record-breaking, but their achievement does not require theoretical training or practical overclocking experience, so they are available to absolutely everyone. In addition, increasing the level of performance will not affect the stability of the computer.

Testing

To test the capabilities of the ASUS Z87-K motherboard, the following equipment was used:

CPU	Intel Core i7-4770K (LGA1150, 3.5 GHz, L3 8 MB) Turbo Boost: enable C1E:enable
	Scythe Kama Angle Rev.B
RAM	2 x 4 GB DDR3-2400 TwinMOS TwiSTER 9DHCGN4B-HAWP
Video card	AMD Radeon HD 6970 2 GB GDDR5
Video capture device	AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable
HDD	Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS, 500 GB, SATA-300, NCQ
Optical drive	ASUS DRW-1814BLT SATA
power unit	Seasonic X-560 Gold (SS-560KM Active PFC)
	CODEGEN M603 MidiTower (2x 120 mm in/out fans)

Test results

In progress ASUS testing The Z87-K demonstrated excellent results comparable to its competitive counterparts. This only confirms the manufacturer’s statement about the presence of high-quality components and well-optimized UEFI BIOS settings.

Testing the audio path based on the Realtek ALC887 codec

Test report in RightMark Audio Analyzer

16-bit, 44.1 kHz

Noise level, dB (A)
Dynamic range, dB (A)
Harmonic distortion,%		Very good
		Very good
Intermodulation at 10 kHz, %		Very good
Overall rating		Very good

Operating mode 24-bit, 192 kHz

Frequency response unevenness (in the range 40 Hz - 15 kHz), dB
Noise level, dB (A)		Very good
Dynamic range, dB (A)		Very good
Harmonic distortion,%		Very good
Harmonic distortion + noise, dB (A)
Intermodulation distortion + noise, %		Very good
Interpenetration of channels, dB
Intermodulation at 10 kHz, %		Very good
Overall rating		Very good

The built-in Realtek ALC887 audio codec also performed well in tests. As you can see, it is able to satisfy the needs of most users in everyday tasks. And sophisticated music lovers always have the opportunity to use a higher-quality discrete sound card with a PCI or PCI Express 2.0 x1 interface.

Software

The ASUS Z87-K model comes with functional ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 4 software. This program has a visual interface and allows you to monitor the performance of all equipment sensors, as well as switch system performance profiles.

In addition, it also gives you the ability to overclock and choose the operating pattern of the system fans. In general, this software will be useful for both experienced and novice users, since it has quite broad functionality.

conclusions

Summing up the results of testing the motherboard, we note that it demonstrated good results in almost all respects. This model has high-quality components that, in accordance with the 5X PROTECTION concept, have an increased service life, protection against excessive current, short circuit current and electrostatic discharge.

The presence of a large number of different slots for expansion cards, USB 3.0 and SATA 6 Gb/s ports allows you to significantly increase the functionality, as well as improve the characteristics of a computer assembled on the basis of this motherboard.

Among the features of the new product, we note a small number of audio ports on the interface panel (relevant only for owners of multi-channel acoustics) and support for only 4 chipset lines by the second PCI Express 2.0 x16 interface, which will not allow realizing the full potential of combining two video cards in AMD CrossFireX mode.

Overall, the ASUS Z87-K is a fairly balanced solution that can be a good basis for assembling a productive and functional computer.

Advantages:

• good price/quality ratio;

• a large number of different slots for expansion cards;
• high-quality and durable components protected against overcurrent, short-circuit current, electrostatic discharge and high temperature in accordance with the 5X PROTECTION concept;
AVerMedia , Intel , SeaSonic AndTwinMOS Technologies for the equipment provided for the test bench.

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ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (commonly called simply ASUS, NASDAQ: AKCPF, TWSE:2357) is a Taiwan-based company that produces computer components such as motherboards, graphic cards, as well as laptops, monitors, Cell phones And optical drives.

Name trademark ASUS comes from the word Pegasus (Pegasus)
1 Owners and management
2 Activities
3 Decoding the markings of motherboard models
4 Restructuring
5 Main events
6 See also
7 Notes
8 Links

Owners and management

Chairman of the Board ASUSTeK Computer- Johnny Shih.

The company's market capitalization as of mid-October 2007 was $10.66 billion

Activity

ASUS currently sells more motherboards than any other company, reaching 30 million in 2004. However, this number also includes rebranded products.

ASUS also produces various components for products of other corporations, including Sony (PlayStation 2), Apple Inc. (iPod, iPod Shuffle, MacBook), Alienware, Falcon Northwest, Palm, Inc., HP, and many other hardware manufacturers use ASUS motherboards in their systems (since 2008, all of the above products have been manufactured at the production facilities of Pegatron Corporation).

The company's revenue in 2008 was $22.9 billion, net profit was $840 million.

In 2010, ASUSTeK Computer is gradually reducing its orders from a subsidiary of Pegatron, these plans are consistent with the general development trend of the company to reduce Asustek's dependence on Pegatron Technology: in particular, we are talking about motherboards and graphics subsystems, the production of which can be transferred to Elitegroup Computer Systems ( English) (ECS)

In the second half of 2010, Asustek will also begin placing its orders with factories of Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) and Quanta Computer.

Decoding the markings of motherboard models
More information: Asus P5K motherboard series

In the name ASUS motherboards uses special system"ciphers". As an example, consider ASUS P5K Deluxe/WiFi-AP.
After the manufacturer’s name itself we have several segments:
the first (P5K) indicates the socket type (P5 corresponds to Socket 775) and the chipset used (K stands for Intel P35/G33),
the second (Deluxe/WiFi-AP) means that the motherboard belongs to the Deluxe series; There is also an indication that the board will be equipped with a WiFi module.

CPU
P10 Intel LGA2066
P9 Intel LGA2011
P8 Intel LGA1155
P7 Intel LGA1156
P6 Intel LGA1366
P5 Intel LGA775
P4 Intel LGA775 and Socket 478
M7 AMD TR4
M6 AMD AM4
F1 AMD FM1
F2 AMD FM2+
M5 AMD AM3+
M4 AMD AM3
M3 AMD AM2+/AM2
M2 AMD AM2

Chipset
In subsequent motherboard models, the chipset model is indicated instead of a letter
T Intel X58
E Intel X48/X38/G35/Q35
QIntel P45/G45/Q45
QL Intel P43/G43
QPL Intel P41/G41
K Intel P35/G33
KPL Intel G31
NNVIDIA
SSIS
V VIA
Axx AMD
Special Feature
T DDR3(only on AMD platform)
C DDR3+DDR2

Graphic arts
-EM Integrated solution, high class
-VM Integrated solution, optimal level
-CM Integrated solution, average level
-AM Integrated solution, entry level

Series
Premium Premium series
Deluxe Deluxe series
-E Enhanced series (improved quality)
PRO Professional series
(non)Standard series
SE Second Edition series
SE2 Second Edition Episode 2
DO Digital Office series
Additional equipment
/WiFi-AP WiFi-b/g/n - Access point

Restructuring

Since January 1, 2008, Asustek has been producing products only under its own brand. The entire ODM business was transferred entirely to newly opened subsidiaries: Pegatron Corporation and Unihan Corporation.

Asustek focused on the production of products under its own brand - motherboards, laptops, smartphones, servers and communications network equipment, as well as multimedia devices and consumer electronics. Pegatron is engaged in the production of computer cases and other devices, Unihan was created for the contract production of computer components.

Main events
2002 - ASRock subsidiary was founded.
September/October 2003 - cellular telephone J100.
September 2005 - release of the first PhysX video accelerator (which was developed by Ageia and sold to NVIDIA).
December 2005 - entry into the LCD TV market with the TLW32001 model, available only in the Taiwanese market.
January 2006 - Announced collaboration with Lamborghini to develop its VX series.
March 9, 2006 - ASUS announced itself as one of the manufacturers of the first Ultra-Mobile PC models, along with Samsung and Founder.
June 5, 2007 - Eee PC announced at COMPUTEX Taipei 2007.
September 9, 2007 - Blu-ray support, BD-ROM/DVD drive BC-1205PT for PC released.
October 31, 2007 - release of its PDA/smartphones aimed at the UK market.
January 3, 2008 - restructuring with division into the parent company ASUSTeK and subsidiaries Pegatron and Unihan.
August 22, 2008 - details of the N10, the mid-budget version of the Eee PC.
February 4, 2009 - An alliance between Garmin and ASUS is formed to jointly develop mobile phones focused on LBS services. Garmin-Asus alliance.

Specializing in the production of computer electronics (motherboards, graphics cards, optical drives, laptop computers, Cell phones, monitors).

The company's name comes from the abbreviation of the word Pegasus. The founders of the company left only the last 4 letters of the word in order to company was at the beginning of all reference books.

The company's headquarters are located in Taipei, Taiwan.

Official website : www.asus.com

Shareholders

ASUSTeK Computer Inc - public company. Its shares are traded on the Taiwan and NASDAQ stock exchanges (quotes 2357 and AKCPF, respectively).

Management

The Chairman of the Board is Johnny Shea.

Story

The company was founded in 1989 by four ex-Acer employees.

Initially company produced chipsets. But the lack of production capacity and the lack of a separate testing base forced ASUS to concentrate on the production of motherboards. When the first prototype was developed, ASUS employees presented it to the Intel laboratory. Subsequently, the companies signed a long-term agreement on cooperation in the field of motherboard production.

This was the first step for ASUS towards entering global markets. Later, the list of products was expanded: optical drives and video cards were developed. New important strategic partners at this stage for ASUS are: company Hewlett-Packard.

In 2005, ASUS began producing its own LCD-monitors, and a year later, as a result of cooperation with the Korean Samsung and the Chinese Founder, Ultra-Mobile PC appeared.

In 2007, the ultraportable Eee PC was announced. In September of the same year, the BD-drive was released. ROM/DVD for PC capable of supporting playback video Blu-ray. Production started in October PDA /smartphones for sale on the British market.

In 2008 company experienced a restructuring process: subsidiaries Pegatron and Unihan, which were engaged in supplying components for the products of the parent company and partner enterprises (Dell, Apple, Falcon Northwest, etc.).

Currently, ASUS's share of the motherboard market is about 40%. Company is one of the most reliable manufacturers of high-quality and functional products. According to Business Week magazine ratings, company ASUSTeK Computer Inc has been one of the hundred most successful companies in the IT field for 10 years.

The main characteristics of the Asus motherboard: the processors it supports, form factor and number of connectors. Modern models support Intel chipsets(socket LGA 1151) and several AMD variants – AM3+ and AM4.

Buying motherboards designed for older processors makes little sense, especially if you need to replace your computer with a newer one. And you should choose a suitable Asus motherboard among more or less modern options.

Features of choosing Asus motherboards

The reason why many users focus their attention on Asus is high quality its products. After all, although there is no specific leader among various brands, this Chinese manufacturer of motherboards (and many other PC components) can well be considered one of the best. And, having already chosen this brand, they consider other characteristics that may also be important for the user.

Board form factor

A correctly chosen form factor can solve several problems at once:

• place system board inside a case of the appropriate size (for example, only Micro-ATX is suitable for a compact PC);
• leave more options for upgrading the system unit. As a rule, the ATX form factor has 4 memory slots, while the stripped-down but more compact version has only 2;
• price. The reduced functionality of Micro-ATX also reduces the cost.

For a computer that is only intended to be used, you can choose a compact motherboard, regardless of the size of the unit itself.

For Gaming PC the best option will be the ATX form factor. In addition to the possibility of installing additional memory and an increased number of slots, such a board, due to its large size, can also simplify the installation and removal of components.

Internal and external connectors

Choosing a board based on the number and type of external and internal connectors could be important when purchasing budget parts costing less than 3,000 rubles. and produced for office computers. Modern motherboards are already equipped with a sufficient number of ports and even PCI-Express 3.0 slots. And you should only choose in such situations:

• if you plan to install 2 or 3 video cards at once;
• if necessary, connect a large number peripheral devices(mouse, camera, printer, keyboard, Wi-Fi adapter) via USB slots;
• when you plan to use multi-channel acoustics, which require two pairs of audio connectors.

In each of these cases, you should pay attention to the Asus motherboard with the corresponding characteristics - two slots for video cards (the third will be built-in), big amount USB ports and an additional set of audio inputs. Sometimes it doesn’t hurt to have an additional network connector for connecting a cable - especially if we are talking about the need to increase the reliability of the network by connecting to 2 Internet providers at once.

Chipset selection

The most popular processor options for Asus motherboards are:

• chipsets for the LGA 1151 slot manufactured by the Intel brand;
• products of several companies operating under the AMD brand.

Each of these processors has its own advantages. AMD has a relatively low cost and high power consumption. Intel has a high price and the ability to work with DDR4 memory. Although latest versions AMD chipsets (AM4) also support the new RAM format.

Motherboards for Intel LGA 1151 socket

TO latest models Asus motherboards include several models from the Z270 series, designed specifically to work with Intel processors Core i7.

With their help, it is more convenient to work with graphics and play resource-intensive gaming applications. And the use of new technologies from the Chinese brand makes it possible to use as efficiently as possible RAM and provides more options for overclocking processors.

ROG MAXIMUS IX

One of the newest series of Asus motherboards is the best option for increasing the chipset frequency. Such capabilities are provided by improved BIOS interface settings and a built-in overclocking function with just one click of the mouse.

Increased performance of the board is also ensured by the presence of USB 3.1 and M.2 ports. Among other advantages of the ROG series, it is worth noting a high-quality audio amplifier, which allows you to get high-quality sound even without installing an additional sound card. And the cost of boards starts from 15,000 rubles.

Rice. 1. ROG MAXIMUS IX Hero board.

ROG STRIX Z270 GAMING

The series differs from other Asus products in its original design, due to the unique system LED backlight.

To get a more impressive look, this device should be installed in a special system unit– with wide ventilation openings or even independently improved to provide an overview of the internal space of the computer.

At the same time, design is not the only advantage of the series, all models of which are also equipped with a high-quality line input for sound playback and recording. And prices for them start from 12,000 rubles.

Rice. 2. ROG STRIX Z270 GAMING motherboard with spectacular LED lighting.

TUF Z270

Equipment from the TUF Z270 series, such as Mark 1 (RUB 15,000, although there are less functional models for 9-10 thousand rubles), is the best option for overclocking chipsets and memory of the latest generation DDR4.

Each device comes with a 5-year warranty period. And to increase the cooling efficiency of processors, motherboards are equipped with special software - the Thermal Radar 2+ utility, which allows you to control the temperature of individual components and change fan operating parameters.

Prime Z270

Another series suitable for LGA 1151 processors is Prime Z270. The lineup These boards have a stylish appearance with an original logo on the surface.

The average cost starts from 9.5 thousand rubles. But if you have such a board, overclock the processor to required speed possible with one click of the mouse. And its service life is increased thanks to 5X Protection III technology, which includes a whole range of protection systems against electrostatics, corrosion and network overloads.

Rice. 4. Prime Z270-A with a stylish pattern.

ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING

In addition to new motherboards, there are still models on the market that are quite functional and meet the requirements of modern users.

For example, Z170 PRO GAMING, costing about 8,700 rubles, designed to run almost any games and applications - of course, with other components that meet the requirements software.

Such devices usually only have sixth-generation processors (i5), but there is support for SSD drives, the ability to combine two video cards into one common system and support for memory up to 3400 MHz.

Rice. 5. Z170 PRO GAMING – a little outdated, but still effective option for gaming PC.

Asus H110I-Plus

Another one more or less budget fee Asus H110I-Plus for 4000 rubles. has such a significant advantage as a large number USB connectors– there are as many as 14 of them. In addition, it supports:

• processors both sixth and seventh Intel generation;
• setting up fans using the built-in utility;
• saving all changes to BIOS settings as a file;
• overclocking processors.

The only drawback of the board is the lack of DDR4 support. The H110I can only install two DDR3 or DDR3L sticks. But this model is the most affordable of all that are worth buying for modern computer with a chipset from Intel.

Rice. 6. Asus H110I-Plus – a budget option For gaming computer.

Motherboards for AMD processors

The appearance of AMD Ryzen processors on the market has led motherboard manufacturers to the need to release new models that support all capabilities modern chipsets.

Moreover, the Ryzen series, with a suitable motherboard, is capable of showing results that are not inferior to Intel Core i7 and even sometimes superior. Specifically to increase the efficiency of processors, Asus has released several boards in different price ranges.

Crosshair VI Hero

Top version of Crosshair VI Hero for 19,000 rubles. Equipped with a high-performance sound chip and customizable lighting.

Among its advantages is the presence of a huge number of connectors (8 USB 3.1, 4 USB 2.0, four for memory installation, and three each PCIe x16 and PCIe x1). Another important advantage is the presence of built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules. It is also worth noting that the board has a gigabit network controller and an effective cooling system.

Rice. 7. Crosshair VI Hero – high price, great capabilities.

ASUS Prime X370-PRO

The Prime X370-PRO model, which is more affordable (about 12,000 rubles), differs from the flagship model almost only in the absence wireless communication.

All other features, including overclocking chipsets, built-in sound card with excellent sound and lighting, they stayed here. An additional advantage is the reinforced PCIe mounts, which allow you to install fairly heavy components in them.

Rice. 8. ASUS Prime X370-PRO – another stylish model with a logo, but for AMD chipsets.

Prime B350 Series

The Prime B350 series of motherboards, which includes models with an average price of about 6,000 rubles, provides installation of four RAM slots (DDR4), overclocking of processors and connection of six SATA drives (with data transfer speeds up to 6 Gbit/s).

Despite their lower cost, these devices offer most of the features of the more expensive versions, including increased PCIe port strength and surge protection.

Rice. 9. Prime B350M-A – budget option for Ryzen processors.

ASUS M5A97 R2.0

If you need to buy a new motherboard for a chipset designed for installation in the AM3+ socket (for example, to improve the capabilities of an existing computer whose processor is old), you should pay attention to the M5A97 R2.0 model. Despite the lack of DDR4 support, the characteristics of this Asus board are impressive:

• memory support up to 32 GB;
• sound in 5.1 and 7.1 format, allowing you to use your computer as a full-fledged home theater;
• six connectors for SATA drives;
• a large number of USB ports;
• low price (about 5,000 rubles).

The disadvantages of the model, in addition to working only with DDR3 and DDR3L, include the lack of a sufficient number of USB 3.0 slots.

Still, it is quite suitable for a gaming computer. And for a PC, which is mainly intended for work (but with the ability to periodically run gaming applications), it is generally an ideal option.

Rice. 10. M5A97 R2.0 – option for chipsets with AM3+ slot.

conclusions

Choosing a motherboard for a computer is not so difficult if you know exactly for what purpose the computer will be used. And, if the choice is made among Asus models, the user will easily find a suitable option, depending on his needs and financial capabilities.

At the same time, even if preference is given to the most expensive versions, the amount spent will not exceed $300 - no more than the cost of a processor for such a “motherboard”.

Video review:

Yes, this is a MOTHERBOARD FOR A STREAMER ➔ Review of the ASUS Z270 TUF Mark 1 motherboard

The first Iron Man suit was called MARK 1. Why not call the gaming motherboard the same? And ASUS did it! The ASUS Z270 TUF Mark 1 motherboard is made for long-term loads on the computer, to control the computer's cooling system, and it is almost made for server tasks!!! In short, there is a lot more to tell, or you can just watch the video review from Rudy!