ASUS Z87-Pro Intel Z87 LGA1150 Motherboard Review

Legit Motherboard Reviews

ASUS is without a doubt one of the top manufacturers of computer components out there today. If you've been building your own computers for any length of time, you have most likely used one of their products in a build. Today we are going to look at one of their Intel Z87 LGA1150 motherboard for the latest Intel 'Haswell' platform. The ASUS Z87-Pro can currently be found for as little as $199.00 shipped. When considering everything you get with this ASUS motherboard, it almost seems like a steal!

As you undoubtedly figured out, the ASUS Z87-Pro features the Intel Z87 Express chipset and all the latest features that come with it. One of the features that is selling me on the Intel Z87 upgrade path is the fact that gone are the days of SATA II Ports, the Z87 chipset, and hence the ASUS Z87-Pro feature all SATA III 6Gbps ports. Of course that's only one of the many features that we get with the Intel Z87 chipset. Intel has doubled the number of SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports from two to four over the previous Intel 'Ivy Bridge' Z77 platform.

All the goodness of the Intel Z87 chipset and the 'Haswell' platform aside, we're here to focus on the ASUS Z87-Pro LGA1150 motherboard. According to ASUS, the Z87-Pro features 'Perfect one-stop system optimization and enhanced Wi-Fi control on Intel Z87'. It boils down to three key features, more specifically three key sets of features. Starting with Dual Intelligent Processors 4 with 4-way optimization for one click and done. The second key features is the Wi-Fi GO! which is designed to create the perfect fusion of desktop, smartphones, and tablets. Last but not least is the Fan Xpert 2, this is easily one of the most customizable sets of fan controls out there. The culmination of these three sets of features certainly lays the ground work for a killer system.

The ASUS Z87-Pro Intelligent Processors 4 and 4-way optimization are really a unique feature that are a great way to easily tweak your system. If you're looking for performance you can set the system up with a quick overclock, if you want to conserve some electricity you can enable the EPU and you're saving power and money without sacrificing performance.

 The ASUS Z87-Pro is outfitted with the latest, greatest version of the ASUS exclusive Wi-Fi GO! technology. One of the aspects about the Wi-Fi GO! technology on the ASUS Z87-Pro that is great, is the ability to set-up a wireless network without the use of another router. It's the little things like this that go unnoticed by many that will separate this board

ASUS has made a number of changes to their UEFI BIOS in both the EZ Mode, and the Advanced mode. The two most significant changes in the EZ Mode are the EZ Fan settings and the EZ XMP Settings. The Previous generation of UEFI BIOS you needed to navigate through the advanced BIOS settings to locate both the fan controls and the XMP Profile. This latest generation ASUS has put it right on the EZ Mode! My personal favorite change to the UEFI BIOS is the last modified page. When you save and exit a pop-up window comes up showing what has been changed this time around in the BIOS. I would be amiss if I were to tell you that I haven't changed the wrong setting in the past, this is one feature I have really enjoyed using.

Intel Socket 1150 for 4th Generation Core i7/Core i5/Core i3/Pentium/Celeron ProcessorsSupports Intel 22 nm CPUSupports Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.04 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 3000(O.C.)/2933(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666(O.C.)/2600(O.C.)/2500(O.C.)/2400(O.C.)/2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/2000(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1800(O.C.)/1600/1333 MHz Non-ECC,Un-buffered MemoryDual Channel Memory ArchitectureSupports Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)

Integrated Graphics Processor

Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DVI-D/RGB/DisplayPort 1.2 ports

Supports HDMI with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz / 2560 x 1600 @ 60 HzSupports DVI-D with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @ 60 HzSupports RGB with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @ 60 HzSupports DisplayPort with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz / 3840 x 2160 @ 60 HzMaximum shared memory of 1024 MBSupports Intel HD Graphics, InTru 3D, Quick Sync Video, Clear Video HD Technology, InsiderSupports up to 3 displays simultaneouslySupports NVIDIA Quad-GPU SLI TechnologySupports AMD Quad-GPU CrossFireX TechnologySupports AMD 3-Way CrossFireX Technology2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8)1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x4 mode) *34 x PCIe 2.0 x1

Intel® Z87 chipset :

6 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), yellowSupport Raid 0, 1, 5, 10Supports Intel Dynamic Storage Accelerator, Intel Smart Response Technology, Intel Rapid Start Technology, Intel Smart Connect Technology

ASMedia ASM1061 controller : 

2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), dark brownIntel I217V, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s)Intel LAN- Dual interconnect between the Integrated LAN controller and Physical Layer (PHY)Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/nSupports dual band frequency 2.4/5 GHzBluetooth V4.0Bluetooth V3.0+HS

Realtek ALC1150 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC

Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retaskingHigh quality 112 dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out at rear) and 104 dB SNR recording input (Line-in)

Audio Feature :

Absolute Pitch 192kHz/ 24-bit True BD Lossless SoundDTS Ultra PC IIDTS ConnectOptical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panelBD Audio Layer Content Protection

Intel Z87 chipset :

4 x USB 3.0/2.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board)

Intel Z87 chipset :

8 x USB 2.0/1.1 port(s) (8 at mid-board)

ASMedia USB 3.0 controller :

4 x USB 3.0/2.0 port(s) (4 at back panel, blue)

ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 4 with 4-Way Optimization :

The tuning key perfectly consolidates ASUS-exclusive DIGI+ Power Control, TPU, EPU, and Fan Xpert 2 optimize the digital power setting, system performance, power saving and whole system cooling configuration

ASUS 5X PROTECTION :

ASUS DIGI+ VRM - 12 Phase digital power designASUS Enhanced DRAM Overcurrent Protection - Short circuit damage preventionASUS ESD Guards - Enhanced ESD protectionASUS All 5K-Hour Solid Capacitors - 2.5x long lifespan with excellent durabilityASUS Stainless Steel Back I/O - 3x more durable corrosion-resistant coating

ASUS EPU :

ASUS Digital Power Design :

Industry leading Digital 12 Phase Power DesignIndustry leading Digital 2 Phase DRAM Power DesignASUS DIGI+ VRM UtilityCPU Power UtilityDRAM Power Utility ASUS Wi-Fi GO!

Wi-Fi GO! Function:

Cloud GO!, DLNA Media Hub, Smart Sensor Control, Remote Desktop, Remote Keyboard & Mouse, File Transfer, Capture & SendWi-Fi Engine for network sharing and connection: Client Mode, AP ModeWi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote for portable Smartphone/Tablet, supporting iOS & Android systems

ASUS Exclusive Features :

USB BIOS FlashbackMemOK!AI Suite 3Ai Charger+USB Charger+Anti-SurgeOnboard Button : PowerFront Panel USB 3.0 SupportASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interfaceNetwork iControlUSB 3.0 BoostDisk Unlocker

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution :

Stylish Fanless Design Heat-sink solutionASUS Fan Xpert 2

ASUS EZ DIY :

DirectKeyPrecision Tweaker 2ASUS O.C. ProfileASUS CrashFree BIOS 3ASUS EZ Flash 2Multi-language BIOS

ASUS Q-Design :

ASUS Q-CodeASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)ASUS Q-SlotASUS Q-DIMMASUS Q-Connector

100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors

Overclocking Protection :

ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s)1 x DVI-D1 x D-Sub1 x DisplayPort1 x HDMI1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)6 x USB 3.0 (blue)1 x Optical S/PDIF out6 x Audio jack(s)1 x ASUS Wi-Fi GO! module (Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth v4.0/3.0+HS)1 x USB 3.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.0 port(s) (19-pin)4 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 8 USB 2.0 port(s)1 x TPM header8 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)1 x CPU Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin)1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin)4 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (4 x 4 -pin)1 x S/PDIF out header(s)1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP)1 x System panel(s) (Q-Connector)1 x DirectKey Button(s)1 x DRCT header(s)1 x MemOK! button(s)1 x TPU switch(es)1 x EPU switch(es)1 x Power-on button(s)1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s)1 x USB BIOS Flashback button(s)User's manual I/O Shield4 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s)1 x ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi moving antennas (Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n compliant)1 x SLI bridge(s)1 x Q-connector(s) (2 in 1)64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.7, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified log, F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shortcut functions, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory informationWfM 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXEDriversASUS UtilitiesEZ UpdateAnti-virus software (OEM version)ATX Form Factor12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm )

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ASUS Republic Of Gamers Maximus VI Hero Intel Z87 Motherboard Review

Legit Motherboard Reviews

Republic of Gamers Maximus VI Hero

The ASUS ROG series is know for being the best of the best, and it's certainly and accurate statement. The drawback with the ASUS ROG motherboards that has prevented the masses from picking one up is the cost. Traditionally motherboards like the ASUS Maximus Extreme and Formula carry a pretty steep price. While this is still the case with the latest Intel Z87 motherboards, ASUS is launching a much more budget friendly ATX motherboard with the Republic of Gamers tags. The ASUS ROG Maximus Hero is a full featured Intel LGA1150 Z87 motherboard that will retail for only $229.00. Some will argue that this is still an expensive motherboard, when compared to the Maximus VI Extreme which will retail for $399.00. $229.00 for the Maximus VI Hero will certainly provided more end users to put the ROG board into their systems.

One of the key features specific to the Hero, is the fact that it has the Republic of Gamers quality attached to it. Being part of the ROG elite motherboards offers up a quality that has been previously available to those looking to drop a small fortune on a board. While there are still some certain perks to having a board like the Maximus VI Extreme, though few will truly take advantage of all the features on it. The Hero offers the same level of quality as on the Extreme just a few less bells and whistles.

ASUS felt that there has been a gap in their ROG product stack. The Maximus VI Extreme is a board designed for the extreme overclockers, the Maximus VI Formula is geared for premium gaming, the Maximus VI Gene is built for the fans of small form factor systems. The Hero will fill the gap between the Formula and the Gene, giving standard form factor users the ROG experience and quality without the price of the Formula and Extreme

There is a lot of technology that goes into the ASUS ROG Maximus VI Hero. Some of the technologies include the Extreme Engine Digi+ III, five 4pin fan headers, USB 3.0 Boost, eight SATA III 6Gbps ports, DirectKey, ROG External Connector, Trusted Platform Module, two PCIe x16 Gen3.0 slots supporting SLI and CrossfireX, one PCIe 2.0 x16 slot (running at x4), three PCIe x1 Gen 2.0 slots, SupremeFX Audio, and GameFirst II Intel Ethernet are just a few of the technologies that make up the ASUS Republic of Gamers Maximus VI Hero Motherboard.

Taking a look at the specifications for the ASUS Maximus VI Hero there are a couple key features to point out. First among them may be obvious but still worth mentioning. The ASUS ROG Maximus VI Hero supports the latest fourth generation of Intel Core i series processors in the LGA1150 package along with the Intel Z87 Express chipset. The Hero also supports dual channel memory at 2800MHz (O.C.) up to 32GB worth. If you're looking to run the integrated graphics, the ASUS Maximus VI Hero only has a single HDMI out, though it does support the latest 4Kx2K video.

Join us on the next page where we delve a little deeper into the technologies.

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GIGABYTE Z87X-UD3H Intel Z87 'Haswell' Motherboard Review

Legit Motherboard Reviews

It's here, the much anticipated Intel 'Haswell' launch has finally arrived! To honor the launch of the latest and greatest Intel desktop processors we are going to be posting up multiple reviews today. This particular article is on one of GIGABYTE's Intel Z87 LGA1150 motherboard. The GIGABYTE Z87X-UD3H is going to be one of many Intel Z87 motherboards from GIGABYTE and, at first look it might just be a winner! Though would we expect much else from GIGABYTE? Before we start delving into the features of the GIGABYTE Z87X-UD3H, it's worth noting that it will hit the streets with a MSRP of $179.99. The GIGABYTE Z87X-UD3H isn't at the top of the GIGABYTE Z87 product stack,  but that doesn't mean that it wont be a great board.

As you can see, the GIGABYTE Z87X-UD3H Intel Z87 motherboard has a lot going on. We will certainly be covering these in more detail as the day progresses, but for starters some of the key features of the GIGABYTE Z87X-UD3H are; Durable Black Solid Caps, 15u Gold Plated CPU Socket, Intel LAN with High ESD Protection, All IR Digital Power Design, 2X Copper PCB, Quick Buttons, Debug Dislplay, OC-PEG (PCIe Power supplied by a SATA Power Connector), Eight (8) SATA 3 6Gbps ports, 10 USB 3.0 ports, New Heat Sink Design, On/Off Charge 2, Exclusive UEFI DualBIOS, SLI/Crossfire Support, and a Gaming Headphone Amplifier.

The GIGABYTE Z87X-UD3H Intel Z87 motherboard is part of the Ultra Durable 5 Plus series. Last year GIGABYTE brought us the Ultra Durable 5 technology with the Intel Z77 motherboards

One of the changes to the Intel Z87X-UD3H over the previous generation is the heat sinks. The Ultra durable 5 Plus features an 'Ultra Cool' aspect. The newly designed heat sinks on the Z87X-UD3H will according to GIGABYTE 'offer uncompromisingly efficient cooling on key areas of the motherboard including the PWM area and chipset'. Hopefully the new heat sinks on the GIGABYTE Z87X-UD3H LGA1150 motherboard will live up to the expectations offered by GIGABYTE, if nothing else they'll look good in your system.

Once again GIGABYTE is taking advantage of the all digital power delivery on the GIGABYTE Z87X-UD3H. The PowIRstage controllers from International Recifier that GIGABYTE uses supply the CPU and Memory with power that comes with a high amount of precision control. This will aid in fine tuning the CPU vCore and DIMM vCore while overclocking, giving us the ability to squeeze out all of the potential from the fourth gen Intel Core processor.

If you have ever created a paper weight out of a motherboard due to corrupted BIOS (guilty on several occasions), you know how important this next feature can be.  GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 5 Plus motherboards offer the 'Ultra Safe' UEFI DualBIOS. Having UEFI DualBIOS will protect you in a number of situations, anything from a power failure during a BIOS flash (learned the hard way not to flash during a thunder storm), to a virus, or even corrupting the BIOS during a failed overclocking attempt. If any of these circumstances occur the secondary BIOS can be used to repair the primary UEFI BIOS.

The new Ultra Durable 5 Plus uses a new black solid capacitor. The new black caps on the GIGABYTE Z87X-UD3H are guaranteed to perform at peak efficiency for a minimum of 10K hours! If you don't feel like doing the math that's ~14 months straight! In addition to the 10K hours, they offer an ultra-low ESR regardless of the CPU loading.

GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 5 Plus motherboards offer 10 SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports per board. Each of the ports also features its own fuse, this way if one fuse fails we don't lose the entire stack of USB ports, only that particular port.

GIGABYTE has totally revamped their UEFI BIOS, it is quite different and it certainly took some getting used to. Beyond that it's great. We're going to dedicate a page to the new UEFI DualBIOS shortly so we wont spend to much time on it here. In the slide above, while it's a little tough to make out due to the size of the slide, the edges of the UEFI BIOS feature current settings, frequencies, temps, and fan speeds. Overall a really sharp new look to the UEFI from GIGABYTE. More on it later though.

While the GIGABYTE Z87X-UD3H LGA1150 motherboard isn't a gaming board per se, GIGABYTE knows that it will be used by gamers since not everyone will want a board out of the G1 series of GIGABYTE Gaming motherboards. The engineers and design team have implemented a built-in gaming headphone amplifier. The amplifier is a high-capacity amp with the ability to drive loads up to 600 Ohms with a fuller range of dynamic sound. It should also deliver crisp details with less distortion than traditional motherboards. While it may be specifically designed for gamers, it is also ideal for professional audio usages according to GIGABYTE!

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Gigabyte Shows Off Upcoming Intel Z87 Motherboards

Legit Motherboard Reviews

Gigabyte recently invited Legit Reviews to come out and take a look at some of their upcoming Intel Z87 motherboards and that is an offer that we could not resist. Gigabyte has roughly 30 Intel 7 series motherboards and expects to have about the same number of boards for the Intel 8 series. Gigabyte expects to have around 15 boards at launch, which is too many for any one site to cover. Today we'll be covering a handful of their upcoming Intel Z87 motherboards and going over some of the key features of those boards. 

When it comes to the gaming focused boards we were happy to see the G1.Sniper product line is still alive and well. Gigabyte will be carrying the G1.Sniper 5 and G1.Sniper M5 motherboards and these are considered fairly high-end boards with a ton of interesting features. As you can see from the image above the G1.Sniper 5 is a full sized ATX motherboard that features four PCIe x16 3.0 slots, which can be configured a number of ways since Gigabyte is using the PLX PEX8747 48-lane PCI-Express 3.0 bridge chip. This means you can run it x16/-/x16/- or x16/-/x8/x8 or x8/x8/x16/- or x8/x8/x8/x8. This means you can do 4-way NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFireX.

When you take a closer look around the Intel LGA socket you can see that this board has the option to be liquid cool the driver-MOSFETs, which is nice to see. The G1.Sniper 5 features 16-phase VRM and ferrite-core chokes.

When it comes to the rear IO panel there are all the usual connectors. The highlights are the Qualcomm/Bigfoot Killer K2000 and Realtek RTL8111F gigabit Ethernet interfaces, six USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, dual-HDMI and DisplayPort display outputs, and legacy PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo connector.

Gigabyte uses all solid-state black capacitors on the entire board with the exception of the audio components where higher-end audio parts were sourced. The black capacitors look nice and we have a feeling that this is going to become the standard on enthusiast DIY boards from this point on.

Gigabyte has put a ton of time and effort into the audio on some of the Intel Z87 series boards that they will be offering. The Gigabyte G1.Sniper 5 and G1.Sniper M5 motherboards both feature Creative Sound Core 3D chips, but also removable operational amplifiers that allow you to customize the boards audio characteristics.

The Creative audio solution features a gold-coated cover for shielding, Nichicon high-end audio capacitors, audio noise guard with path lighting and gold plated connectors for HDMI, Coax, Displayport, and the analogue 7.1 audio ports. Directly in the middle of this image you can also see the Op-Amp socket.

Here is a closer look at a Op-Amp socket with the OPA2134 Burr-Brown standard Op Amp removed. Gigabyte will be including two amplifiers with boards that have this audio feature, but you can also purchase more on your own. The other one that will likely be included is the AD827 by Analog Devices.

Gigabyte will be offering an upgrade kit for the op-amps which includes an LM4562NA op-amp and an IC extractor. This optional kit isn't priced just yet, but you can take a look at it above.

Numerous Op-Amps are available for purchase online and all of them cause the motherboards audio characteristics to sound different. We have been told they range in price from a few dollars all the way up to around forty bucks, so you can spend some money if you really wanted to.

The Gigabyte G1.Sniper M5 micro-ATX motherboard is very similar, but is obviously smaller and has some of the features removed. This board measures 240mm by 240mm and features an 8-phase CPU VRM, four DDR3 DIMM slots, two PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots (x16/NC or x8/x8), one PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (electrical x4), and a PCI-Express 2.0 x1 slot. You get six SATA 6Gbps ports that are all thanks to the Intel Z87 chipset and it looks like all the toasty components will be getting passive cooling solutions.

The rear IP panel has two USB 2.0 ports, four USB 3.0 ports, a PS2 port, dual-link DVI, two HDMI, DisplayPort, Intel Gigabit Ethernet and all the audio ports.

Here is a look at the Creative Sound Blaster chip that makes up the Sound Core 3D technology possible. The metal shield easily pops off, so we thought we'd give you an up close look. As you can see this board has most of the critical features of the G1.Sniper 5, but in a micro-ATX form factor and likely less money. Let's take a look at some of the other boards.

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