Asus Intel PRIME Z270-A LGA 1151 ATX Motherboard Review

•     Features   5-Way Optimisation – One-click system-wide tuning that now also senses GPU temperatures to ensure cooler gaming ASUS Aura Sync – World’s 1st synced RGB lighting with easy controls to orchestrate Aura Sync-capable hardware 3D Printing Friendly – 1st motherboard brand to support 3D-printed parts, with dedicated 3D mounts for easy installation Refined Audio – Realtek S1220A codec provides pristine and powerful audio quality 5X Protection III: Multiple hardware safeguards to protect components from damage by power or electrical surges   Overview   One-click Overclock and Cooling Get performance, efficiency, digital power, fan control and even networking and audio tuning tailored for you Hardware Upgrade Zone SLI HB bridge (2-WAY-M) The new ASUS SLI HB bridge doubles the available transfer bandwidth to provide silky-smooth surround gaming. Compatible with NVIDIA® Titan X, GeForce GTX 1080 and GeForce GTX 1070 graphics cards, SLI HB bridge is your fast track to gaming greatness.   Media-acclaimed UEFI BIOS The smoothest, slickest mouse-controlled graphical BIOS has been improved to make it even more appealing. Whether you're a PC novice or a seasoned overclocker, EZ and Advanced modes help you find your way, quickly and easily.   Brighten Up Your Build ASUS Aura lighting control A well-tuned system deserves a matching aesthetic. ASUS Aura offers full RGB lighting control with a variety of functional presets for built-in RGB LEDs as well as LED strips connected to the onboard 4-pin RGB headers — all of which can be synced with an ever-growing portfolio of Aura Sync-capable ASUS hardware. Exclusive Audio Features Realtek codec and unique design features for pristine, powerful audio ASUS Prime Z270-A utilizes a unique audio codec designed in close collaboration with Realtek — the Realtek S1220A. It also features an unprecedented 120dB signal-to-noise ratio for the stereo line-out and a 113dB SNR for the line-in, providing pristine audio quality. Additionally, a new impedance-sensing circuit automatically adjusts gain to ensure the optimal volume range for your headphones.   Specification CPU Intel® Socket 1151 for 7th/6th Generation Core™ i7/Core™ i5/Core™ i3/Pentium®/Celeron® Processors Supports Intel® 14 nm CPU Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 * The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types. * Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list Chipset Intel® Z270 Memory 4 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR4 3866(O.C.)/3733(O.C.)/3600(O.C.)/3466(O.C.)/3400(O.C.)/3333(O.C.)/3300(O.C.)/3200(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666(O.C.)/2400(O.C.)/2133 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory Dual Channel Memory Architecture Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) * Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists). * The maximum memory frequency supported varies by processor. Graphic Integrated Graphics Processor- Intel® HD Graphics support Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DVI-D/DisplayPort ports – Supports HDMI 1.4b with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz / 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz – Supports DVI-D with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz – Supports DisplayPort with max. resolution 4096 x 2304 @ 60 Hz Maximum shared memory of 1024 MB Supports up to 3 displays simultaneously DP 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports DP 1.2 monitor daisy chain up to 3 displays Multi-GPU Support Supports NVIDIA® 2-Way SLI™ Technology Supports AMD 3-Way CrossFireX™ Technology Expansion Slots 2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8) 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (max at x4 mode) 4 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1 Storage 1 x M.2 Socket 3, , with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (SATA mode & X4 PCIE mode)*1 1 x M.2 Socket 3, , with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (PCIE mode only)*2 6 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), gray Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology 15 support Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology*3 Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready *4 LAN Intel® I219V, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s) ASUS Turbo LAN Utility ASUS LAN Guard Audio Realtek® ALC S1220A 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC featuring Crystal Sound 3 – Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs – Internal audio Amplifier to enhance the highest quality sound for headphone and speakers – Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel MIC Jack-retasking – High quality 120 dB SNR stereo playback output and 113 dB SNR recording input (Line-in) – Front panel audio connector (AAFP) – Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback *5 Audio Feature : – DTS Connect – DTS Headphone:X – Audio Shielding: Ensures precision analog/digital separation and greatly reduced multi-lateral interference – Dedicated audio PCB layers: Separate layers for left and right channels to guard the quality of the sensitive audio signals – Premium Japanese-made audio capacitors: Provide warm, natural and immersive sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity – Unique de-pop circuit: Reduces start-up popping noise to audio outputs – EMI protection cover to prevent electrical noise to affect the amplifier quality – Power pre-regulator: Reduces power input noise to ensure consistent performance Separate layer for left and right track, ensuring both sound deliver equal quality USB Ports ASMedia® USB 3.1 controller : 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 port(s) (1 at back panel, teal blue, Type-A, Support 3A power output) ASMedia® USB 3.1 controller : 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 port(s) (1 at back panel, , USB Type-CTM, Support 3A power output) Intel® Z270 Chipset : 6 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s) (4 at back panel, , 2 at mid-board) Intel® Z270 Chipset : 6 x USB 2.0 port(s) (6 at mid-board) Special Features OC Design – ASUS PRO Clock Technology – Full BCLK range for extreme overclocking performance 5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5 – Whole system optimization with a single click! 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU, DIGI+ Power Control, Fan Xpert 4, and Turbo App together, providing better CPU performance, efficient power saving, precise digital power control, whole system cooling and even tailor your own app usages. ASUS 5X Protection III : – ASUS SafeSlot Core: Fortified PCIe Slot prevents damage – ASUS LANGuard: Protects against LAN surges, lightning strikes and static-electricity discharges! – ASUS Overvoltage Protection: World-class circuit-protecting power design – ASUS Stainless-Steel Back I/O: 3X corrosion-resistance for greater durability! – ASUS DIGI+ VRM: 8 Phase digital power design ASUS TPU : – Auto Tuning – GPU Boost ASUS EPU : – EPU AURA : – Aura Lighting Control – Aura RGB Strip Headers – Aura Lighting Effects Synchronization with compatible ASUS ROG devices ASUS Exclusive Features : – MemOK! – AI Suite 3 – Ai Charger – Turbo LAN – Crystal Sound 3 – EZ XMP ASUS Exclusive Features – PC Cleaner File Transfer – Cloud GO! – File Transfer ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution : – Stylish Fanless Design Heat-sink solution – ASUS Fan Xpert 4 ASUS EZ DIY : – Precision Tweaker 2 – ASUS O.C. Tuner – ASUS O.C. Profile – ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 – ASUS EZ Flash 3 – ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode – Multi-language BIOS CPU Installation Tool – Three-step simplicity and safety ASUS Q-Design : – ASUS Q-Shield – ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED) – ASUS Q-Slot – ASUS Q-DIMM – ASUS Q-Connector Special Memory O.C. Design Overclocking Protection : – ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall) Turbo APP Back I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s) 1 x DVI-D 1 x DisplayPort 1 x HDMI 1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s) 1 x USB 3.1 Type-A 1 x USB 3.1 USB Type-CTM 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 1 x Optical S/PDIF out 5 x Audio jack(s) Internal I/O 1 x Aura RGB Strip Header 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s) (19-pin) 3 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 6 USB 2.0 port(s) 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (SATA mode & X4 PCIE mode) 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (PCIE mode only) 6 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) 2 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (2 x 4 -pin) 1 x Thunderbolt header(s) 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s) 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s) 1 x EZ XMP switch 1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP) 1 x System panel(s) (Q-Connector) (Chassis intrusion header is inbuilt) 1 x 5-pin EXT_FAN(Extension Fan) connector 1 x MemOK! button(s) 1 x CPU OV 1 x Power-on button(s) 1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s) 1 x 14-1 pin TPM connector 1 x COM port header 1 x High AMP Fan header (4-pin) 1 x T_Sensor Connector 1 x AIO PUMP Header 2 x 3D Mount screw port(s) Accessories User's manual ASUS Q-Shield 3 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s) 1 x M.2 Screw Package 1 x CPU installation tool 1 x Supporting DVD 1 x SLI HB BRIDGE(2-WAY-M) 1 x Q-connector(s) (1 in 1) BIOS 128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 3.0, ACPI 6.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Last Modified log, F12 PrintScreen, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information. Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 3.0, WOL by PME, PXE Operating System Windows® 10 64-bit Windows® 8.1 64-bit *6 Windows® 7 32-bit *6 Windows® 7 64-bit *6 *6 Form Factor ATX Form Factor 12.0 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm ) Note *1. The M.2_1 socket shares SATA_1 port when use M.2 SATA mode device. Adjust BIOS settings to use a SATA device. *2. The M.2_2 socket shares SATA_56 ports when use M.2 PCIE mode device in X4 mode. Adjust BIOS settings to use M.2 PCIE devices in X4 mode. *3. These functions will work depending on the CPU installed. *4.Intel® Optane Technology is only supported when using 7th Generation Intel® processors. Before using Intel® Optane memory modules, ensure that you have updated your motherboard drivers and BIOS to the latest version from ASUS support website. *5. Due to limitations in HDA bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for 8-Channel audio. 32-Bit/192kHz is only available under Windows® 10. *6. Windows® 8.1 64-bit and Windows® 7 32/64-bit are only supported when using 6th Generation Intel® Processors
• Product codes:
• PRIME Z270-A

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