ASUS Prime Z270-A Motherboard Review

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ASUS Prime Z270-A Motherboard Review

ASUS Prime Z270-A
ASUS Prime Z270-A Motherboard Overview

ASUS is one of the premier motherboard manufaturers, it is one of a handful of companies that enthusiast continue an eye on for new technology. As Intel is releasing a new processor, a new motherboard chipset comes along with that. The Intel Z270 includes a number of enhancements for 4K video, new storage devices such as Intel Optane, and more. Nigh manufacturers will release a handful of motherboards designed to fit a broad range of users. ASUS is preparing six Z270 motherboards for the initial launch of the chipset. These motherboards are expected to range in price from $164 upward to $379 at launch. Today, we are getting a chance to take an early look at the Prime number Z270-A motherboard, which is expected to have an MSRP of $164 with a three yr warranty. This puts information technology at the depression end of ASUS's Z270 line-up, nevertheless that doesn't mean that they skimped out on the features.

Here is a quick look at the ASUS Z270 motherboard line-up at launch. Equally nosotros can encounter, the Prime Z270-A will exist at the low end of the motherboards, all the same that doesn't mean that ASUS has skimped out on features. Also, we should note that the ROG Maximus Iv Formula is listed with a $379 MSRP, however ASUS expects that volition driblet by time they go on sale on January fifth.

ASUS Z270 Motherboard Lineup with MSRP:

  • ROG Maximus IX Formula – $379
  • ROG Maximus Code – $299
  • ROG Maximus Ix Hero – $229
  • ROG STRIX Z270E – $199
  • ROG STRIX Z270G – $189
  • Prime Z270-A – $164

It includes well-nigh of the storage options available with support for six SATA 6Gb/s drives, ii M.2 (both SATA and PCIe) with support for Intel Optane, and multiple USB three.one connections. Video options range from on-lath graphics supplied past the latest Intel HD Graphics with HDMI 1.4a, DisplayPort 1.2 and DVI-D. This also includes support for Intel InTru 3D, Quick Sync Video, Articulate Video HD Technology and Insider. However nigh enthusiasts will look at adding in a dedicated graphics bill of fare, which the ASUS Prime number Z270-A supports 2-Way NVIDIA SLI or iii-Way CrossFireX.

ASUS Prime Z270-A
ASUS Prime number Z270-A Aura RGB Path Lighting

Storage and graphics options aside, at that place is a lot more than to the Prime Z270-A hidden beneath the surface. Separating the audio from the rest of the motherboard has become pretty mutual, ASUS does this and lights upward the audio separation with RGB lighting. The ASUS Aura RGB lighting system is becoming i of the almost pop RGB lighting standards around, the Prime number Z270-A includes a connectedness on the motherboard to support RGB calorie-free strips.

There is much more than to come across on the Prime Z270-A, permit's get started with a quick look at the features and specifications, before getting to the motherboard.

Features and Specifications

  • Ready for Intel Optane Technology
  • Native 1000.ii/NVMe PCIe RAID Support
  • Aureola RGB lighting and synchronization
  • ASUS exclusive Realtek S1220A audio codec featuring Crystal Sound 3
ASUS Prime Z270-A Specifications
CPU Socket 1151 for sixth and 7th Generation Intel Cadre i7/i5/i3/Pentium/Celeron
Chipset Intel Z270 Chipset
Memory 4x DIMM Max 64GB, DDR4 up to 3866(OC)
Expansion Slots 2x PCIe iii.0 x16 slot (x16 or x8/x8)

1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (max x4 mode)

4x PCIe three.0 x1 slots

VGA Multi-VGA output support

DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI ane.4a, DVI-D

Storage 1x K.2 Socket 3 with Chiliad-Key; type 2242/2260/2280/22110 (SATA and PCIe Style)

1x Thou.2 Socket 3 with M-Key; type 2242/2260/2280 (PCIe manner only; shares SATA_56 ports for x4 mode)

LAN Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN
Audio Realtek S1220A 8-channel high definition audio CODEC featuring Crystal Sound iii

DTS HeadphoneX and DTS Connect

USB 1x Type-A USB 3.ane (dorsum console)

1x Type-C USB three.ane (back console)

6x USB 3.0/2.0

6x USB 2.0/ane.one

Warranty three Year

ASUS packages the Prime Z270-A similar most motherboards. The outside of the box presents the cardinal features on the front, along with an overview picture of the motherboard. Flipping the box over, the dorsum presents much more information on the Prime Z270-A. Information on several key features such as five-Fashion Optimization for overclocking, ASUS Aura, storage options and ASUS sectional Realtek S1220A sound codec are provided. On the dorsum, ASUS too lists out the other specifications of the motherboard. Opening the hat on the box, we find the motherboard in a standard anti-static pocketbook, packed in the box pretty tightly to help avert harm while beingness shipped.

ASUS Prime Z270-A
ASUS Prime Z270-A Accessories

Included with the ASUS Prime Z270-A is a fairly standard accompaniment pack. For documentation, the user manual and a commuter/software DVD is included. In addition, the standard rear I/O embrace shield, ASUS CPU installation guide, three SATA cables, and the ASUS quick connect for the front console headers. The included SLI bracket is also standard, however ASUS has upgraded it from the "standard" basic flexible model to a heavy duty PCB based model.

Lets take a quick expect around the Prime Z270-A before we get to doing some testing.