ASUS has recently announced a full range of ASUS-branded motherboards powered by the brand new Intel Z97 Express and H97 Express chipsets, and including support for 4th Gen. Haswell, Haswell Refresh, Hawell Refresh K series (Devil’s Canyon), and 5th generation Broadwell Intel Core processors. ASUS Z97 and H97 Series motherboards are fully-featured and perfect for any desktop PC build, whether it’s a high-performance PC, a potent gaming rig or a multimedia entertainment center. With ASUS-exclusive technologies to enhance performance and reliability, plus support for the latest ultra-high-speed SATA Express and M.2* storage technologies, the ASUS Z97 and H97 Series take PCs to the next level. These new Asus Z97 and H97 motherboards will be available in Philippines starting this month. Check out their features, respective specifications and prices below.
A brand new premium look
ASUS Z97 and H97 Series motherboards feature a gleaming new design, with a unique and distinctive perfectly circular heat-sink on the next-generation Platform Controller Hub (PCH) chip. Anodized in a light gold color, this heat-sink is the signature visual feature of the new range. These design elements combine to project an understated, subtle and smooth image that exudes undeniable superiority, and which is perfectly suited to this comprehensive new range of ASUS motherboards. Z97 and H97 motherboards are suitable for any build, whether it’s a productivity, gaming or entertainment PC.
Take control with 5-Way Optimization
Appearances are not everything, of course, and to ensure the ultimate performance, efficiency and reliability ASUS Z97 motherboards feature 5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5. This exclusive ASUS feature builds on the reputation of preceding versions, offering the simplest way of controlling and optimizing every important aspect of motherboard operation. 5-Way Optimization includes the brilliant new Turbo App, an intuitive tuning panel that allows the user to tailor network and audio settings easily for the particular application they are using. It also features Fan Xpert 3 for unrivalled customizable fan control, thanks to more onboard thermal sensors and the ability to reduce CPU fan speeds below the default minimum. This enables extra-quiet operation and power savings when the system load is light.
5-Way Optimization keeps all the features of previous version, including TurboV Processing Unit (TPU) to boost CPU performance, Energy Processing Unit (EPU) to enhance energy efficiency and DIGI+ Power Control for enhanced performance, increased efficiency and optimum reliability.
With 5-Way Optimization, users can easily overclock the processor for improved performance (for example, by up to 20% for an Intel® Core™ i7-4770K processor), get the best balance of cooling efficiency and quietness from the fans, prioritize their network for game data and optimize audio settings for fantastically-clear audio and in-game-chat. This comprehensive intelligent optimization puts the user in full control of their system.
Flawless audio and state-of-the-art networking technology
Z97 and H97 motherboards feature Crystal Sound 2 technology to provide flawless audio. Onboard physical shielding, separate layers for left and right channels to guard the quality of the sensitive audio signals and premium components, including Japanese-made audio capacitors and operational amplifiers (op-amps), give sound output that has exceptional clarity and fidelity. The unique de-pop circuit reduces start-up popping noise to audio outputs. An easy-to-use control panel makes short work of optimizing and personalizing audio settings, whether for gaming, chatting, watching movies or relaxing to your favorite music.
For lag-free networking, Turbo LAN software is provided, with an intuitive user interface that allows users to reduce lag significantly with no expert knowledge. As well as Intel Gigabit Ethernet, selected ASUS Z97 motherboards also feature built-in next-generation 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 for the ultimate connectivity.
Access everything, everywhere with ASUS HomeCloud
For those looking to build a home multimedia entertainment media center, ASUS motherboards feature ASUS HomeCloud that lets users access the entire contents of a PC remotely, stream multimedia content to any suitable device via the motherboard’s wired or Wi-Fi network, and manage content from anywhere — no matter where it’s stored. The built-in Wake-on-WAN feature allows users to wake and control a PC remotely with a single smart device, anywhere and anytime. It turns the PC’s hard drive into a private cloud, removing worries about storage limits.
ASUS motherboards for proven quality and compatibility
ASUS employs strict compatibility and validation standards to guarantee quality throughout the product’s life. ASUS 5X Protection technology ensures only the finest components are used for long-term system durability, these include DIGI+ VRM, DRAM overcurrent protection, ESD Guards, high quality 5K-hr solid state capacitors and a corrosion-resistant stainless steel back I/O panel. An extensive certification program focuses ensures compatibility with over a thousand components and devices, including both server and consumer CPUs, hundreds of memory modules, graphics cards, devices, power supplies, network devices and displays, ASUS is so confident the superior compatibility of its 9 Series motherboards that it publishes the entire Qualified Vendor List (QVL), which lists every compatible component.
To ensure maximum reliability, each motherboard is subjected to over 7,000 hours of stringent physical testing, including temperature and humidity tests, burn-in, power on/off, power consumption, insertion and thermal-shock testing plus many more. Every certified-compatible component is put through up to 24-hours of aging tests to ensure trouble-free daily operation.
Next-generation accessories for next-generation motherboards
Users can add a touch of the future to their 9 Series motherboards with the ASUS NFC Express 2 box and ASUS Wireless Charger accessories. NFC Express 2 allows users to interact with their PC and smart devices wirelessly and efficiently. Tap a device onto the NFC Express 2 to pick up movie clip from a PC, right from where the user left it, log in to a PC without typing, or back up photos and videos added since the last sync from a smart device straight to the PC.
ASUS Wireless Charger lets users charge Qi-compatible smart devices simply by placing them on the charger, with no need for cable or adapter clutter.
ASUS NFC Express 2 and Wireless Charger are bundled with selected Z97 models, or are available separately for use with any ASUS 9 Series motherboard.
Asus Z97 and H97 Motherboards Specifications
| Specifications | Z97-DELUXE (NFC&WLC ) | Z97-DELUXE | Z97-PRO (Wi-Fi ac) | Z97-PRO | Z97-A | Z97-AR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel® LGA1150 4th, New 4th & 5th Generation Core i7/Core i5/Core i3/Pentium®/Celeron® Processors Ready |
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| Chipset | Intel® Z97 Express Chipset |
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| Power Phase Design | DIGI+ 16-Phase VRM | DIGI+ 12-Phase VRM, | DIGI+ 8-Phase VRM |
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| Memory | 4xDDR3 DIMM, max. 32GB, 3300(O.C.) MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered | 4xDDR3 DIMM, max. 32GB, 3200(O.C.) MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered | 4xDDR3 DIMM, max. 32GB, 3200(O.C.) MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered |
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| PCIex16 Slots | 2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 | 2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 | 2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 |
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| Output Support | DP/mDP/HDMI | DP/HDMI/DVI/D-sub | DP/HDMI/DVI/D-sub | DP/HDMI |
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| SATA Express | 2x | 1x | 1x |
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| SATA 6Gb/s | 10x | 8x | 6x |
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| M.2 | 1 x M.2 (PCIe x2/SATA mode) socket 3 with M key, supports type 2260/2280 | 1 x M.2 (PCIe x2) socket 3 with M key, supports type 2260/2280 |
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| Wi-Fi | Dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5 GHz) | N/A |
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| USB 3.0 | 10 (4 at front) | 8 (4 at front) | 6 (2 at front) |
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| Audio | Realtek® ALC1150 with Crystal Sound 2, DTS UltraPC II, DTS Connect | Realtek® ALC1150 with Crystal Sound 2, DTS UltraPC II, DTS Connect | Realtek® ALC1150 with Crystal Sound 2, DTS UltraPC II, DTS Connect |
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| Networking (LAN) | 2 x Intel Gigabit Ethernet, Turbo LAN | 1 x Intel Gigabit Ethernet, Turbo LAN | 1 x Intel Gigabit Ethernet, Turbo LAN |
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| Exclusive features | 5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5, UEFI BIOS, ASUS HomeCloud, 5X Protection |
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| Form Factor | ATX |
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| Specifications | Z97-C | Z97-K | Z97M-PLUS | Z97I-PLUS | Z97-WS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel® LGA1150 4th, New 4th & 5th Generation Core i7/Core i5/Core i3/Pentium®/Celeron® Processors Ready |
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| Chipset | Intel® Z97 Express Chipset |
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| Memory | 4xDDR3 DIMM, max. 32GB, 3200 (O.C.) MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered | 2 x DIMM, max. 16GB. DDR3 3200(O.C.) MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered | 4xDDR3 DIMM, max. 32GB, 3300(O.C.) MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered | ||
| Power Phase Design | DIGI+ 6-phase VRM | DIGI+ 4-phase VRM | DIGI+ 4-phase VRM | DIGI+ 6-phase VRM | DIGI+ 8-phase VRM |
| PCIex16 Slots | 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16; 1 x PCIe 2.0/x16(@x4) | 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16; 1 x PCIe 2.0/x16(@x4) | 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16; 1 x PCIe 2.0/x16 (@x4) | 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 | 4 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (dual x16, quad x8) |
| Output Support | HDMI/DVI/D-sub | HDMI/DVI/D-sub | HDMI/DVI/D-sub | DP/HDMI/DVI/D-sub | DP/mDP/HDM |
| SATA Express | 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2 |
| SATA 6Gb/s | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 8 |
| M.2 | 1 x M.2 (PCIe x2/SATA mode) socket 3 with M key, supports type 2260/2280 |
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| Wi-Fi | N/A | N/A | N/A | Dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5 GHz) | N/A |
| USB 3.0 | 6 (2 at front) | 6 (2 at front) | 6 (2 at front) | 6 (2 at front) | 10 (4 at front) |
| Audio | Realtek® ALC892 with Crystal Sound 2 | Realtek® ALC892 with Crystal Sound 2 | Realtek® ALC892 with Crystal Sound 2 | Realtek® ALC892 with audio features. DTS UltraPC II, DTS Connect | Realtek® ALC1150 |
| Networking (LAN) | 1 x Intel Gigabit Ethernet, Turbo LAN | 1 x Realtek LAN, Turbo LAN | 1 x Intel Gigabit Ethernet | 1 x Intel Gigabit Ethernet, Turbo LAN | 2 x Intel Gigabit Ethernet, Turbo LAN |
| Exclusive features | 5X Protection, UEFI BIOS, Fan Xpert 3, ASUS HomeCloud | 5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5, UEFI BIOS, ASUS HomeCloud, Quad-Strength Graphic Power |
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| Form Factor | ATX | ATX | m-ATX | mini-ITX | ATX |
| Specifications | H97-PRO | H97-PLUS | H97M-PLUS | H97M-E | H97I-PLUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel® LGA1150 4th, New 4th & 5th Generation Core i7/Core i5/Core i3/Pentium®/Celeron® Processors Ready |
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| Chipset | Intel H97 Express Chipset |
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| Memory | 4 x DIMM, max. 32GB. DDR3 1600(O.C.) MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered | 2x DIMM, max. 16GB. DDR3 1600(O.C.) MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered | |||
| Power Phase Design | DIGI+6-phase VRM | DIGI+4-phase VRM | DIGI+4-phase VRM | DIGI+4-phase VRM | DIGI+6-phase VRM |
| PCIex16 Slots | 1x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 2.0×16(@x4) | 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 |
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| Output Support | HDMI/DVI/D-sub | DP/HDMI/DVI/D-sub | |||
| SATA Express | 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SATA 6Gb/s | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| M.2 | 1 x M.2 (PCIe x2/SATA mode) socket 3 with M key, supports type 2260/2280 |
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| USB 3.0 | 6 (2 at front) | 6 (2 at front) | 6 (2 at front) | 6 (2 at front) | 6 (2 at front) |
| Audio | Realtek® ALC892 with Crystal Sound 2 | Realtek® ALC887 with Crystal Sound 2 | Realtek® ALC887 with Crystal Sound 2 | Realtek® ALC887 with Crystal Sound 2 | Realtek® ALC887 with audio features |
| Networking (LAN) | 1 x Intel Gigabit Ethernet, Turbo LAN | 1 x Realtek LAN | 1 x Intel Gigabit Ethernet | 1 x Realtek LAN | 1 x Intel Gigabit Ethernet |
| Features | 5X Protection, UEFI BIOS, Fan Xpert 3, ASUS HomeCloud | 5X Protection, UEFI BIOS, Fan Xpert 2+, ASUS HomeCloud |
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| Form Factor | ATX | m-ATX | mini-ITX | ||
Price and Availability
The new ASUS Z97 and H97 motherboards will be available in the Philippines starting this May 2014. Below are some models with their respective manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (local):
- Asus Z97-DELUXE – Php 16,990
- Asus Z97-DELUXE(NFC&WLC) – Php 23,490
- Asus Z97-PRO(Wi-Fi ac) – Php 13,190
- Asus Z97-A – Php 9,290
- Asus Z97-K – Php 7,590
- Asus Z97M-PLUS – Php 7,090
- Asus H97M-PLUS – Php 6,290
- Asus H97M-E – Php 5,290
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