Looking for a high-performance motherboard that can fit in a compact build without compromise? Look no further than the ASUS z97i Plus. This Mini-ITX motherboard may be small, but it packs a punch with its impressive features and powerful capabilities. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes the ASUS z97i Plus such a standout choice for PC builders.
From its efficient design to its advanced networking and audio capabilities, we’ll evaluate every aspect of this motherboard to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. So fasten your seatbelt, grab your favorite drink, and let’s begin!
Design and features
When it comes to the design and features of the ASUS Z97I Plus motherboard, it’s definitely a winner. This mini-ITX motherboard boasts a sleek black design with red accents that will please any gamer or PC enthusiast. It’s also equipped with a variety of useful features, including an M.
2 slot for fast solid-state drive storage and dual-band Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity. Another great feature of this motherboard is its support for overclocking, allowing users to push their processor to its limits for maximum performance. The ASUS UEFI BIOS is also user-friendly, making it easy to tweak settings and optimize performance.
Overall, the ASUS Z97I Plus is a solid choice for anyone looking for a high-performance, compact motherboard.
Compact yet powerful
When it comes to technology, compact doesn’t necessarily equate to less powerful, and the same is true for the latest gadgets that are hitting the market these days. With features that are full of surprises, it’s no wonder why the compact design is becoming an increasingly popular choice for tech-savvy consumers. Whether it’s a smartphone, a laptop, or a gaming console, the key to a great compact design is in its ability to pack a punch despite its size limitations.
Take, for example, the latest iteration of the popular gaming console, the Nintendo Switch. Despite being smaller than its predecessors, the Switch still boasts features that are comparable to any full-sized game console. Its portability, versatility, and user-friendly design make it a top choice for gamers on the go.
With its impressive battery life and storage capacity, the Nintendo Switch proves that big things really do come in small packages. So, if you’re in the market for a powerful gadget that won’t take up too much space, don’t underestimate the power of compact design.
Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth
The built-in WiFi and Bluetooth features of electronic devices have revolutionized the way we connect to the internet and other devices. With WiFi, you can access the internet without the hassle of cables. It allows you to connect to vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently.
The Bluetooth feature enables wireless connectivity to other devices such as speakers, headphones, and game controllers. It is an excellent tool for moving away from the excess wires and cables that were required with older technology. It also allows for seamless transfer of files, making it easy to share data between devices.
These features are almost standard in modern electronics and have become a selling point for many products. The convenience and versatility they bring to our lives cannot be understated.
Performance and compatibility
Asus z97i plus motherboard is a great choice in terms of performance and compatibility. It has a compact design that accommodates even smaller PC cases. The board features an Intel Z97 chipset that supports the latest 4th and 5th generation Intel processors.
Its two DIMM slots support up to 16GB of DDR3 memory, which is more than enough for most users. The board also features six SATA 6GB/s ports, one M.2 port, and an onboard Wi-Fi module, which makes it easy to connect to the internet wirelessly.
It also has a good number of USB 0 ports and Bluetooth 0 connectivity, which adds to its convenience.
The board performs very well, and its performance is comparable to that of larger ATX boards. In terms of compatibility, the board is very accommodating of different components, and there is no need to worry about compatibility issues. Overall, the Asus z97i plus motherboard is an excellent option for those looking for an efficient and dependable board for their PC build.
Compatible with high-end CPUs
When it comes to high-end CPUs, compatibility and performance are crucial factors to consider. Luckily, there are many products available on the market that are designed to work in conjunction with these high-powered processors. By using components that are specifically adapted for high-performance computing, you can ensure that your system runs smoothly and without bottlenecks.
Some of the top computer manufacturers offer a range of compatible components, including motherboards, RAM, and storage devices. It’s important to do your research and choose products that are optimized for use with your CPU, as this will ensure that you get the most out of your system. Whether you’re building a gaming PC or a workstation for intensive projects, investing in compatible components is a must to achieve the best performance possible.
So, be sure to choose wisely and make the most of your high-end CPU.
Impressive overclocking abilities
If you’re looking for a CPU with impressive overclocking abilities, then the AMD Ryzen series is worth considering. These processors have proven to be highly efficient and compatible with a wide range of devices, making them a versatile option for gamers, content creators, and professionals alike. With unrivaled processing speed and a robust feature set, the Ryzen CPUs deliver exceptional performance, even under intense workloads.
What sets them apart, however, is their powerful overclocking capabilities, which allow users to push the limits of their chips and attain higher clock speeds. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a power user who needs top-tier processing power, the Ryzen CPUs are an excellent choice for your next build.
Good for gaming and multitasking
When it comes to selecting a computer for gaming and multitasking, performance and compatibility are the two most essential factors to consider. You don’t want to end up with a computer that can’t handle your favorite games or crashes constantly while multitasking. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a computer with a powerful processor and enough RAM to meet your needs.
Also, ensure that all the components are compatible with one another because if they aren’t, the computer won’t perform optimally. To get the best performance, you need a computer that can deliver high frame rates while gaming and fast processing speeds while multitasking. So, it’s critical to invest in a high-quality graphics card and a top-of-the-line processor.
With these essential components, you can enjoy playing games without experiencing lag and switch between different tasks seamlessly. In conclusion, it’s vital to prioritize performance and compatibility when selecting a PC for gaming and multitasking to get the most out of your computer and ensure a smooth and satisfying experience.
Connectivity and ports
One of the standout features of the ASUS Z97I Plus motherboard is its impressive connectivity and wide range of ports. With dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 0, and Gigabit Ethernet, this motherboard leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to network connectivity.
Additionally, it includes four USB 0 ports, one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, and even a dedicated Thunderbolt 2 port for lightning-fast data transfer. Whether you’re a gamer who needs a reliable connection, a creative professional who requires fast file transfers, or just someone who needs to connect multiple devices, the ASUS Z97I Plus has you covered.
Overall, this motherboard provides excellent value for its price point and is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performance solution in a compact form factor. So, if you’re in the market for a new motherboard, the ASUS Z97I Plus is definitely worth considering.
Multiple USB 3.0 ports
When it comes to connectivity and ports on our devices, having multiple USB 0 ports can make a huge difference. USB
0 ports are faster and more efficient than their previous counterparts, allowing for quicker data transfer and charging capabilities. It’s essential to have multiple USB 0 ports to accommodate various devices like smartphones, external hard drives, and other peripherals requiring a high-speed connection.
Without enough ports, we may find ourselves constantly unplugging and swapping out devices, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. Having multiple USB 0 ports, though, can streamline our workflow and make life much more comfortable.
So, when you’re shopping for a new device, be sure to consider the number of USB 0 ports it comes with to avoid future headaches.
SATA and M.2 connections
When it comes to connectivity and ports in a computer, two common terms that often come up are SATA and M.2 connections. SATA, short for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment, is a type of connection that has been around for quite some time and is commonly used for connecting hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) to the motherboard.
On the other hand, M.2 is a newer type of connection that is primarily used for connecting high-speed SSDs directly to the motherboard, without the need for cables. One of the biggest advantages of M.
2 connectivity is that it allows for much faster data transfer speeds compared to SATA. This is because M.2 uses the PCIe interface, which is much faster than the SATA interface.
Additionally, M.2 SSDs are smaller in size than traditional SATA drives, making them ideal for compact laptop and desktop designs. That being said, SATA still has its uses, especially for those who need to connect traditional hard drives or older SSDs to their system.
SATA connections also tend to be more widely available on motherboards compared to M.2, so for those who are on a budget, it can be a more practical option. Ultimately, whether to use SATA or M.
2 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you require fast data transfer speeds and don’t mind spending a bit more on an M.2 SSD, then it’s definitely worth considering.
Verdict and final thoughts
To wrap up this ASUS Z97I Plus motherboard review, I must say that it’s a great choice for those who want to build a small yet powerful gaming system. The design is sleek, compact, and well thought-out to maximize space and airflow. The performance is also impressive, thanks to the included Wi-Fi support, top-notch audio quality, and high-speed M.
2 SSD slot. The BIOS is easy to navigate, and there are plenty of overclocking options for enthusiasts. However, the lack of USB
1 and SATA Express ports might be a downside for some. Overall, I think the ASUS Z97I Plus is a reliable and versatile motherboard that can handle demanding tasks without compromising on quality or stability. If you’re in the market for a mini-ITX motherboard, this one is definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ASUS Z97I Plus motherboard is a compact yet powerful solution for those looking to build a high-performance system with minimal space requirements. With its impressive overclocking capabilities, robust feature set, and user-friendly interface, this motherboard is a top contender in its class. So, if you’re in the market for a motherboard that packs a punch without taking up too much room, the ASUS Z97I Plus is definitely worth considering.
It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to build a system that’s both powerful and petite – a true David among Goliaths!”
FAQs
What are the key features of the ASUS Z97I-Plus motherboard?
The ASUS Z97I-Plus motherboard comes with various features such as Intel Z97 Express chipset, 5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5, Mini-ITX Form Factor, and various connectivity options like dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.
Does the ASUS Z97I-Plus motherboard support overclocking?
Yes, the ASUS Z97I-Plus motherboard supports overclocking with its exclusive 5-Way Optimization technology, which optimizes the system based on real-time usage.
What is the maximum RAM size supported by the ASUS Z97I-Plus motherboard?
The ASUS Z97I-Plus motherboard supports up to 16GB of DDR3 memory.
What are the expansion slots available on the ASUS Z97I-Plus motherboard?
The ASUS Z97I-Plus motherboard comes with one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and one mini-PCIe slot.
What are the audio features of the ASUS Z97I-Plus motherboard?
The ASUS Z97I-Plus motherboard comes with SupremeFX 8-Channel High Definition Audio that provides pristine and immersive sound quality. It also has an isolated audio design that minimizes electromagnetic interference to produce a pure sound signal.
