Best Z97 Motherboards for Your System: Reviews & Comparison

Verdict

The Gigabyte GA-Z97X-GAMING GT is an excellent motherboard for gaming and offers an impressive array of features, including support for 4-Way/3-Way/2-Way AMD CrossFire/NVIDIA SLI technology, dual channel memory, 10x SATA3 ports, and a Realtek ALC1150 codec with a TI Burr Brown OPA2134 operational amplifier. The only downside is that it's relatively expensive.

Specs

• LGA1150
• Chipset: Intel Z97 Express
• Memory: 4x DDR3-3200(OC)/ 3100(OC)/ 3000(OC)/ 2933(OC)/ 2800(OC)/ 2666(OC)/ 2600(OC)/ 2500(OC)/ 2400(OC)/ 2200(OC)/ 2133(OC)/ 2000(OC)/ 1866(OC)/ 1800(OC)/ 1600/ 1333 DIMM Slots, Dual Channel, Non-ECC, Max Capacity of 32GB
• Slots: 4x PCI-Express 3.0 x16 Slots (two run at x8), 3x PCI-Express 2.0 x1 Slots
• SATA: 10x SATA3 Ports, Six Support RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, Four Support RAID 0, 1; 1x SATA Express Port
• Power Connector: 1x 24pin ATX Main Power Connector, 1x 8pin ATX 12V Power Connector
• Audio: Realtek ALC1150 codec; TI Burr Brown OPA2134 operational amplifier; Support for Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3
• Atheros Killer E2201 LAN chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
• Support for 4-Way/3-Way/2-Way AMD CrossFire/NVIDIA SLI technology

Pros

• High-end audio and networking components
• Support for 4-Way/3-Way/2-Way

Verdict

The ASUS ATX DDR3 2600 LGA 1150 Motherboard Z97-PRO(Wi-Fi ac)/USB 3.1 offers users a great combination of features and performance, making it a great choice for any gaming or multimedia enthusiast.

Specs

• USB 3.1 On-board
• 5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5
• M.2 & SATA Express
• Crystal Sound 2 and Intel Gigabit Ethernet
• ASUS Home Cloud with 802.11ac Wi-Fi
• Proven quality - 5X Protection

Pros

• Fast transfer speeds with USB 3.1
• 5-Way Optimization for maximum performance
• Crystal Sound 2 and Intel Gigabit Ethernet for great audio and networking
• ASUS Home Cloud for remote access and streaming
• Proven quality and compatibility

Cons

No major cons to report.

Verdict

The ASUS ROG Maximus VII Formula is a high-powered motherboard with great features like Intel Ethernet, LAN Guard, and Game First III, SupremeFX Formula 2014, Sonic Radar II, and more.

Specs

• Chipset: Intel Z97
• Memory: 4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 3300(O.C.)/3200(O.C.)/3100(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2933(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666(O.C.)/2400(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/2000(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600/1333 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory Dual Channel Memory Architecture
• Free keyboard upgrade and mPCIe Combo III compact card

Pros

• High-powered motherboard with great features
• Durable materials and tough double-sided armor

Cons

None.

Verdict

The ASUS ATX DDR3 2600 LGA 1150 Motherboards Z97-PRO (Wi-Fi AC) is a great motherboard for anyone looking for a feature-packed board with high-end specs.

Specs

• Dual-band 802.11AC Wi-Fi for Wi-Fi GO! & Media Streamer
• M.2 & SATA Express onboard - Up to 10Gb/s data-transfer
• 5-Way Optimization perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU, DIGI+ Power Control, Fan Xpert 3 and Turbo App
• Crystal Sound 2 - Feel the sound power with different sound modes
• Redesigned UEFI - Most advanced options with fast response time

Pros

• High-end specs and features
• Fast data-transfer speeds
• Consolidated optimization options
• Powerful sound modes
• Advanced UEFI options with fast response time

Cons

None.