ASUS's entire Z270 motherboard lineup has been leaked ahead of their launch in January 2017. The board lineup includes next-generation MAXIMUS, STRIX and TUF series products which are most popular among overclockers and gamers.
ASUS's Next-Generation Z270 Motherboards Pictured and Detailed
The ASUS lineup that has been leaked includes 8 motherboards which feature the Z270 chipset. There will be additional boards with H170 chipset that will be aimed at budget-tier builds. All Z270 boards which have been leaked are designed for enthusiasts, overclockers and gamers. Price wise, these are going to cost a little extra over the regular Z270 boards which will be available at launch but for those looking for more features and OC support, these are the ones to keep an eye out for.
ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z270 Motherboard Series
The ASUS ROG Maximus series are part of the ROG (Republic of Gamers) gaming legacy. All motherboards are designed for enthusiasts who want the own the best products for their PCs. The ROG series has entered the XI generation and includes three boards, the Maximus IX Formula, Maximus IX Code and Maximus IX Hero. Let's take a detailed look at these boards.
ASUS ROG Maximus IX Formula Motherboard
The ASUS ROG Maximus IX Formula is a high-end product designed for enthusiasts. Featuring the Z270 chipset and LGA 1151 socket, the board comes in the standard ATX form factor along with a handful of features. First up, ASUS has maintained their solid red and black color scheme on the ROG lineup. This looks more impressive on the new boards since the red color is being emitted by LEDs that are spread across the motherboard. This is part of the new Aura RGB lightning which offers 3+2 independent on-board LED areas that can be customized by users.
The LGA 1151 socket features support for both 6th and 7th generation Intel processors. The board comes with a 8+2+2 Phase Digital power design that features 10K black metallic capacitors, MicroFine Alloy Chokes, NexFET PW (Power) block MOSFET and DIGI+ Power Control Utility for real-time adjustment. All of these components are part of the new ASUS Extreme Engine Digi+ technology that improves CPU stability and overclocking. Power is fed through a single 8-Pin connector.
The motherboard features four DDR4 DIMM slots that can support up to 64 GB of memory with speeds of up to 4133 MHZ (O.C+). Expansion slots on the motherboard include three PCI-e 3.0 x16 (x16/x8/x4 electrical), three PCI-e 3.0 x1 and dual M.2 Socket 3 Type M (PCI-e 3.0 x4 + SATA). The board comes with armored expansion slots which means that they are shielded by a metallic cover that fortifies the slot with extra strength and durability.
Storage options include six SATA III 6 GB/s ports. There's also a USB 3.1 front header along with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 (2+4) front panel connectors. For audio, the motherboard comes with the latest SupremeFX S1220 CODEC that comes with a new ALC S1220 CODEC, De-pop MOSFET, ESS Hi-Fi Sabre DAC, Premium Nichicon capacitors, all topped with SupremeFX shielding.
ROG Maximus IX Features Next-Gen CrossChill EK II Water Cooling
ASUS also implemented their latest CrossChill EK II water cooling system inside the Maximus IX Formula. Developed in collaboration with EK Waterblocks, the new system utilizes a brand new thin fin design to increase water flow rate and offer increased contact surface area for up to 4C (degrees) improvement over the previous design. There are also dedicated headers for water cooling setups that can provide water flow sensor and temp sensor.
Finally, we have I/O which is fully loaded on this motherboard. We are looking at 2 USB 3.1 (Type-A, Type-C) ports, 4 USB 3.0, 4 USB 2.0, Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN, HDMI 1.4, DP 1.2, 2x2 MU-MIMO 802.11 AC WI-FI, Clr CMOS / BIOS Flashback buttons and a 7.1 Channel Audio Jack.
ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula I/O:
ASUS ROG Maximus IX Code Motherboard
The ASUS ROG Maximus IX CODE is another high-end product designed for enthusiasts. Featuring the Z270 chipset and LGA 1151 socket, the board comes in the standard ATX form factor along with a handful of features. ASUS has maintained their solid red and black color scheme on the ROG lineup. This looks more impressive on the new boards since the red color is being emitted by LEDs that are spread across the board.
The LGA 1151 socket features support for both 6th and 7th generation Intel processors. The board comes with a 8+2+2 Phase Digital power design that features 10K black metallic capacitors, MicroFine Alloy Chokes, NexFET PW (Power) block MOSFET and DIGI+ Power Control Utility for real-time adjustment. All of these components are part of the new ASUS Extreme Engine Digi+ technology that improves CPU stability and overclocking. Power is fed through a single 8-Pin connector.
The motherboard features four DDR4 DIMM slots that can support up to 64 GB of memory with speeds of up to 4133 MHZ (O.C+). Expansion slots on the motherboard include three PCI-e 3.0 x16 (x16/x8/x4 electrical), three PCI-e 3.0 x1 and a dual M.2 Socket 3 Type M (PCI-e 3.0 x4 + SATA). The board comes with armored expansion slots which means that they are shielded by a metallic cover that fortifies the slot with extra strength and durability.
A Cheaper Version of the Maximus IX Formula With All The Goodies
Storage options include six SATA III 6 GB/s ports. There's also a USB 3.1 front header along with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 (2+4) front panel connectors. For audio, the motherboard comes with the latest SupremeFX S1220 CODEC that comes with a new ALC S1220 CODEC, De-pop MOSFET, ESS Hi-Fi Sabre DAC, Premium Nichicon capacitors, all topped with SupremeFX shielding.
Finally, we have I/O which is fully loaded on this motherboard. We are looking at 2 USB 3.1 (Type-A, Type-C) ports, 4 USB 3.0, 4 USB 2.0, Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN, HDMI 1.4, DP 1.2, 2x2 MU-MIMO 802.11 AC WI-FI, Clr CMOS / BIOS Flashback buttons and a 7.1 Channel Audio Jack. Expect this motherboard to be a little less pricey compared to the Formula.
ASUS ROG Maximus XI CODE I/O:
ASUS ROG Maximus IX Hero Motherboard
Moving on, we have the last product of the Maximus lineup known as the ROG Maximus IX Hero. The Hero is the more cost optimized variant that comes with a few features of its own. We don't see a lot taken away and the only visual difference is the removal of the front shielding that covers the PCB.
The LGA 1151 socket features support for both 6th and 7th generation Intel processors. The board comes with a 8+2+2 Phase Digital power design that features 10K black metallic capacitors, MicroFine Alloy Chokes, NexFET PW (Power) block MOSFET and DIGI+ Power Control Utility for real-time adjustment. All of these components are part of the new ASUS Extreme Engine Digi+ technology that improves CPU stability and overclocking. Power is fed through a single 8-Pin connector.
The motherboard features four DDR4 DIMM slots that can support up to 64 GB of memory with speeds of up to 4133 MHZ (O.C+). Expansion slots on the motherboard include three PCI-e 3.0 x16 (x16/x8/x4 electrical), three PCI-e 3.0 x1 and a dual M.2 Socket 3 Type M (PCI-e 3.0 x4 + SATA). The board comes with armored expansion slots which means that they are shielded by a metallic cover that fortifies the slot with extra strength and durability.
Storage options include six SATA III 6 GB/s ports. There's also a single USB 3.1 front header. For audio, the motherboard comes with the latest SupremeFX S1220 CODEC that comes with a new ALC S1220 CODEC, De-pop MOSFET, ESS Hi-Fi Sabre DAC, Premium Nichicon capacitors, all topped with SupremeFX shielding. There's also a mounting slot for 3D printed parts to add more user based customization.
On the I/O front, we are looking at 2 USB 3.1 (Type-A, Type-C) ports, 4 USB 3.0, 4 USB 2.0, Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN, HDMI 1.4, DP 1.2, 2x2 MU-MIMO 802.11 AC WI-FI, Clr CMOS / BIOS Flashback buttons and a 7.1 Channel Audio Jack.
ASUS ROG Maximus XI HERO I/O:
ASUS STRIX Gaming Z270 Motherboard Series
The ASUS STRIX Gaming lineup is a relatively brand new product line from ASUS. Their STRIX series are doing really well in the GPU and peripheral department and we saw some great designs with X99 and Z170 products. ASUS has three products lined up in this series that include STRIX Gaming Z270E, STRIX Gaming Z270F and STRIX Gaming Z270G.
ASUS STRIX Z270E Gaming Motherboard
The first motherboard in this lineup is the ROG STRIX Z270E Gaming which falls in the standard ATX form factor. The motherboard features an all around solid design with an impressive metallic black / silver color scheme. The LGA 1151 socket supports the latest 6th and 7th generation Intel Core processors. ASUS went with an aggressive heatsink design that features their AURA RGB technology for a full LED illuminated color showcase.
The board comes with a 8+2+1 Phase Digital power design that features 10K black metallic capacitors, MicroFine Alloy Chokes, NexFET PW (Power) block MOSFET and DIGI+ Power Control Utility for real-time adjustment. All of these components are part of the new ASUS Extreme Engine Digi+ technology that improves CPU stability and overclocking. Power is fed through a single 8-Pin connector.
The motherboard features four DDR4 DIMM slots that can support up to 64 GB of memory with speeds of up to 3866 MHZ (O.C+). Expansion slots on the motherboard include three PCI-e 3.0 x16 (x16/x8/x4 electrical), four PCI-e 3.0 x1 and dual M.2 slots that deliver up to 32 GB/s transfer speeds. The board comes with armored expansion slots which means that they are shielded by a metallic cover that fortifies the slot with extra strength and durability.
Storage options include six SATA III 6 GB/s ports. There's also a single USB 3.1 front header. For audio, the motherboard comes with the latest SupremeFX S1220A CODEC that comes with a new ALC S1220 CODEC, De-pop MOSFET, Dual Op-Amps, Premium Nichicon audio phile grade capacitors and a stainless steel cover.
On the I/O front, we are looking at 2 USB 3.1 (Type-A, Type-C) ports, 4 USB 3.0, Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN, HDMI 1.4, DP 1.2, 2x2 MU-MIMO 802.11 AC WI-FI, PS/2 port and a 7.1 Channel Audio Jack.
ASUS STRIX Z270E Gaming Motherboard I/O:
ASUS STRIX Z270F Gaming Motherboard
The second motherboard in this lineup is the ROG STRIX Z270F Gaming which falls in the standard ATX form factor. The motherboard features an all around solid design with an impressive metallic black / silver color scheme. The LGA 1151 socket supports the latest 6th and 7th generation Intel Core processors. ASUS went with an aggressive heatsink design that features their AURA RGB technology for a full LED illuminated color showcase. In terms of features, this is a little on the cost effectiveness side but still packs a punch for a much lower price point.
The board comes with a 8+2+1 Phase Digital power design that features 10K black metallic capacitors, MicroFine Alloy Chokes, NexFET PW (Power) block MOSFET and DIGI+ Power Control Utility for real-time adjustment. All of these components are part of the new ASUS Extreme Engine Digi+ technology that improves CPU stability and overclocking. Power is fed through a single 8-Pin connector.
The motherboard features four DDR4 DIMM slots that can support up to 64 GB of memory with speeds of up to 3866 MHZ (O.C+). Expansion slots on the motherboard include three PCI-e 3.0 x16 (x16/x8/x4 electrical), four PCI-e 3.0 x1 and dual M.2 slots that deliver up to 32 GB/s transfer speeds. The board comes with armored expansion slots which means that they are shielded by a metallic cover that fortifies the slot with extra strength and durability.
Storage options include six SATA III 6 GB/s ports. There's also a single USB 2.0 front header. For audio, the motherboard comes with the latest SupremeFX S1220A CODEC that comes with a new ALC S1220 CODEC, De-pop MOSFET, Dual Op-Amps, Premium Nichicon audio phile grade capacitors and a stainless steel cover.
On the I/O front, we are looking at 2 USB 3.1 (Type-A, Type-C) ports, 4 USB 3.0, Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN, HDMI 1.4, DP 1.2, DVI, PS/2 port and a 7.1 Channel Audio Jack.
ASUS STRIX Z270F Gaming Motherboard I/O:
ASUS STRIX Z270G Gaming Motherboard
The last motherboard in this lineup is the ROG STRIX Z270G Gaming which falls in the MicroATX form factor. The motherboard features an all around solid design with an impressive metallic black / silver color scheme. The LGA 1151 socket supports the latest 6th and 7th generation Intel Core processors.
ASUS went with an aggressive heatsink design that features their AURA RGB technology for a full LED illuminated color showcase. This motherboard packs a mean punch given its small size and should be affordable for many end users.
The board comes with a 8+2+1 Phase Digital power design that features 10K black metallic capacitors, MicroFine Alloy Chokes, NexFET PW (Power) block MOSFET and DIGI+ Power Control Utility for real-time adjustment. All of these components are part of the new ASUS Extreme Engine Digi+ technology that improves CPU stability and overclocking. Power is fed through a single 8-Pin connector.
The Most Impressive Micro-ATX Motherboard?
The motherboard features four DDR4 DIMM slots that can support up to 64 GB of memory with speeds of up to 4000 MHz (O.C+). Expansion slots on the motherboard include two PCI-e 3.0 x16 (x16/x8 electical), two PCI-e 3.0 x1 and dual M.2 slots that deliver up to 32 GB/s transfer speeds. The board comes with armored expansion slots which means that they are shielded by a metallic cover that fortifies the slot with extra strength and durability.
Storage options include six SATA III 6 GB/s ports. There's also a single USB 3.1 and USB 2.0 front header. For audio, the motherboard comes with the latest SupremeFX S1220A CODEC that comes with a new ALC S1220 CODEC, De-pop MOSFET, Dual Op-Amps, Premium Nichicon audio phile grade capacitors and a stainless steel cover.
On the I/O front, we are looking at 2 USB 3.1 (Type-A, Type-C) ports, 4 USB 3.0, Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN, HDMI 1.4, DP 1.2, 2x2 MU-MIMO 802.11 AC WI-FI, PS/2 port and a 7.1 Channel Audio Jack.
ASUS STRIX Z270G Gaming Motherboard I/O:
ASUS TUF Z270 MARK 1 Motherboard
The ASUS TUF series is a product designed around military standards that ensure the longer stability and extreme durability. The new TUF Z270 motherboards incorporate latest features such as Tough Inside, Thermal Armor, TUF Networking, TUF Audio, Ultimate Cooling, 24/7 Durability and high speed transfer.
The LGA 1151 socket supports the latest 6th and 7th generation Intel Core processors. ASUS went with an aggressive heatsink design that features their AURA RGB technology and a full cover TUF Thermal Amor and Fortifier shield. The chassis of the board houses a 40mm fan that offers significant cooling performance to the VRMs.
The board comes with a 8+2+2 Phase Digital power design that features 10K black metallic capacitors, MicroFine Alloy Chokes, NexFET PW (Power) block MOSFET and DIGI+ Power Control Utility for real-time adjustment. All of these components are part of the new ASUS Extreme Engine Digi+ technology that improves CPU stability and overclocking. Power is fed through a single 8-Pin connector.
The motherboard features four DDR4 DIMM slots that can support up to 64 GB of memory with speeds of up to 3866 MHZ (O.C+). Expansion slots on the motherboard include three PCI-e 3.0 x16 (x16/x8/x4 electrical), three PCI-e 3.0 x1 and dual M.2 slots that deliver up to 32 GB/s transfer speeds. The board comes with armored expansion slots which means that they are shielded by a metallic cover that fortifies the slot with extra strength and durability.
ASUS Sabertooth With TUF Armor is More Powerful Than Ever
Storage options include six SATA III 6 GB/s ports. There's also USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 front headers. For audio, the motherboard comes with the latest SupremeFX S1220A CODEC that comes with a new ALC S1220 CODEC, De-pop Circuit, Premium Nichicon audio phile grade capacitors and a stainless steel cover.
On the I/O front, we are looking at 2 USB 3.1 (Type-A, Type-C) ports, 2 USB 3.0, 4 USB 2.0, Dual Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN, HDMI 1.4, DP 1.2, BIOS Flashback Switch, TUF detective 2 port, PS/2 port and a 7.1 Channel Audio Jack.
ASUS TUF Z270 MARK 1 Motherboard I/O:
ASUS PRIME Z270-A Motherboard
The final motherboard of this round up is the ASUS Prime Z270-A which falls in the standard board series. Do not underestimate this product as it is packed with a decent amount of features and would feature a relatively better price compared to the gaming products. Featuring the standard ASUS white and blue color theme, the board comes with the LGA 1151 socket and has the same set of features as all other motherboards detailed above.
The board comes with a 8+2+2 Phase Digital power design that features 10K black metallic capacitors, MicroFine Alloy Chokes, NexFET PW (Power) block MOSFET and DIGI+ Power Control Utility for real-time adjustment. All of these components are part of the new ASUS Extreme Engine Digi+ technology that improves CPU stability and overclocking. Power is fed through a single 8-Pin connector.
The motherboard features four DDR4 DIMM slots that can support up to 64 GB of memory with speeds of up to 3866 MHZ (O.C+). Expansion slots on the motherboard include three PCI-e 3.0 x16 (x16/x8/x4 electrical), four PCI-e 3.0 x1 and dual M.2 slots that deliver up to 32 GB/s transfer speeds. The board comes with armored expansion slots which means that they are shielded by a metallic cover. This helps to fortify the slot with extra strength and durability.
ASUS's Entire Z270 Lineup is Ready For Intel Optane
Storage options include six SATA III 6 GB/s ports. There's also USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 front headers. For audio, the motherboard comes with the latest SupremeFX S1220A CODEC that comes with a new ALC S1220 CODEC, De-pop Circuit, Premium Nichicon audiophile grade capacitors and a stainless steel cover.
On the I/O front, we are looking at 2 USB 3.1 (Type-A, Type-C) ports, 4 USB 3.0, 1 x Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN, HDMI 1.4, DP 1.2, DVI, PS/2 port and a 7.1 Channel Audio Jack. All ASUS Z270 motherboards support Intel Optane memory and flash products which are expected to launch next year. Expect more details on the Z270 products from other manufacturers in the weeks ahead. You can also check out the latest benchmarks for the Kaby Lake Core i7-7700K and Core i5-7600K processors.
