Chipset 270. We study chipsets for Intel Kaby Lake processors. Review of ASUS PRIME Z270-A and ASUS STRIX Z270E GAMING motherboards. How it works

Intel chipsets Z270 and H270 200-series with LGA1151 socket are launching in early 2017 along with the 7th processor family Intel generation Kaby Lake-S.

A key feature of motherboards based on the Z270 and H270 chipsets is support for Kaby Lake-S processors out of the box, i.e., targeting desktop computers.

It should be noted that many motherboards based on Intel 100 series chipsets also support new CPUs thanks to a UEFI firmware update (BIOS).
Intel decided not to pamper users with innovations, so the Z270 and H270 chipsets do not offer new functions and those who expected support for new interfaces will be disappointed.

The Z270 and H270 chipsets offer support for ultra-fast Intel Optane drives based on 3D Xpoint memory chips.
According to Intel, these SSDs will be able to offer performance similar to RAM while maintaining energy independence.

The first devices based on the new memory will be Intel 8000p “system accelerators”.

One advantage of Intel 200 series chipsets is the increased number of interface lines PCI Express 3.0 .
So in the Z270 PCI Express lines increased from 20 to 24, and in the H270 the number of lines increased from 16 to 20.
The number of high-speed I/O lines (HSIO) for communication with USB and SATA has also increased; instead of 22 or 26 high-speed I/O lines, the new chipsets support 30 such lines.

The number of SATA 6 Gb/s and USB 3.0 interfaces will not change.
There is also no native support for USB 3.1 Gen 2 ( USB Type C), i.e. motherboard manufacturers need to install separate chips.
The situation should change with the release of 300 series chipsets at the end of 2017.

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I'll start with the most important thing: Kaby Lake processors (review of three models) are fully compatible with motherboards built on 100-series chipsets. This is H110/B150/H170/Z170 Express. Only one action is required - update the BIOS to current version. Anyone who wants to upgrade the system to the seventh generation Core (for example, to change their Core i3 to a Core i7) does not need to buy a new board.

Intel has released eight chipsets for building home and corporate systems. The first question is: why? After all (according to the “tick-tock-tock” concept) the transition to new platform Did not happen. We saw something similar in 2014, when the processor giant released Haswell Refresh processors. So the logic in the actions of the chip maker can be traced.

Manufacturers of motherboards are only happy. Kaby Lake is, albeit a hesitant, incentive to upgrade your computer. Enthusiasts and other sympathizers are primarily interested in motherboards based on the B250 Express, H270 Express and Z270 Express chipsets. Let's look at the functionality of these solutions in more detail.

Features of new chipsets

Obviously, the LGA1151 platform will be relevant not only throughout 2017, but also into 2018. Kaby Lake chips have been released, for which the name Skylake Refresh is more suitable. Next, Intel will transfer this same architecture, as I like to say, to new “rails,” thereby using the 10-nm process technology. So, keeping in mind the Haswell Refresh and Broadwell desktop processors, there is an opinion that Coffee Lake/Cannonlake will only be supported by boards based on 200 series chipsets.

If Intel's concept does not change, then 10nm Cannonlake/Coffee Lake processors will also be compatible with the LGA1151 platform

I repeat, most users are interested in three chipsets. The functionality of the Z270 Express, H270 Express and B250 Express logic is described in detail in the table.

Configuration PCI buses Express 3.0 processor

1x 16 1x 8 + 2x 4 1x 16 1x 16 Number of PCI Express 3.0 chipset lanes

Number of monitor outputs

Number of M.2 ports (PCI Express x4 3.0)

Number of memory channels

Number of SATA 3.0 ports Number of USB ports (3.0)

RAID 0/1/5/10 support Overclocking support

Intel Smart Response Technology support

Are you asking for innovation? Intel has them. The most important thing is the use of additional PCI Express 3.0 lanes. For comparison, the Z170 Express, H170 Express and B150 Express have 20, 16 and 8 lanes respectively. I wrote in detail about the 100-series chipsets in this article. Intel calls this increase in PCI Express lanes optimization for Optane memory (memo), which still will not appear on sale.

In our opinion, it sounds like this: now even the cheapest motherboards based on the B250 Express chipset will have an M.2 port (PCI Express x4 3.0). In cool gaming motherboards there are two, or even three. The number of other elements, if we continue to compare the hundredth series with the two hundredth, has not changed. That's all the “innovation”. We'll talk about overclocking later, but it's only available with Z270 solutions. Boards based on the B250 chipset are classified as corporate class due to the availability of support for the Intel Small Business Advantage complex. This will not stop ASUS, ASRock, GIGABYTE, and MSI from releasing a whole bunch of “gaming” devices based on this logic.

Solutions based on the Q270 Express and Q250 Express logic will be released for office machines and workstations. The Taiwanese even manage to rivet game boards with such chips. The same Q270 Express is no different in functionality from the Z270 Express. There is no overclocking, but there is support for technologies such as Intel Standard Manageability and Intel Active Management Technology 11.6.

What do we end up with? The 200 series chipsets are the most functional solutions to date. But let's be honest: there are minimal differences between, say, the Z270 Express and the Z170 Express. I don’t see a queue for Intel Optane (or the drives themselves). In addition, we take into account the fact that store warehouses are filled with unsold products. Therefore, new products will certainly cost more than “old” ones at first.

AMD has already declassified the features of the X370/B350 logic for the AM4 platform. Let's see what the Reds' partners will offer in both the budget and top segments. But it is already obvious that in 2017 all developers central processing units will use modern developments: USB 3.1, PCI Express 3.0, NVM Express. “Forever drunk, forever young” AM3+ and FM2 are noticeably outdated. It's time for them to retire from conquering flea markets.

ASUS PRIME Z270-A and ASUS STRIX Z270E GAMING

The PRIME Z270-A and STRIX Z270E GAMING boards are real middling ones. In the good sense of the word. Because both cheaper solutions based on the Z270 Express chipset and more expensive ones will be on sale. Noticeably more expensive. Quick Study technical characteristics brings to mind one thought: we are looking at twins. The only noticeable difference is the presence of a wireless module with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in the STRIX Z270E GAMING. But not everything is so simple.

Regular readers of the “Computer of the Month” column know that I install boards of a similar level in assemblies costing 100,000 rubles and 150,000 rubles. Because they have everything necessary functions, including the ability to overclock the processor and memory.

4x DIMM, DDR4-2133-3866, up to 64 GB 4x DIMM, DDR4-2133-3866, up to 64 GB Disk subsystem

6x SATA 3.0 2x M.2 (PCI Express x4 3.0)

Expansion slots

3x PCI Express x16 4x PCI Express x1 3x PCI Express x16 4x PCI Express x1 Intel I219V, 10/100/1000 Mbps Intel I219V, 10/100/1000 Mbps Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ ac Bluetooth 4.1 Crystal Sound 3 (Realtek ALC1220)

ROG SupremeFX (Realtek ALC1220)

Rear Connectors

5x 3.5mm jack

1x HDMI 1.4b 1x DisplayPort 1.2 1x DVI-D 1x PS/2 1x USB 3.1 Type-C 1x USB 3.1 Type-A 4x USB 3.0 1x RJ-45 1x S/PDIF

5x 3.5mm jack

Form factor

The classic series of ASUS motherboards is called PRIME. The Z270-A model is one of the most functional solutions in the line. But there will be no more PRO GAMING series. The Taiwanese are launching a new one - ROG STRIX. The STRIX Z270F GAMING model is an analogue of the STRIX Z270E GAMING, but without Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. STRIX Z270G GAMING is a mATX form factor board. The MAXIMUS (already IX!) and TUF lines remain.

And here are the first noticeable differences! The equipment is different. The only notable feature of the PRIME Z270-A is an HB bridge for combining NVIDIA GeForce video cards into a single array. The STRIX Z270E GAMING has a bunch of all kinds of waste paper (stickers, a stand for a mug, stickers for SATA wires), an extension cord for an RGB strip and an external wifi antenna. The SLI bridge is, of course, present. By the way, here is the first feature of the boards this level. Cheaper solutions based on the Z270 chipset only have CrossFire support.

As for the number of expansion slots and their layout, both boards copy each other. All possibilities are used, namely on the PCB there are three PCI Express x16 and four PCI Express x1 ports. PEGs operate in x8+x8+x4 mode. And nothing has changed here compared to the logic of the Z170 Express.

The slots are reinforced. This is a fashionable feature among all manufacturers. The Taiwanese prove that this way the ports are additionally protected from being broken due to careless installation of video cards. But... I'm studying computer hardware for more than ten years and have never encountered similar problem. So there are two options. Either I'm bragging, or we're dealing with ordinary marketing. Another well-known motherboard manufacturer also reinforces DIMM slots.

There are two M.2 interfaces between the PCI Express ports. As we have already found out, this is the main highlight of the 200 series chipsets. One (top) allows you to install a drive up to 110 mm long (when using it, the first SATA port is disabled). The second (lower) - up to 80 mm (when using it, the fifth and sixth SATA ports are disabled).

STRIX Z270E GAMING has six connectors for connecting fans. All are 4-pin. And two ports for connecting RGB strips. The PRIME Z270-A has a similar number of fan headers. And only one connector for RGB strip. Top solutions have long provided a separate connector for connecting the CBO pump.

By the way, about the backlight. Both boards boast this element. Only the STRIX Z270E GAMING, in addition to the track that isolates the audio path, also illuminates the radiators for cooling the power subsystem. “Garland” is configured in the Aura Sync application.

ASUS, which is commendable, pays a lot of attention to modding and in general appearance computer systems

I didn’t mention it (but in vain), but I’m correcting myself - it’s included in the kit discount coupon to purchase braided cables on the website asus.cablemod.com. There are also several 3D Mount fasteners located on the motherboards. You can 3D print all kinds of decorations for the device and attach them. Examples of work are located here.

ASUS STRIX Z270E GAMING

The power subsystem for PRIME Z270-A and STRIX Z270E GAMING is the same. Eight phases are allocated to the processor. Two more are for integrated graphics. Only the STRIX version will have larger radiators. I will tell/show further how this affects overclocking and cooling efficiency.

Oversized plastic visors are another modding attribute of modern ASUS motherboards.

Please note that ASUS engineers refused SATA interface Express. Other manufacturers too. Dead port. Since its appearance, no normal storage device has appeared. Only concepts. Time has shown that M.2 (PCI Express x4) is much more promising. And so PRIME Z270-A and STRIX Z270E GAMING have a standard number of SATA 3.0 - six each.

I have already become acquainted with a large number of motherboards for Kaby Lake processors. In most cases, solutions based on the Z270 chipset will receive a new sound chip - Realtek ALC1220. It is this that is used in the Crystal Sound 3 subsystems of the PRIME Z270-A and ROG SupremeFX of the STRIX Z270E GAMING. The photographs show that in the second case more Japanese Nichicon capacitors are used, as well as two headphone amplifiers. Crystal Sound 3 doesn't have that.

The RightMark Audio Analyzer benchmark found the Realtek ALC1150 and Realtek ALC1220 to have "very good" sound quality. But in some patterns the new chip looks better. To be honest, I didn’t notice much of a difference by ear.

Frequency response unevenness (in the range 40 Hz - 15 kHz), dB +0.01, -0.08 Excellent

0.01, -0.12 Excellent

Noise level, dB (A)

108.9 Excellent

85.5 Good

Dynamic range, dB (A)

Harmonic distortion, %

0.006 Very good

Harmonic distortion + noise, dB (A)

Intermodulation distortion + noise, %

0.035 Excellent

0.017 Very good

Interpenetration of channels, dB -92.2 Excellent

80.2 Very good

Intermodulation at 10 kHz, %

0.021 Good

Overall rating

Very good

Very good

The motherboards have the same interfaces. Only STRIX Z270E GAMING has outputs for connection on the I/O panel external antenna Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. There are HDMI 1.4b and DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs, and this is a minus of the devices. Kaby Lake chips received HD 630 graphics, which support HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 interfaces and 4K image output at 60 Hz.

USB 3.1 interfaces are implemented using ASMedia controllers.

Here on the STRIX Z270E GAMING board, next to the 24-pin power connector, there is an internal USB 3.1 interface. Cases with such ports are already appearing on sale. PRIME Z270-A has a regular internal USB 3.0 connector. But among the controls, the board received a hardware power key. Both devices are equipped with a color display that replaces the POST signal screen. They show at what stage the system loading has stalled. The PRIME Z270-A still has the MemOK! button.

BIOS and software

In terms of functionality, PRIME Z270-A and STRIX Z270E GAMING have the same BIOS firmware. Only the skins are different. Cataloging, ergonomics and options have remained virtually unchanged compared to the same Z170 PRO GAMING. Among the useful features, the ability to adjust the multiplier for applications using AVX instructions has been added. This feature first appeared in Broadwell-E processors.

The rest is nothing special compared to the solutions of previous generations. But there's nothing wrong with that. Motherboard BIOS is good, very good.

As for software, the comprehensive utility AI Suite 3 has been developing on its own for quite some time. With its help, you can overclock the processor and memory, configure the operation of all fans connected to the board, and also monitor the temperatures and voltage of the main system components.

Overclocking and heating

The test bench is as follows:

CPU: Core i7-7700K @5.0 GHz CPU cooler: NZXT Kraken X61 RAM: DDR4-3000 (16-16-16-36), 4x 4 GB Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 8 GB Storage: SSD 480 GB Unit Power: Corsair AX1500i, 1500 W Operating Windows system 10 x64 Test results for the Core i7-7700K are presented in a detailed review.

PRIME Z270-A and STRIX Z270E GAMING are equipped with the EZ Tuning Wizard auto-overclocking feature. Depending on the type of cooling system, the “wizard” will offer the following options: box cooler - 12% chip overclocking and 0% memory; air cooling - 15% and 0%; water cooling- 17% and 4% respectively. It won't be enough!

I manually overclocked the Core i7-7700K I had on hand to 5 GHz without any problems. The stand used a maintenance-free system liquid cooling NZXT Kraken X61. To do this, I needed to increase the voltage to 1.4 V. Interestingly, when the Load Line Calibration function was activated, the boards behaved differently. But both maintained stable 5 GHz.

ASUS PRIME Z270-A ASUS STRIX Z270E GAMING

Level 4 1.376 V 1.36 V Level 5 1.392 V 1.392 V Level 6 1.424 V 1.408 V STRIX Z270E GAMING regulates voltage more precisely, starting with LLC level five.

Kaby Lake with the letter “K” in its name can also be overclocked on the bus. I don’t know whether there will be special firmware for boards based on the Z270 Express chipset that will allow overclocking other seventh-generation Cores. I hope everything will be fine. But PRIME Z270-A and ASUS STRIX Z270E GAMING show excellent results. The first overclocked to 240 MHz, the second to 290 MHz. This overclock is enough to, for example, overclock the Core i5-6400 from 2700 MHz to 240x27=6480 MHz. But, again, it all depends on the availability of the appropriate BIOS versions. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

During overclocking, under load, the PRIME Z270-A power subsystem noticeably heats up - up to 96 degrees Celsius after half an hour of LinX 0.7.0. The “patient” will live, but I would like more “calm” temperatures. We take into account that SVO is specially used for testing motherboards. With the use of an air cooler, the batteries will be additionally blown. Especially with a system like Down Flow. And yet, you can’t do without good air circulation in the case.

The remaining elements of the board cannot be called hot.

The STRIX Z270E GAMING power subsystem is noticeably cooler under the same load. The temperature is about 10 degrees Celsius lower. I think this is due to the presence of better cooling. The boards' batteries are the same.

Finally

Well, we found out that there is nothing fundamentally new in the 200 series chipsets. M.2 drives with PCI Express x4 interface are implemented on many solutions for Skylake processors. It is clear that new system It’s better to build on the basis of more modern hardware, but you need to look at the prices. At first, the cost of new products will be inflated.

The PRIME Z270-A and STRIX Z270E GAMING motherboards are high-quality “fighters” and fully correspond to their positions. Based on these solutions, you can easily assemble a powerful gaming computer. With Core i7 on board. With two NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon video cards. With fast NVM Express storage. I liked STRIX Z270E GAMING more. It has better cooling. If there is no need for a wireless communication module, then feel free to take the STRIX Z270F GAMING. Definitely a good purchase for those who will be building a system with a Core i7-7700K.

Solutions based on the Q270 Express and Q250 Express logic will be released for office machines and workstations. The Taiwanese even manage to rivet game boards with such chips. The same Q270 Express is no different in functionality from the Z270 Express. There is no overclocking, but there is support for technologies such as Intel Standard Manageability and Intel Active Management Technology 11.6.

What do we end up with? The 200 series chipsets are the most functional solutions to date. But let's be honest: there are minimal differences between, say, the Z270 Express and the Z170 Express. I don’t see a queue for Intel Optane (or the drives themselves). In addition, we take into account the fact that store warehouses are filled with unsold products. Therefore, new products will certainly cost more than “old” ones at first.

AMD has already declassified the features of the X370/B350 logic for the AM4 platform. Let's see what the Reds' partners will offer in both the budget and top segments. But it is already obvious that in 2017 all central processor developers will use modern developments: USB 3.1, PCI Express 3.0, NVM Express. “Forever drunk, forever young” AM3+ and FM2 are noticeably outdated. It's time for them to retire from conquering flea markets.

ASUS PRIME Z270-A and ASUS STRIX Z270E GAMING

The PRIME Z270-A and STRIX Z270E GAMING boards are real middling ones. In the good sense of the word. Because both cheaper solutions based on the Z270 Express chipset and more expensive ones will be on sale. Noticeably more expensive. A quick study of the technical characteristics leads to one thought: we are looking at twins. The only noticeable difference is the presence of a wireless module with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in the STRIX Z270E GAMING. But not everything is so simple.

Announced in early January, the 7th generation Intel Core processors, also known as Kaby Lake, have an LGA 1151 socket and are, in principle, compatible with boards based on Intel 100 series chipsets. However, simultaneously with new processors Intel company introduced the new 200 series of chipsets, and motherboard manufacturers, accordingly, updated their model ranges.

In this article we will look at one of the new products on the market - the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming motherboard based on the new Intel Z270 chipset.

Options and packaging

The Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board comes in a small black box, on which the name of the board and logos of supported technologies are laminated. In addition to the board itself, the delivery set includes a user manual (only for English language), DVD with software and drivers, four SATA cables (all connectors with latches, two cables have an angled connector on one side), an SLI bridge for two video cards, a plug for the rear panel of the board, an RGB Header cable. There is also a special mounting frame to facilitate installation of the processor into the socket. And the most necessary accessory included in the kit is a stand for a beer mug (you can, of course, also use it for tea/coffee, but this is already called misuse).

Board configuration and features

A summary table of the characteristics of the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board is given below, and further in the text we will look at all its features and functionality.

Form factor

The Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board is made in the ATX form factor (305x244 mm). Nine standard holes are provided for mounting the board.

Chipset and processor socket

The Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board is based on the new Intel Z270 chipset and only supports 7th and 6th generation Intel Core processors (codenamed Kaby Lake and Skylake) with LGA1151 socket.

Memory

To install memory modules, the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board has four DIMM slots. The user manual notes that the board supports unbuffered DDR4 memory (non-ECC), and the maximum memory capacity is 64 GB (using 16 GB modules).

Expansion slots

To install video cards, expansion cards and drives on the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming motherboard, there are three slots with the PCI Express x16 form factor, four PCI Express 3.0 x1 slots and two M.2 connectors, one of which allows you to install drives of standard size 2242/2260/ 2280/22110 and supports PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA devices, while the other allows you to install 2242/2260/2280 drives and only supports PCIe 3.0 x4 devices.

The first two (from the processor socket) slots with the PCI Express x16 form factor are implemented using 16 PCIe 3.0 processor lanes, which, using multiplexers/demultiplexers, are grouped into either one PCI Express 3.0 x16 port or two PCI Express 3.0 x8 ports . That is, if only one slot with the PCI Express 3.0 x16 form factor is used (closest to the processor socket), then it will operate at x16 speed, and if both slots are used simultaneously, then they will operate at x8 speed.

Another slot with the PCI Express x16 form factor is based on four PCI Express 3.0 lanes of the Intel Z270 chipset. In fact, this is a PCI Express 3.0 x4 slot, but in the PCI Express x16 form factor.

Note that the board supports Nvidia SLI and AMD CrossFireX technologies and allows the installation of two Nvidia video cards and up to three AMD video cards.

Four PCI Express 3.0 x1 slots (with closed ends) are implemented via the Intel Z270 chipset.

One of the M.2 connectors (M.2_1) supports PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA devices. To implement it, four PCI Express 3.0 chipset ports and one SATA 6 Gb/s port are used.

Another M.2 connector (M.2_2) only supports PCIe 3.0 x4 devices.

Video connectors

Since Kaby Lake and Skylake processors have an integrated graphics core, there are DisplayPort 1.2 (maximum resolution 4096×2304@60 Hz), HDMI 1.4 (4096×2160@24 Hz/2560×1600@60 Hz) video outputs for connecting a monitor on the rear panel of the board. and DVI-D (1920×1200@60 Hz). Three monitors can be connected to the board simultaneously.

SATA ports

To connect storage devices or optical drives The board has six SATA 6 Gb/s ports, which are implemented based on a controller integrated into the Intel Z270 chipset. These ports support the ability to create RAID arrays of levels 0, 1, 5, 10.

USB connectors

To connect all kinds of peripheral devices The board has six USB 3.0 ports, six USB 2.0 ports and two USB 3.1 ports.

Six USB 3.0 ports and six USB 2.0 ports are based on the Intel Z270 chipset. Four USB 3.0 ports are located on the rear panel of the board, and to connect two more USB 3.0 ports and six USB 2.0 ports, the board provides one USB 3.0 connector and three USB 2.0 connectors.

To implement two USB 3.1 ports on the board, a two-port ASMedia ASM1142 controller is used. This controller is connected to the chipset via two PCIe 3.0 lines.

Both USB 3.1 ports are located on the rear panel of the board. One port has a regular Type-A connector, and the other port has a balanced Type-C connector.

Network interface

To connect to the network, the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board has a gigabit network interface based on the Intel i219-V PHY controller (physical layer controller) (a MAC-level controller integrated into the chipset is used). This controller uses the PCIe chipset port for connection.

How it works

Let us recall that the Intel Z270 chipset has 30 high-speed input/output ports (HSIO), which can be PCIe 3.0, USB 3.0 and SATA 6 Gb/s ports. Some of the high-speed I/O ports are strictly assigned to USB 3.0 ports, another part of the ports can only act as PCIe 3.0 ports, but there are also dual-purpose ports that can be configured either as PCIe 3.0 ports or as SATA 6 Gb/s ports, and there are also ports that are configured either as PCIe 3.0 ports or as USB ports 3.0. Taking into account dual-purpose ports, 10 chipset high-speed I/O ports are allocated for USB 3.0 ports, 6 ports for SATA 6 Gb/s ports, and 24 ports for PCIe 3.0 ports (in the Intel Z170 chipset, 20 chipset ports were allocated for PCIe 3.0 ports HSIO ports, and in total there were 26 HSIO ports in the chipset).

Now let's see how all this is implemented in the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming version of the board.

Actually, it’s very simple here and only SATA 6 Gb/s ports are shared. The first SATA 6 Gb/s port (SATA #1) is shared with the M.2_1 connector, that is, if the M.2_1 connector is used in SATA mode, then the first SATA 6 Gb/s port will not be available. But if the first SATA 6 Gb/s port is used, then the M.2 connector can be used in PCIe 3.0 x4 mode.

The M.2_2 connector is shared with two SATA 6 Gb/s ports (SATA #5, #6), but slightly differently than the M.2_1 connector. If the M.2_2 connector is used in PCIe 3.0 x4 mode, then SATA ports #5, #6 will not be available (two chipset HSIO ports are configured as PCIe 3.0 ports). If SATA ports #5, #6 are used (two chipset HSIO ports are configured as SATA ports), then the M.2_2 connector will only be available in PCIe 3.0 x2 mode. The operating mode of M.2 connectors is configured in the UEFI BIOS.

If we count the total number of implemented chipset HSIO ports, there will be 29 of them: 6 USB 3.0 ports, 4 SATA 6 Gb/s ports and 17 PCIe 3.0 ports. Two more HSIO ports can be either SATA ports or PCIe 3.0 ports.

The block diagram of the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board is shown in the figure.

Additional features

Number of different additional features on the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board is reduced to a minimum. There are no power and reset buttons on this board, and there is no POST code indicator.

Nevertheless, some of the newfangled features are still present on the board. The plastic casing that covers the connectors on the rear panel of the board has RGB lighting built into it. When the board is connected to power, this backlight begins to glow, and the color of the backlight changes in waves. Moreover, using special utility Asus AURA you can customize this backlight.

In one of the corners of the board there is a special place (3D Mount), which is intended for attaching decorative elements printed on a 3D printer. On the Asus website you can even download a version of a drawing of such an element with the Asus logo.

Another newfangled feature is that the two PCI Express x16 slots have a metal casing.

There are also two special Aura RGB Strip connectors that are designed to connect LED strip(it is not included in the package of the board), but there is only one adapter cable 77 cm long for connecting the tape itself. However, such a cable is not a mandatory accessory; you can do without it, and it’s unlikely that anyone will need to connect two RGB strips to the board. It’s just that the connectors for connecting the tape on the board are in different places, which is very convenient.

There are also jumpers on the board such as Clear CMOS (for resetting BIOS settings) and CPU Over Voltage (to overclock the processor, allows you to increase the voltage on the processor within a wider range).

In addition, there is a two-pin connector for connecting a temperature sensor (the sensor itself is not included in the kit).

There is also (though it is not clear why) a connector for connecting a rare COM port.

It is also worth noting the presence of a special ROG Extension connector, which is designed to connect various ROG accessories that are purchased separately.

In addition, there is a special Fan Extension connector designed to connect a special board (not included) to which you can connect several additional fans and thermal sensors.

Supply system

Like most modern boards, the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming model has 24-pin and 8-pin connectors for connecting the power supply.

The processor supply voltage regulator is 10-channel and is based on the Digi+ VRM PWM controller labeled ASP1400. The power channels themselves are built using MOSFET transistors NTMFS4C09B and NTMFS4C06B from On Semiconductor.

Cooling system

The cooling system of the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board consists of three radiators. Two heatsinks are located on two adjacent sides of the processor socket and are designed to remove heat from the processor supply voltage regulator elements (MOSFET transistors). Another radiator is designed to cool the chipset.

In addition, to create an effective heat dissipation system, the board has two four-pin connectors (CPU Fan, CPU Opt) for connecting processor cooler fans, three four-pin connectors for connecting additional case fans, and one four-pin connector for connecting a water cooling pump. One of the three four-pin connectors for connecting additional case fans is called High Amp Fan and supports fans with a current of up to 3 A.

The operating mode of each fan connected to the board can be configured in the UEFI BIOS. In addition, the board supports installing an Asus Fan Extension card (a special connector is provided for this) to connect additional fans and thermal sensors, and the board's UEFI BIOS provides the ability to configure the speed mode of these additional fans. Herself Asus board Fan Extension not included.

Audio subsystem

The audio subsystem of the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board has the marketing name SupremeFX, traditional for Asus boards. In this case, it is based on the new Realtek ALC1220 HDA audio codec, which is not yet available on the Realtek website.

The chip is covered with a metal casing. All elements of the audio path are isolated at the level of PCB layers from other components of the board and are allocated in a separate zone.

The rear panel of the board has five mini-jack audio connectors (3.5 mm) and one S/PDIF optical connector (output).

To test the output audio path intended for connecting headphones or external acoustics, we used an external sound card Creative E-MU 0204 USB in combination with the Right Mark Audio Analyzer 6.3.0 utility. Testing was carried out in stereo mode, 24-bit/44.1 kHz. According to the test results, the audio path on the Asus Z270F Gaming board received a “Very Good” rating. The full report with testing results in the RMAA 6.3.0 program is posted on a separate page, followed by a short report.

UEFI BIOS

Despite the fact that the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board is based on a new chipset, its UEFI BIOS interface is no different from that of Asus boards with the Intel Z170 chipset. There is nothing surprising here: after all, apart from an increase in the number of HSIO ports, there is nothing in the Intel Z270 chipset that is not present in the Intel Z170 chipset. And in terms of overclocking capabilities, they are absolutely identical.

However, we will still describe the possibilities once UEFI setup BIOS on an Asus board with an Intel Z270 chipset.

Let's start with the fact that, like all Asus boards, the Strix Z270F Gaming has the ability to very easily update the UEFI BIOS version using the traditional Asus EZ Flash 3 utility built into the BIOS, which allows you to update the UEFI BIOS not only from flash. drive, but also via the Internet.

Traditionally, UEFI BIOS on Asus boards has two display modes: simple (EZ Mode) and advanced (Advanced Mode).

EZ Mode is intended for basic board configuration and control of basic parameters, and fine tuning boards and system overclocking are only available in Advanced Mode.

To overclock the processor and memory, use the traditional AI Tweaker tab, which provides all possible options for overclocking.

And just like on other Asus motherboards, overclocking an unlocked processor (K-series) is only possible when Turbo Mode is activated (it is activated by default). This mode is activated on the Advanced tab in the CPU Power Configuration\CPU Power Management Configuration menu.

If you block Turbo Mode, then, despite the possibility of changing the processor multiplier, it will operate at the nominal frequency.

In addition, to overclock the processor on the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board (as, by the way, on other Asus boards), on the Ai Tweaker tab, the Ai Overclock Tuner parameter must be set to Manual or XMP.

In this case, it is possible to change the frequency of the BCLK clock generator and the multiplication factor of the processor cores. You can set the multiplication factor for each case of the number of loaded processor cores, or you can set the multiplication factor simultaneously for all loaded processor cores.

The BCLK frequency can be changed in 0.1 MHz steps in the range from 50 to 650 MHz.

In addition to the CPU Core Ratio and BCLK Frequency, in the AI ​​Tweaker settings you can set the BCLK Frequency: DRAM Frequency (100:100, 100:133) and configure the operation of memory modules.

With a BCLK frequency of 100 MHz, the maximum frequency of DDR4 memory modules can be 4266 MHz.

Naturally, it is possible to configure memory timings.

In addition, you can configure the supply voltage of the processor, memory, etc., as well as configure the operating mode of the supply voltage regulator.

In a word, everything is as usual here.

conclusions

Let's summarize. The new Intel Z270 chipset, by and large, is no different from a similar solution of the previous generation (Z170). We added a few PCIe 3.0 ports (from 20 to 24) and, accordingly, high-speed HSIO ports (from 26 to 30). How might this affect the boards themselves? This will simplify them a little in the sense that there will be less need to come up with ingenious separation schemes to ensure the operation of all connectors, slots and controllers in conditions of a shortage of PCIe 3.0 lanes/ports. That is, the functionality of the boards will increase in the sense that more additional devices on the board will be able to work simultaneously. But there is no need to expect an increase in the number of connectors and ports: there are already too many of them on the boards.

And the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board is an excellent illustration of all this. The use of additional PCIe 3.0 chipset lines made it possible not to separate M.2 connectors with a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot and PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, while in terms of the number of slots, connectors and ports themselves, it is no different from Asus boards previous generation on the Intel Z170 chipset.

At the time of publication of this review, the Asus Strix Z270F Gaming board has not yet gone on sale, so we cannot say anything about its cost.

The board was provided for testing by the manufacturer

Today we will understand the differences between Intel 1151 chipsets and the differences between motherboards based on H110, B150, B250, H170, H270, Z170, Z270 chips. There are many different misconceptions: some “overclock” processors on motherboards with the H110 chipset, others are “convinced” that games only require a “game board” Z170, Z270.

In 2018, the article “What are the differences between Intel chipsets” is more relevant 1151v2“You can read it.

Let's look at what the real difference is and which motherboard is right for your needs.

The first point should be noted that there is no fundamental difference between the 100 and 200 series of chips. Overall, the 200 series received minor feature improvements over the 100 series.

The hundredth series of motherboards was made before the release of the seventh generation of Intel processors - Kaby Lake and, accordingly, their “old” BIOS is designed only for Skylake (6th generation Intel processors). However, if you buy a new motherboard of the 100th series, then the BIOS will most likely be flashed at the manufacturing plant by the manufacturer itself (usually indicated on the packaging), which means it will support processors of both generations. The 200th series already supports both Kaby Lake and Skylake out of the box.

All the features and functions of the 100 series have been carried over to the 200 with some additions. For example, running an SSD with Optane cache support will strictly require a 200-series chipset and Kaby Lake processors of at least i3. The most optimal PC in 2018 - read.

Features of motherboards based on the H110 chipset

If you decide to build a system on a limited budget, then the H110 chipset is your choice.

H series chipsets have traditionally served as cut down versions of the Z series due to smaller HSIO slots and lack of overclocking support.

1. No processor overclocking (with the exception of very rare models which are quite difficult to get in Russia)
2. The power system is usually 5-7 phases (for a motherboard not intended for overclocking it is quite enough)
3. Two RAM slots
4. One video card (no Crossfire/SLI capability)
5. Maximum RAM frequency – 2133MHZ
6. Up to 4 USB, 4SATA ​​3x4PIN FAN
7. Missing technology: INTEL SMART RESPONSE RAPID STORAGE

All these restrictions lead to the fact that this motherboard is very cheap. It is perfect for budget builds, but with the ability to install processors latest generation. Based on this chipset, you can build an entry-mid level gaming computer. The average price of motherboards based on the H110 chipset is 2.5-3.5 thousand rubles.

Features of motherboards based on B150/B250 chipsets

Motherboards based on B150/B250 chips have, perhaps, the best price/quality ratio (if overclocking is not important to you). Ideal for an average system.

The price for boards on B150/B250 chips is from 4 thousand. The only drawback is that there is no support for a raid array (combining two (or more) physical disks into one “physical” disk).

1. No CPU overclocking
2. No overclocking random access memory
3. Maximum RAM frequency - 2133MHZ (B250 - 2400MHZ)
4. Up to 12 USB, 6 SATA 3-5 X4PIN FAN, up to 2 M2 connectors? USB 3.1 support
5. Technology support: INTEL SMALL BUSINESS ADVANTAGE

Features of motherboards based on H170/H270 chipsets

Solutions based on H170 are a compromise between the B150/B250 and Z170/Z270 chips. The user gets even more features: support for a raid array, more ports, but still cannot use this motherboard for overclocking.

1. No CPU overclocking
2. No RAM overclocking
3. Power system 6-10 phases (usually)
4. Up to 4 slots for RAM
5. Yes Crossfire X16X4, No SLI support
6. Maximum RAM frequency - 2133MHZ (H250 - 2400MHZ)
7. Up to 14 USB, 6 SATA 3-7 X4PIN FAN, up to 2 M2 connectors? USB 3.1 support

Features of motherboards based on Z170/Z270 chipsets

Motherboards based on the Z170/Z270 chipset offer overclocking capabilities. There are useful features for enthusiasts, such as: power buttons directly on the motherboard itself, post-code indicators, additional fan connectors, BIOS reset and switch buttons. All this greatly simplifies the life of enthusiasts (people who overclock).

In addition to the fact that you can overclock a processor on motherboards with Z170/Z270 chips, they also allow you to use faster sets of random access memory (RAM) and overclock them.

1. Supports CPU overclocking
2. Supports RAM overclocking
3. Power system 7-13 phases (usually)
4. Up to 4 slots for RAM
5. CROSSFIRE X8X8/X8X4X4/X8X8X4, SLI X8X8 possible
6. Maximum RAM frequency - 4500MHZ (B250 - 2400MHZ)
7. Up to 14 USB, 6 SATA 5-7 X4PIN FAN, up to 3 M2 connectors, USB support 3.1
8. Technology support: INTEL SMALL RESPONSE TECHNOLOGY, INTEL RAPID STORAGE

Comparative characteristics of motherboards for the LGA1151 platform

By the way, we didn't touch on motherboards on a chipset with the index “Q”. These motherboards are used primarily for business and very rarely in home assemblies. In essence, the Q170 chip is an analogue of the H170, but with corporate features. By the way, you might be interested in the article “The best gaming processor. Intel Review Core i7-8700K", you can read it.

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