ASUS Z97-E ATX Motherboard

Description

The Z97-E Desktop Motherboard from ASUS is equipped with the Intel Z97 chipset, and provides enhanced performance, optimal entertainment, and stability with M.2, SATA Express, and high clarity Crystal Sound 2. It supports Intel Socket 1150 4th/New 4th Generation/5th Generation Core i7/Core i5/Core i3/Pentium/Celeron processors. ASUS Motherboard hardware safeguards ensure long-term durability. The motherboard is compatible with 1000+ devices including CPUs, memory modules, graphics cards, and more.

Note: SSD is not included and must be purchased separately

Note: Refer to model specifications for Intel Rapid Storage Technology support

Key Features

Features

Intel CPU

• This motherboard supports Intel 4th and 5th Generation Core i7/i5/i3/Pentium/Celeron processors in the LGA1150 package. The iGPU, memory and PCIe controllers are integrated to support onboard graphics output with dedicated chipsets, 2-channel (4 DIMM) DDR3 memory and 16 PCIe 3.0/2.0 lanes. This provides optimal graphics performance.

Intel Z97 Express Chipset

• The Intel Z97 Express Chipset is a single-chipset design that supports Intel LGA1150 4th/New 4th/5th Generation Core i7/i5/i3/Pentium/Celeron Processors. It provides an improved performance by utilising serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability. Additionally, the Z97 provides a maximum 6 USB 3.0 ports, 6 SATA 6 Gb/s ports, and 10 Gb/s M.2 support for fast data retrieval. Moreover, the Intel Z97 Express Chipset also supports iGPU functions, letting you enjoy the Intel integrated graphics performance.

Intel Smart Response Technology

• A fast SSD (minimum 18.6 GB capacity) can be used as a cache for frequently-accessed data. Key benefits include reduced load and wait times, and low power consumption through the elimination of unnecessary hard drive spin. This technology combines SSD performance with hard drive capacity, operating up to 6X faster than a hard drive-only system. ¹

  Please Note:

Note: *SSD is not included and must be purchased separately* close **Intel Smart Connect Technology**

• Your computer can receive web updates with content for selected applications, even when the system is in sleep mode. This means less time waiting for applications to update and sync with the cloud, leading to an efficient computing experience.

Intel Rapid Start Technology

• Allows your computer to quickly resume from a low-power hibernate state in seconds. Saving your system memory to the designated SSD, it provides your computer a fast wake-up response time, while still keeping the energy-use low.

Compatibility and Validation

ASUS 5X Protection

• ASUS 5X protection hardware safeguard, ensures long-term system reliability, durability, and performance.

Digital Power Control with ASUS DIGI+ VRM

• Voltage Regulator Modules (VRMs) are essential motherboard components. A good VRM delivers CPU power based on actual needs at any given time. ASUS' digital power design features fast sensing and response, to deliver precise CPU power on demand. This accuracy reduces energy waste and improves system stability.

Enhanced DRAM Overcurrent protection

• Onboard resettable fuses prevent overcurrent and short-circuit damage. This extends beyond I/O ports to DRAM to safeguard the life-span of both your system and connected device.

5,000-hr Solid-State Capacitors

• Solid-state capacitors are able to withstand temperatures of up to 221°F for as long as 5,000 hours, which is 2.5 times longer than traditional capacitors. This durability means optimal endurance to more typical PC operating temperatures, ensuring that ASUS motherboards continue to work for long.

Stainless-Steel Back I/O

• ASUS motherboard back I/O panels are made from strong and corrosion-resistant stainless steel, which is bonded with a thin layer of chromium oxide to enhance anti-corrosive properties. Passing 72-hour spray salt endurance tests, ASUS stainless steel back I/O panels have a life-span that is three times longer compared to ordinary panels

ESD Guards for Protection

• Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can happen suddenly, and its damaging effects are easily underestimated. ASUS ESD guards are tested to high standards, capable of up to +/- 10kV for air discharge and +/-6kV for contact discharge. The motherboard employs an active protective circuit design to guard your system against electrostatic interference and damage, providing optimal component longevity

Keyboard and Mouse Connectors

• Additional on-circuit ESD transient-voltage-suppression (TVS) diodes

VGA Connectors

• Additional on-circuit ESD TVS diodes to protect D-sub functionality

LAN Port

• ESD TVS diode protection on the LAN circuit

Compatibility and Design

• ASUS motherboard is compatible with multiple devices. The ASUS engineers fit and assess both server and consumer CPUs, most of the memory modules and graphics cards, loads of storage devices, power supplies, network devices, displays, optical drives, and peripherals. ASUS designs products from the ground up so that graphics cards, sound cards and optical drives work well with your motherboard

Complete and Public QVL

• It offers more choices for worry-free, PC-building experiences. To cheque that a particular component or device is compatible with your motherboard, just reference the QVL for instant reassurance

Testing for Reliability, Compatibility, and Safety

• Each motherboard is subjected to extended reliability testing under heavy load conditions, from the transportation to daily operations, to make sure that they are delivered to you in a proper condition. Trials include temperature and humidity, burn-in, power on/off, power consumption, insertion, and thermal-shock testing. Every certified-compatible component is put through an aging test of up to 24 hours to ensure trouble-free operation every day, no matter what you fit or attach or what you do Temperature and humidity test: Components withstand extreme conditions Thermal measurement: Cool and stable under the heavy loads Insertion test: Guaranteed I/O reliability Power consumption test: Ensure global-standard

Gaming and Multimedia

Crystal Sound 2

• Crystal Sound 2 makes short work of optimising audio settings for the way you want to listen, let be it gaming, chatting, watching movies or relaxing to your favourite music. Onboard physical shielding, professional engineered design, and premium components, including Japanese-made audio capacitors and operational amplifiers (op-amps), result in sound output that has clarity and fidelity

LED-Lit Audio Shielding

• It ensures precision analogue/digital separation and reduced multi-lateral interface, with illuminated trace path

De-Pop Circuit

• Reduces start-up popping noise to audio output

Audio Amplifier

• Enhances the optimal quality sound for headphone and speakers

Layout Design

• Separate layers for left and right channel to guard the quality of the sensitive audio

Premium Japanese-Made Audio Capacitors

• Provides an immersive sound experience with optimal clarity and fidelity

Intel Gigabit Ethernet

• It offers fast and smooth gaming with your CPU and communicates directly with CPUs and offers high TCP and UDP throughput. This significantly reduces the processor's workload

UDP Game-Data Performance

• ASUS engineers use IxChariot, an independent network-assessment test tool, to determine just how quick Intel Gigabit Ethernet deals with the small (sub-256 byte) UDP data packets that are vital for responsive gaming. With the Z97, your game-data packets flow up to two times fast than gaming-LAN technologies

Work with Up to 3 Displays

• Connect up to three independent monitors at once using video outputs such as DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, or VGA. Choose your outputs and set displays to either mirror mode or collage mode

4K/Ultra HD

• Native support for 4K/UHD (ultra-high definition) resolutions of up to 4096 x 2160 via HDMI or DisplayPort that is four times the pixel count of 1080p (1920 x 1080), offering visual clarity, detail, and realism

UEFI BIOS

Map to MyFavorite

• Quickly find tuning options and add preferred tools to the MyFavorites list

EZ Tuning Wizard OC and RAID

• Select your hardware and use scenarios to tune system performance or streamline your RAID configuration for fast data retrieval and backups

EZ XMP

• Improve your DRAM performance with a click

Graphical Fan Control

• Fine-tune individual fans simply by dragging a curve with the mouse

Real-Time Hardware Monitor

• Benefit from instant information from the critical parts of your system

EZ Mode

• Fan Profile: Detailed CPU and case fan information for instant cooling SATA Information: Displays SATA port details for you to easily recognise devices Fast Clock Adjustment: Use mouse controls to change the time and date EZ XMP: Improve your DRAM performance with a click

Advanced Mode

• Shortcut: Press Enter to create shortcuts to favourite settings, or select an existing shortcut and press F4 to go straight there Quick Notes: Make notes and capture BIOS-related ideas, quickly, and conveniently Last Modified Log: Track last change and save preferred profiles onto a USB drive SATA Port Renaming: Rename SATA ports for easy identification

Ultimate Cooling

Fan Xpert

• Fan Xpert 3 is an advanced fan-management tool that puts 4-pin/3-pin CPU and case fan controls in one place. It scans each fan's characteristics and delivers custom settings for each fan based on the dedicated area temperatures. You have to make sure that every fan achieves an optimal balance of cooling performance and low noise. It supports hardware-level PWM/DC combo mode for both the CPU and case fans. It even has the upgraded ability to reduce the CPU fan speed to below the default minimum, for a quiet and power-saving operation during light loads

RPM Fixed Mode

• This mode is intended for users who wish to reduce noise levels to near 0dB with highly specific fan-speed control. It reacts to system loads for a great response

Auto Tuning Mode

• Scans fan parameters through automatic speed detection to provide custom settings for each fan with a single click. This achieves optimal cooling for your components beyond the number of fans in your case

Fan Controls

• It delivers complete information that allows you to take advanced control over each fan

Ultra-Fast Transfer Speed

Storage Speed with SATA Express

• SATA Express provides up to 10 Gb/s data-transfer speeds from two PCIE 2.0 lanes, resolving the higher bandwidth request in the near future. The current SSDs consume up to 550 MB/s, which is close to saturation point for SATA 6 Gb/s connections. Backwards compatible with up to two SATA drives

Speed Up your System with M.2

• With two native PCIe 2.0 bandwidth, M.2 supports up to 10 Gb/s data-transfer speeds. It is a suitable choice for an operating system drive, making your whole PC work fast. It supports Intel Rapid Storage Technology to ensure fast access to data, refresh applications automatically, and awake from sleep in just seconds ²

  Please Note:

Note: *Refer to model specifications for Intel Rapid Storage Technology support* close

PC DIY

Assembly

• ASUS Q-Design makes PC building quick and easy

Settings

• ASUS AI Suite 3 is a one-stop shop for adjusting your settings

Monitoring

• ASUS push notice monitors your PC status on-the-go

BIOS Updates

• ASUS EZ Flash 2 updates your BIOS from USB outside the operating system

ASUS Q-Design

Q-Slot PCIe Component Removal

• The large, winged clip is easy to reach and operate. Just press the Q-Slot clip lightly, and graphics card will just pop out

AI Suite 3

• ASUS AI Suite 3 offers a user experience through a clear interface with support for large monitors. It consolidates all the ASUS features into one simple-to-use package, thus allowing you to supervise overclocking, energy consumption, fan speeds, voltages and more. This all-in-one app offers diverse and easy-to-use functionality, with no need to switch back and forth between different utilities

Push Notice

• When your PC status changes, Push Note instantly sends an alert to your tablet or smartphone. You can also share the webpage you are browsing or memo to your smart device keeping everything under control

ASUS HomeCloud

PC

• It accesses your PC remotely, stream multimedia content to wherever you want, and manage your files and content from anywhere, no matter where it is stored. Use the built-in Wake on WAN feature to remotely wake and control your PC with a single smart device, anywhere and anytime. It even turns your hard drive into a private cloud, without worrying about storage limits with the help of HomeCloud.

Media Streamer

• You can enjoy your PC's multimedia content anywhere. You can listen to music from your PC or stream a favourite movie to a smart TV with the ASUS Media Streamer

Specifications

CPU	Intel Socket 1150 for the 5th/4th/4th Generation Core i7/ i5/ i3/Pentium/Celeron processors Supports Intel 22 nm CPU Supports Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 1 Please Note: Note : The Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types close
Chipset	Intel Z97
Memory	4 x DIMM, Maximum 32 GB, DDR3 3200/3100/3000/2933/2800/2666/2600/2400/2250/2200/2133/2000/1866/1600/1333 (O.C) MHz non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory * Dual Channel Memory Architecture Supports Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) 2 Please Note: Note: * Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs close
Graphics	Integrated Graphics Processor- Intel HD Graphics support Multi-VGA Output Support: HDMI/DVI-D/RGB ports - Supports HDMI with maximum resolution 4096 x 2160 at 24 Hz / 2560 x 1600 at 60 Hz - Supports DVI-D with maximum resolution 1920 x 1200 at 60 Hz - Supports RGB with maximum resolution 1920 x 1200 at 60 Hz Maximum shared memory of 512 MB Supports Intel InTru 3D, Quick Sync Video, Clear Video HD Technology, Insider Supports up to 3 displays simultaneously
Multi-GPU Support	Supports NVIDIA Quad-GPU SLI Technology Supports AMD Quad-GPU CrossFireX Technology
Expansion Slots	2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (Single at x16, dual at x8/x8) 3 x PCIe 2.0 x1 2 x PCI
Storage	Intel Z97 Chipset: 1 x SATA Express port, compatible with 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports 1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (both SATA and PCIE mode)* 4 x SATA 6 Gb/s ports, (gray) Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10 Supports Intel Smart Response Technology, Intel Rapid Start Technology, Intel Smart Connect Technology** 3 Please Note: Note: *M.2 Socket 3 shares bandwidth with SATA Express port **These functions will work depending on the CPU installed close
LAN	Intel I218V, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller Intel LAN- Dual interconnect between the Integrated LAN controller and Physical Layer (PHY)
Audio	Realtek ALC892 8-channel high definition audio CODEC featuring Crystal Sound 2 - Supports: Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking Audio Feature: - LED-lit Audio Shielding: Ensures precision analogue/digital separation and greatly reduced multi-lateral interference, with a gorgeous illuminated trace path - Dedicated audio PCB layers: Separate layers for left and right channels to guard the quality of the sensitive audio signals - Audio amplifier: Provides the highest-quality sound for headphone and speakers - Premium Japanese-made audio capacitors: Provide warm, natural and immersive sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity - Unique de-pop circuit: Reduces start-up popping noise to audio outputs
USB Ports	Intel Z97 Chipset: 6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (4 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board) Intel Z97 Chipset: 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (2 at back panel, black, 6 at mid-board)
Special Features	ASUS 5X Protection: - ASUS DIGI+ VRM - 6 Phase digital power design - ASUS Enhanced DRAM Overcurrent Protection - Short circuit damage prevention - ASUS ESD Guards - Enhanced ESD protection - ASUS High-Quality 5K-Hour Solid Capacitors - 2.5x long lifespan with excellent durability - ASUS Stainless Steel Back I/O - 3x more durable corrosion-resistant coating ASUS EPU : - EPU ASUS Exclusive Features : - TurboV EVO - GPU Boost - AI Suite 3 - Ai Charger - Anti-Surge - USB 3.0 Boost - Crystal Sound 2 Interactive HomeCloud - Media Streamer ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution: - Stylish Fanless Design Heat-sink solution & MOS Heatsink - ASUS Fan Xpert 3 ASUS EZ DIY: - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS EZ Flash 2 - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode - Push Notice ASUS Q-Design: - ASUS Q-Slot
Back I/O Ports	1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port 1 x DVI-D 1 x D-Sub 1 x HDMI 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 4 x USB 3.0 (blue) 2 x USB 2.0 6 x Audio jacks
Internal I/O Ports	1 x USB 3.0 connector supports additional 2 x USB 3.0 ports (19-pin) 3 x USB 2.0 connectors supports additional 6 x USB 2.0 ports 1 x SATA Express connector: gray, compatible with 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports 1 x M.2 Socket 3 1 x TPM header 1 x COM port connector 4 x SATA 6 Gb/s connectors 1 x CPU Fan connectors (1 x 4 -pin) 3 x Chassis Fan connector (3 x 4 -pin) 1 x S/PDIF out header 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector 1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP) 1 x System panel 1 x Clear CMOS jumper
BIOS	64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.7, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.8, ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, CrashFree BIOS 3, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favourites & Shortcut, Quick Note, Last Modified log, F12 PrintScreen, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information
Manageability	WfM 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE
Support Disc	Drivers ASUS Utilities EZ Update Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Operating System Support	Windows 8.1 Windows 8 Windows 7
Form Factor	ATX
Dimensions	12.0 x 8.6" (30.5 x 21.8 cm)