As we move in for a closer look at Z97-A, we note there is an 8+2 Digital Phase power design, which is generally sufficient not only for all LGA1150 CPUs in the range but also modest overclock of even Core i7 models. ASUS have given this motherboard Digi+ CPU, VRM and DRAM from which the CPU and other components draw digitally regulated power.

Over the MOSFETs sit two black/gold heatsink which are not interconnected via heatpipe; keeping these components cool under extremely heavy load could therefore be a potential issue in maxed out systems. Behind the heatsinks is an ideally located 8-pin CPU power socket. There are two 4-pin PWM fan headers are adjacent to the CPU socket, allowing independent control of fans for dual-fan CPU coolers or supporting system fans where necessary.

And once more to be clear, the Z97-A uses Socket 1150 and supports Intel’s 4th (Haswell, Haswell Refresh) and 5th (Broadwell) Generation Processors.



Moving on there are 4x DDR3 DIMM slots which can accommodate up to 32GB of memory and 3200 (OC). As with all Z97 boards it supports dual-channel operation with one or two DIMMS per channel; follow the recommended installation instructions to maximise your memory bandwidth.

Also in the memory region are a number of buttons and features. MemOK! makes an appearance and is now regarded as an integral ASUS feature ensuring memory compatibility and a successful boot up. Next door is the EZ XMP switch, configuring memory as per the XMP profile automatically and without having to go into the BIOS.

ASUS have placed a USB 3.0 header near to the memory slots and 24-pin ATX socket, supplying USB 3.0 functionality for the front panel. Unfortunately it's not edge-mounted so isn't perfectly situated from a cable management perspective.



For storage, Z97-A has a combination of SATA 6Gbps ports (four ports on left) and the newly introduced SATA Express, the latter of which brings in 10Gbps+ transfer rates when connected to appropriate SATA Express drives. This new connector type is also backwards compatible with SATA III 6Gbps, adding two potential ports to the Z97-A's arsenal.

ASUS are one of few brands to include both M.2 and SATA Express functionality on their mainstream Z97 motherboards, and they have felt confident doing this due to being extensively involved with the validation process for SATA Express. In the not to distant future ASUS will also be one of the first to launch retail SATA Express storage devices, and as such they have a vested interest in ensuring that there is a potential market from the get-go.



Swapping things up for the Intel 9 Series, ASUS continue the black/gold theme and give the Intel Z97 chip a large circular heatsink. Also in this area a the TPU switch that allows for an automatic adjustment to the CPU ratio and BCLK frequency when in the appropriate mode; adjustment to the latter is only sensible due to a built-in disable mode. The complementary EPU switch can moderate the board power consumption thanks to economy modes which reduce current draw. Naturally it’s important to only adjust this switch when the system is powered down.