ASUS STRIX Z370E Gaming Motherboard Review
Intel's Hex-core mainstream Coffee Lake line of desktop processors are out as a response to AMD Ryzen product line. The new chips will be build on Intel's new 14nm++ process offering modest frequency increase with better power efficiency as per Intel documented. The Coffee Lake isn't a new CPU architecture. It is based on the same Kaby Lake processors but with increase in core count. And lastly one need a new chipset to support this high core count, so alongside the new CPU architecture we also have a new Intel Z370 chipset and new motherboard lineup in the market.
So today we got a chance to play with ASUS's newest product for Intel's Coffee Lake family of CPUs, the ASUS ROG STRIX Z370E Gaming Motherboard. An ATX gaming motherboard with new Z370 chipset offering features like Aura Sync RGB LED lighting, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, DDR4 4000MHz support, dual M.2, SATA 6Gbps and a USB 3.1 Gen 2 front-panel header. ASUS ROG STRIX Z370E Gaming Motherboard a combination of bold aesthetics with premier performance delivering great gaming experiences with a style.
Now let's see what ASUS ROG STRIX Z370E board have for us.
Features
- LGA1151 socket for 8th -gen Intel® Core™ desktop processors.
- Aura Sync RGB: Synchronize LED lighting with a vast portfolio of compatible PC gear, including addressable RGB strips.
- Onboard M.2 heatsink: Cools your M.2 drive, delivering consistent storage performance and enhanced reliability.
- 5-Way Optimization: Automated system-wide tuning, providing overclocking and cooling profiles that are tailor-made for your rig.
- Gaming audio: SupremeFX S1220A teams with Sonic Studio III to create an aural landscape that draws you deeper into the action.
- Gaming connectivity: Dual M.2 and USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C connectors.
- Gaming networking: Intel Gigabit Ethernet, LANGuard, GameFirst and 2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO support.
- Gamer’s Guardian: ASUS SafeSlot and premium components for maximum endurance.
Specifications
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CPU
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Intel® Socket 1151 for 8th Generation
Coreâ„¢ Processors
Supports Intel® 14 nm CPU
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
* The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types.
* Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list
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Chipset
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Intel® Z370
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Memory
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4 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR4
4000(O.C.)/3866(O.C.)/3733(O.C.)/3600(O.C.)/3466(O.C.)/3400(O.C.)/3333(O.C.)/3300(O.C.)/3200(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666/2400/2133
MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel Memory Architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual
CPUs.
* Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL
(Qualified Vendors Lists).
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Graphic
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Integrated Graphics Processor- Intel® HD
Graphics support
Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DVI-D/DisplayPort ports
- Supports HDMI with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz
- Supports DVI-D with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz
- Supports DisplayPort with max. resolution 4096 x 2304 @ 60 Hz *1
Maximum shared memory of 1024 MB
Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D, Quick Sync Video, Clear Video HD Technology,
Insiderâ„¢
Supports up to 3 displays simultaneously
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Multi-GPU Support
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Supports NVIDIA® 2-Way SLI™
Technology
Supports AMD 3-Way CrossFireXâ„¢ Technology
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Expansion Slots
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2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or dual
x8)
1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (max at x4 mode)
4 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1
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Storage
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Intel® Z370 Chipset :
1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support
(PCIE mode only)*2
1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support
(SATA mode & X4 PCIE mode)*3
6 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s)
Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready *4
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LAN
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Intel® I219V
Anti-surge LANGuard
ROG GameFirst Technology
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Wireless Data Network
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Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Supports dual band frequency 2.4/5 GHz
Supports MU-MIMO
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Bluetooth
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Bluetooth V4.2
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Audio
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ROG SupremeFX 8-Channel High Definition
Audio CODEC S1220A
- Dual Headphone Amplifiers
- Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs
- Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
- High quality 120 dB SNR stereo playback output and 113 dB SNR recording
input
- SupremeFX Shielding Technology
- Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback *5
Audio Feature :
- SupremeFX Shieldingâ„¢ Technology
- Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
- Dedicated audio PCB layers: Separate layers for left and right channels to
guard the quality of the sensitive audio signals
- Premium Japanese-made audio capacitors: Provide warm, natural and immersive
sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity
- Sonic Radar III
- Sonic Studio III
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USB Ports
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Intel® Z370 Chipset :
6 x USB 3.0 port(s) (4 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board)
Intel® Z270 Chipset :
6 x USB 2.0 port(s)
ASMedia® USB 3.1 Gen 2 controller : *6
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector port(s)
ASMedia® USB 3.1 Gen 2 controller :
2 x USB 3.1 port(s) (Type-A + USB Type-CTM, Support 3A power
output)
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ROG Exclusive Features
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ROG RAMCache II
ROG CPU-Z
ROG CloneDrive
Overwolf
GameFirst IV
ROG Aura
- Aura Lighting Control
- Aura RGB Strip Headers
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Special Features
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OC Design - ASUS PRO Clock Technology
- Full BCLK range for extreme overclocking performance
5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5
- Whole system optimization with a single click! 5-Way Optimization tuning
key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU, DIGI+ Power Control, Fan Xpert 4, and
Turbo App together, providing better CPU performance, efficient power saving,
precise digital power control, whole system cooling and even tailor your own
app usages.
TPU
- Auto Tuning, TurboV, GPU Boost
- Fan Xpert 4 featuring Fan Auto Tuning function and multiple
thermistors
Gamer's Guardian:
- DRAM Overcurrent Protection
- Stainless Steel Back I/O
- Highly Durable Components
- DIGI+ VRM
- SafeSlot
ASUS Exclusive Features :
- AI Suite 3
- Ai Charger
- ESD Guards
ASUS EZ DIY :
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 3
- ASUS USB BIOS Flashback
ASUS Q-Design :
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM
Gaming Aesthetics :
- 3D printing friendly
- AURA-RGB Lighting
Digi+VRM
Turbo APP
M.2 Onboard(The latest transfer technologies with up to 32Gb/s data
transfer speeds)
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Back I/O Ports
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1 x DVI-D
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI
0 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A + USB Type-CTM
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (blue)
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
5 x Audio jack(s)
1 x ASUS Wi-Fi GO! module (Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth v4.2)
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Internal I/O Ports
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1 x Aura Addressable Strip Header(s)
1 x AAFP connector
2 x RGB Header(s)
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 3.1 Gen 1
port(s)
2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support
(PCIE mode only)
1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support
(SATA mode & X4 PCIE mode)
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
1 x M.2_FAN connector
1 x CPU Fan connector(s)
1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s)
2 x Chassis Fan connector(s)
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
1 x System panel(s) (Chassis intrusion header is inbuilt)
1 x 5-pin EXT_FAN(Extension Fan) connector
1 x Thermal sensor connector(s)
1 x CPU OV
1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s)
1 x 14-1 pin TPM connector
1 x COM port header
1 x AIO PUMP Header
3 x 3D Mount screw port(s)
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector
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Accessories
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User's manual
ASUS Q-Shield
1 x ASUS Fan Holder
4 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s)
1 x M.2 Screw Package
1 x CPU installation tool
1 x Supporting DVD
1 x ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi moving antennas (Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
compliant)
1 x CABLE TIE BLACK
1 x SLI HB BRIDGE(2-WAY-M)
1 x ROG Strix stickers
1 x 10-in-1 ROG cable label
ROG Fan Label
1 x ROG Door Hanger(s)
1 x Extension Cable for RGB strips (80 cm)
1 x Extension cable for Addressable LED
1 x Thermistor cable(s)
1 x 3D printing mount package
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BIOS
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128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP,
WfM2.0, SM BIOS 3.0, ACPI 6.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3,
CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites,
Last Modified log, F12 PrintScreen, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence
Detect) memory information.
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Manageability
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WfM2.0, DMI3.0, WOL by PME, PXE
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Operating System
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Windows® 10 64-bit
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Form Factor
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ATX Form Factor
12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm )
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Package
Board comes in a nice black cardboard box with model number, image of the board and details about supporting technology and features.
Inside the box
ASUS ROG STRIX Z370E GAMING comes with very nice set of accessories :
Looks
Board made with a black PCB of size ATX (30.5 X 24.4 cm) featuring an impressive metallic black / silver color scheme.
Layout
Detailed layout of board.
1. Intel LGA 1151 socket supporting Intel 8th Generation Processors
2. ASUS STRIX Z370E is equipped with 4 DIMM DDR4 memory slots supporting max. 64GB at 2133MHz in normal and up to 4000MHz when OC.
3. ATX Power connector (24-pin EATXPWR)
4. ATX CPU Power Connector 8-pin ATX12V_2x4.
5. Back I/O Ports - 1 x DVI-D,1 x DisplayPort,1 x HDMI,0 x LAN (RJ45) port(s),2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A + USB Type-CTM,2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (blue),1 x Optical S/PDIF out,5 x Audio jack(s),1 x ASUS Wi-Fi GO! module (Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth v4.2)
6. 7. 10. 15.1 x CPU Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin), 1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin), 4 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (4 x 4 -pin)
8.3 x Aura RGB Strip Headers
9. 16. USB 3.1 front panel connector , 2 x USB 3.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 3.0 port(s) (19-pin) and 2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
11. 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
12. M.2 Socket 3 with M Key design, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (Supports both SATA & PCIE SSD)
13. EXT_Fan header.
14. System Front panel(s) (Q-Connector)
17. TPM connector
18. COM Port connector
19. Front panel Audio connector
20. Expansion Slots - 2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8), 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x4 mode), 4 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1
Removing Heat-sinks
Heatsinks are made up of dense aluminum with thermal pad installed, giving great passive cooling to VRM MOSFET, Z370 chipset and M.2 Storage. Armor with back I/O include a LED PCB mounted under
Component Layout
Let's now see what all components ASUS have planned for this board.
1. 2.Digital 10-phase CPU Power VRM Section controlled with ASP1400BT controller IC with set of Vishay Si RA12/RA14 MOSFETs for per phase giving total up to 40A of current handling, 60A Ferrite Chokes, and 10K Black Metallic Capacitors.
3. A separate DRAM Power section
4. ASMedia ASM3142 is PCIe-to-two-port USB 3.1 controllers
5. ASMedia ASM1442K a high speed TMDS level shift chip for High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) and Digital Video Interface (DVI) video out.
6. Intel i219v integrated GBit LAN solutions.
7. ASMedia ASM3142 is PCIe-to-two-port USB 3.1 controllers for USB 3.1 front panel connector
8. Asmedia ASM1480 PCIe bus switch chips
9. The nuvoTon NCT 6793D chip provides the super I/O functions, such as fan control and system monitoring
10. Intel Z370 Chipset.
11. UEFI BIOS is stored in a Winbond 25Q128FV 128MB chip.
12. ASUS custom TPU controller chip.
13. ASUS STRIX Z370E audio subsystem is based on on SupremeFX S1220 codec (a customized ALC1220) with 10 DAC channels, simultaneous 7.1-channel playback, independent 2.0-channel, multiple-stream stereo to front-panel outputs, and an EMI cover for purer audio quality.
A semi-transparent line on motherboard separates the whole audio section from the rest of the board in order to minimize interference. Audio section is having premium Nichicon Gold Capacitors for audio filtration. In addition ASUS used TI R4580I Op-amp for rear audio amplification.
RightMark Audio Analyzer (RMAA) suite is used for testing test ASUS STRIX Z370E audio against against Asus Xonar U7 External Sound card. You can see clearly the difference between Noise level, dynamic rang and Total harmonic distortion percentage produced by on-board audio.
RMAA Asus Xonar U7
RMAA ASUS Audio
Testing
| CPU | Intel Core i5 8600K |
| Board | ASUS STRIX Z370E Gaming |
| RAM | 2 X 8GB Corsair DDR4 2800Mhz |
| SSD | Samsung PM830 |
| Cooler | Thermaltake Water 3.0 AIO |
| GFX | Strix GTX 950 |
| PSU | Thermaltake 850W RGB |
| Case | Thermaltake View28 |
| Display | Acer S220HQL |
| OS | Windows 10 |
BIOS
Bundled Softwares
Benchmarks
Overclocking
Power Consumption
Wattage reading as per displayed by APC Pro 1000VA (Model no. BR1000G-IN) UPS.
Pros
- 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2
- On board WiFi
- Great looks
- Lot of RGB LED Support
- Nice Audio
- Good bundled Software
- Easy Overclocking
Cons
Conclusion
The ASUS STRIX Z370E Gaming Motherboard is a very good motherboard for gamers and mainstream users. The feature set is good along with strong overclocking performance and ASUS's AURA RGB lighting implementation is perfect for user-customization with addressable RGB lighting header.
Finally, if you are looking for a new good quality gaming build with solid performance and want to take full advantage of Intel's Hex core Coffee Lake platform the ASUS STRIX Z370E Gaming Motherboard is a solid contender and worthy of our PC TeK Reviews CHOICE Award.
Manufacturers Info
Site Link
Thanks.