Conclusion
Performance
When compared to last generation Z97 and X99-based systems, the Z170-A motherboard performs as expected with numbers slightly better than the Z97 and significantly slower than the workstation class X99-based system. Obviously this is nearly completely dependent on the processor platform at play in each case.
Conclusion
This preview of the ASUS Z170-A motherboard was meant to give you an introduction to ASUS' enhancements introduced for the Intel Z170 Express chipset motherboards as well as a performance comparison to the last generation Z97 and X99 platforms. ASUS updated the aesthetics of their channel series of boards in comparison to the Z97 line, going with a black and white design rather than the black and gold of the Z97 line. Further, they enhanced the UEFI with Skylake-specific CPU features as well as a new version of their EZ Flash Utility adding network based BIOS update directly from within the UEFI.
In our more in-depth review, we will more fully cover the other aspects of this motherboard as well as exploring its performance potential in comparison to other Intel Z170 Express-based motherboards.
No HDMI 2.0 or HEVC support?
No HDMI 2.0 or HEVC support? Grrr.
Would that be CPU or
Would that be CPU or motherboard constraint?
Most likely both.
The IGP
Most likely both.
The IGP needs to support HEVC to a degree. Has/Browadwell had a hybrid CPU/IGP implementation for HEVC and no true GPU only en/decoding like Nvidia’s Maxwell does.
As for HDMI v2, this is also dependent on how Intel implemented the IGP. On one hand, 4k 60hz monitors are rare, but are emerging into the enthusiast market. On the other, Intel might not felt it was worth the cost for R&D to implement that.
Right now, we know very little about Skylake’s architecture and thus we cannot say for certain (until IDF) if the IGP does in fact support HDMI v2 and full GPU accelerated HEVC en/decode or if the motherboard manufactures just did not implement HDMI v2 port on the board. I doubt the latter.
The Z170-A does NOT include
The Z170-A does NOT include BIOS Flashback. It only has a header and a separate card is required which does not yet appear to be available to the public. BEWARE!
I am also in the BIOS
I am also in the BIOS Flashback boat. I flashed the bios to get more current and now it just beeps 6 times. Bad A20 gate. If I just had this header it could be fixed in minutes. Now I have to wait for Asus to get back to me.
Another thing that seems stupid is the crashfee Bios option from the DVD. It is supposed to help if there was corruption during the flash process. If it can’t boot, then what good does that do????
Same BIOS corruption problem
Same BIOS corruption problem after a standard BIOS upgrade, it froze and now the motherboard is not bootable.
Thanks Asus for once again a super buggy BIOS. I’m not gonna bet again on this brand for MB.
what change bios setting at
what change bios setting at starting Window stop in window 7?why?
please explain.
I am trying to boot windows
I am trying to boot windows from my new installed ssd. I have migrated the os, and i have entered bios to change the prioritized boot driver, but the ssd in the sata_2 does not appear?
The hdd is in sata_1, but i can not find the option for sata_2 which has the ssd.
Any ideas?
Dig around in the BIOS, some
Dig around in the BIOS, some SATA ports may be disabled by default.