Benchmark Testing
Synthetic Benchmark Testing
SiSoft Sandra 2015 SP2b
The Sandra benchmarks remain a fast and easy way to determine system quality from a CPU and memory subsystem perspective. With the updated Sandra 2015 suite, the Z170-A's performance fell as expected – ahead of the Intel Z97-based system but behind the Intel X99-based system. It performed on par with the other Z170-based system indicating proper CPU and memory subsystem operation.
Intel Linpack Benchmark v11.3.0.004
The current version of the Intel Linpack benchmark comes with a batch file to run from the command-line interface for running the Linpack tests. It serves as a good indicator of proper system CPU functioning and is considered one of the most intensive CPU benchmarks currently available. This test was repeated three times with the highest repeatable GFlops (Giga-Floating Point Operations Per Second) score recorded.
This CPU torture test is a proven method for identifying possible issues with the CPU to motherboard interface layer. This test seems to be a great equalizer for the Z170-A motherboard with its performance matching that of both the other Z170 system as well as the Z97-base board.
Multimedia and System Benchmark Testing
Maxon Cinebench R15
Maxon’s Cinebench R15 benchmark can be used determine a system's ability to render 3D content based on their Cinema 4D animation software. The CPU benchmark test was run three times, with the highest reproducible Cinebench points score recorded.
In this multimedia benchmark, the Z170-A's performance falls more within expectations both in-line with the other Z170-based system and between that of the Z97 and X99-based systems.
FutureMark PCMark 8
FutureMark Corporation’s PCMark 8 can be used to reliably ascertain a system’s performance in a Windows 10-based use environment. The benchmark tests chosen for benchmarking included the Home test, Creative test, Work test, and Applications test in conjunction with Adobe Creative Suite 6.0). All test suites within the PCMark 8 benchmark were run three times, with the highest reproducible PCMark scores recorded.
In this multimedia benchmark, the Z170-A pulled head of the Z97 and X99-based systems significantly, most likely because of its faster CPU core and ring bus speed of 4.0GHz.
From the specs:
DVI-D with
From the specs:
DVI-D with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz
That looks like a dual link DVI connector which should have a max resolution of 2560×1600.
I understand what it actually
I understand what it actually is, but, in most pictures that Sata Express port looks a lot like an IDE connector. It certainly brings back memories.
What does this BLK
What does this BLK overclocking capability mean for non-k chips? It looks like it is a much more viable option for skylake than it has been for many generations.
for both, it decouples the
for both, it decouples the PCIe clock from the base clock so your PCIe clock remains static no matter what. However, your memory speed is still tied to the base clock value. For non-K overclocking specifically, it is still bound to the limits of what speed your CPU can run at. Should be easier than with a Z97, but still constrained because you cannot change the CPU ratio – your memory may not like odd base clocks as much…
It looks like there are a
It looks like there are a bunch of memory strap options as well though. The article states that they got the BLK up to 266 from 100. That seems to be a huge amount of headroom.
I’m having a nightmare with
I’m having a nightmare with the onboard ethernet (I219-V) on this board.
The moment I install the Intel ethernet driver (version 12.13.17.4), the system will not reboot. It makes it past the splash screen and I’m then left with a blinking cursor in the top left of the screen. It seems as if the SSD isn’t being recognised?
I’ve searched for a other/newer versions of the driver on both the Asus and Intel sites but cannot come up with any alternatives. So frustrating…
The non-K OC is really easy
The non-K OC is really easy and can be done within few minutes. Depending on the CPU you can increase the clock between 15-70% without any problems.
Pre-Skylake CPUs such as Haswell or Devils Canyon could only be overclocked by about 3-5% using the BCLK because the BCLK was still tied to the DMI and the PCIe.
However, for Skylake CPUs, BCLK and PCIe have a dedicated reference clock which always stays at 100 MHz – no matter how you change the BCLK. In other words: You can push the BCLK without worrying about other components.
The non-K BIOS is skipping some parts of the power-management, so there are few things you have to keep in mind:-
1) The missing power-management will not allow to read out any core temperature. No matter which tool you use, it will always just read 100°C.
2) No C-States. CPUs will always run full speed and full voltage.
3) No Turbo-Mode.
4) No iGPU.
5) Intel AVX is screwed. Some benchmarks like Intel XTU use AVX and you will have about 4-5 times lower score. As far as I know no game is using AVX so it’s no problem to use this for gaming rigs. Not suitable for professional usage though.
6) Avoid high memory clocks. Everything around 2600 MHz will be fine.
Follow this link for a complete OC guide:-
http://overclocking.guide/asus-z170-non-k-overclocking-guide/
My ASUS-Z170-A motherboard
My ASUS-Z170-A motherboard bios; Under ‘Tools’ tab, the ‘Graphics Card Information’ does not exist. Could you please tell me what is wrong? (CPU: Intel core I5-6600k).
I am sorry, my mistake. It is
I am sorry, my mistake. It is a H110M-D D3 Asus motherboard.
Would a be quiet Dark Rock
Would a be quiet Dark Rock Pro 3 CPU Cooler be compatible with this motherboard? I think the backplate might come into contact with that troublesome chip…