ASUS ROG STRIX Z270G GAMING Review – The best Z270 M-ATX Motherboard?
The ASUS ROG STRIX Z270G GAMING motherboard is probably, if not the definitive top quality and performing M-ATX motherboard ever to be on Intel’s Z270 chipset. This socket LGA1151 motherboard hits memory performance out of the park and in doing so, makes it a very viable option for enthusiasts looking for a high-quality option for their smaller form factor cases.
With tonnes of features such as SLI/CrossFire multi-GPU support, all the way to the 8+2 digital power phase design, the new ASUS ROG Z270 range has opened on a very high note indeed. The ROG STRIX Z270G GAMING has everything the full ATX boards have, but in a smaller condensed size; this board even features an LN2 mode which all those extreme overclockers chomping at the bit for a high performing and memory favouring board will certainly be impressed by.
One of the most improved aspects is the onboard audio set up and thanks to the ASUS ALC1220 HD codec, the ROG SupremeFX chipset has a more desirable and optimised audio configuration making their entire Z270 range look strong. With the ASUS Sonic Studio III software provided, there are options suitable for the beginner looking to make the most of their experience as well as the experienced and more advanced users. The key here is, tweak as much as you like to get the best experience possible and that’s do-able thanks to Sonic Studio III. Other software included includes RAMCache II, Fan Xpert 4, GameFirst IV, CloneDrive and most important of all, ASUS Aura Sync which allows users to RGB sync up their ASUS products for maximum aesthetic compatibility.
There are 6 x SATA3 ports featured along with 2 x M.2 slots capable of supporting Intel’s new highly anticipated Octane technology for non-volatile memory. This is only with Intel’s new Kaby Lake 7th generation processors and although Skylake 6th generation processors are supported, Optane is Kaby Lake only currently I’m afraid!
Overall the performance of the ROG STRIX Z270G GAMING is strong, it looks good and has tonnes of features for consumers of all levels. It is, in my opinion, the best Z270 chipset M-ATX motherboard on release and that kind of thing is something you can’t ignore. For around £189.99 at launch in the UK, it’s priced the same as the ROG Maximus VIII GENE was and although ASUS have changed their branding slightly for non-Maximus boards, this is as close, if not identical to what the GENE would have had.
All that being said, this is a high-quality M-ATX motherboard and if you’re in the market for a new Intel Z270 motherboard and it must be M-ATX, this is the one to go for!
Huge thanks to ASUS ROG for sending the STRIX Z270G GAMING motherboard in for review, I’m pleased to award it our Gold Award.
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Performance
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Design
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Value
Summary
Pros:
– A high quality and top performing M-ATX motherboard
– Does have tonnes of features including a strong ASUS software package included
– Features RGB thanks to ASUS AURA Sync
– SLI and CrossFire multi-GPU configurations are supported
– 2 x M.2 ports compatible with Intel’s new Optane storage technology
– Lots of overclocking friendly features to get the most out of the new Intel Kaby Lake 7th generation processors
Cons:
– No U.2 port featured
