The ASUS Z97-E motherboard is powered by the Intel Z97 chipset and supports the latest Haswell and Broadwell CPU in LGA 1150 package. A great foundation for you to build a powerhouse, this motherboard is packed with loads of features and technologies that facilitate your system build and optimize your computing/gaming experience. The 5-Way Optimization offers you one-click entire system optimization. Experience a new level of sound realism thanks to the Crystal Sound 2 design. Navigate BIOS settings effortlessly and smoothly through its improved, more appealing user interface. Rely on Asus 5X Protection to safeguard your high-end components in harsh environments. This motherboard also incorporates M.2 and SATA Express ports thus you can take full advantage of the latest storage technology. Plus, with two PCIe x16 slots and SLI & CrossFireX support, you can adopt multiple graphics cards in a single system, which significantly increases you graphics power and takes your gaming to the next level.
- Proven quality - 5X Protection. 1000+ compatible devices. 7000+ validation hours.
- Onboard M.2 and SATA Express with 10Gbit/s transfer speeds.
- Crystal Sound 2 and Intel Gigabit Ethernet — a game-winning combo.
- Fan Xpert 3 - Advanced fan controls for ultimate cooling and quietness.
- Media-acclaimed UEFI BIOS with new EZ Tuning Wizard.
- ASUS HomeCloud - A digital PC hub perfect for sharing and home theater.
ASUS 5X Protection
Hardware safeguards to ensure long-term durability
ASUS’s be-the-best ethos underscores the choice of every single component that goes into your ASUS motherboard. ASUS focuses relentlessly on quality to ensure long-term system reliability and performance.
Precise digital power control with ASUS DIGI+ VRM
Voltage regulator modules (VRMs) are among the most essential motherboard components. A good VRM intelligently delivers CPU power based on actual needs at any given time. ASUS was first with digital power design featuring faster sensing and response to deliver precise CPU power on demand. This great accuracy reduces energy waste and of course improves system stability thanks to more consistent delivery.
Enhanced DRAM overcurrent protection
Onboard resettable fuses prevent overcurrent and short-circuit damage. This extends beyond I/O ports to DRAM to safeguard the lifespan of both your system and connected device.
5K-hr solid-state capacitors that last 2.5X longer
Solid-state capacitors are able to withstand extreme temperatures of up to 105°C for as long as 5,000 hours — that's two-and-a-half (2.5X) times longer than traditional capacitors. This exceptional durability means superb real-world endurance to more typical PC operating temperatures, ensuring that ASUS motherboards continue working longer.
Stainless-steel back I/O that lasts 3X longer
ASUS motherboard back I/O panels are made from strong and corrosion-resistant stainless steel, which is bonded with a thin layer of chromium oxide to enhance anti-corrosive properties. Passing 72-hour spray salt endurance tests, ASUS stainless steel back I/O panels have a lifespan that's three times (3X) longer compared to ordinary panels.
ESD Guards for protection from electrostatic discharge
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can happen suddenly, and its damaging effects are easily underestimated. ASUS ESD Guards are tested to very high standards, capable of up to +/- 10kV for air discharge and +/-6kV for contact discharge. An active protective circuit design is employed to guard your system against electrostatic interference and damage, providing greater component longevity.
Proven compatibility
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Having the freedom to pick and choose the parts that go into your machine is at the heart of PC DIY. ASUS’s extensive certification program focuses on providing the very best compatibility with the widest range of components and devices, giving you the freedom to build and upgrade without frustration. Compatible today and compatible far into the future – that's the ASUS way.
Every 9 Series motherboard is compatible with thousands of devices. ASUS engineers fit and assess both server and consumer CPUs, hundreds of memory modules, dozens of graphics cards, loads of storage devices, power supplies, network devices, displays, optical drives, peripherals and many more. Enjoy complete confidence in ASUS’s products and their superb compatibility.
Top-to-bottom reliability
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Each motherboard is subjected to extended reliability testing under heavy load conditions, from the transportation to daily operations, to make sure they are delivered to you in perfect condition. Trials include temperature and humidity, burn-in, power on/off, power consumption, insertion and thermal-shock testing among many others. Every certified-compatible component puts through an up to 24-hour aging test to ensure trouble-free operation every day – no matter what you fit or attach and no matter what you do.
Flawless audio that makes you part of the game
Crystal Sound 2 makes short work of optimizing audio settings for the way you want to listen, be it gaming, chatting, watching movies or relaxing to your favorite music. Onboard physical shielding, professional engineered design and premium components, including Japanese-made audio capacitors and operational amplifiers (op-amps), result in sound output that has exceptional clarity and fidelity. Discover a whole new dimension of superior audio and get ready to rule.
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LED-lit audio shielding
Ensures precision analog/digital separation and greatly reduced multi-lateral interference, with a gorgeous illuminated trace path
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Unique de-pop circuit
Reduces start-up popping noise to audio outputs
Audio amplifier
Enhances the highest quality sound for headphone and speakers
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Special layout design
Separate layers for left and right channels to guard the quality of the sensitive audio
- Right track
- Left track
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Premium Japanese-made audio capacitors
Provides warm, natural and immersive sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity
A double win for gaming
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The difference between defeat and victory can be measured in milliseconds. That's why ASUS motherboards are equipped with state-of-the-art networking technology that puts your frags first.
Intel Gigabit Ethernet — top gaming choice that goes faster with your CPU
Faster, smoother gaming – always. Intel Gigabit Ethernet has the serious double advantage of communicating directly with CPUs and offering high TCP and UDP throughput. This significantly reduces the processor's workload, so there's more power for your game and your gameplay.
Up to 2X-faster UDP game-data performance
ASUS engineers used IxChariot, an independent network-assessment test tool, to determine just how much quicker Intel Gigabit Ethernet deals with the smaller (sub-256 byte) UDP data packets that are vital for responsive gaming. The results are in — and with Z97 your game-data packets flow up to two times (2X) faster than competing gaming-LAN technologies.
Media-acclaimed UEFI BIOS
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The smoothest, slickest mouse-controlled graphical BIOS has been improved to make it even more appealing. Whether you're a PC novice or a seasoned overclocker, the EZ and Advanced Modes help you find your way, quickly and easily.
EZ Mode
- Fan Profile: Detailed CPU and case fan information for instant cooling.
- SATA Information: Displays SATA port details for you to easily recognize devices.
- Fast Clock Adjustment: Use mouse controls to change the time and date.
- EZ XMP: Improve your DRAM performance with a click.
Advanced Mode
- Shortcut: Press Enter to create shortcuts to favorite settings, or select an existing shortcut and press F4 to go straight there.
- Quick Notes: Make notes and capture BIOS-related ideas, quickly and conveniently.
- Last Modified Log: Track last change and save preferred profiles onto a USB drive.
- SATA Port Renaming: Rename SATA ports for easy identification.
Advanced fan controls for ultimate cooling and quietness with Fan Xpert 3
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Fan Xpert 3 is an extremely advanced fan-management tool that puts 4-pin/3-pin CPU and case fan controls in one place. It scans each fan's characteristics and intelligently delivers custom settings for each fan based on the dedicated area temperatures. Make sure every fan achieves the best balance of cooling performance and low noise.
Fan Xpert 3 supports hardware-level PWM/DC combo mode for both the CPU and case fans. It even has the upgraded ability to reduce the CPU fan speed to below the default minimum, for extra-quiet and power saving operation during light loads.
RPM Fixed Mode
Designed for users who wish to reduce noise levels to near 0dB with highly specific fan speed control. It reacts to system loads for greater response.
Auto Tuning Mode
Scans fan parameters through exclusive automatic speed detection to provide custom settings for each fan with a single click. This achieves the best cooling for your components beyond just the mere number of fans in your case.
Informative fan controls
Delivers complete information that allows you to take advanced control over each fan.
Ultra-fast transfer speed
Evolve your storage speed with SATA Express
SATA Express provides up to 10Gbit/s data-transfer speeds from two PCIE 2.0 lanes, resolving the higher bandwidth request in the near future. The current SSDs consume up to 550MB/s, which is close to saturation point for SATA 6Gbit/s connections. Backwardly compatible with up to two SATA drives, SATA Express is the next-generation connectivity standard — and ensures that you and your system won't get left behind.
Speed up your system with M.2
With two native PCI Express 2.0 bandwidth, M.2 supports up to 10Gbit/s data-transfer speeds. It is the perfect choice for an operating system drive, making your whole PC work that much faster. It supports Intel® Rapid Storage Technology to ensure even faster access to data, refresh applications automatically and awake from sleep in just seconds.
PC DIY has never been this easy
We understand how you use your PC. From assembly, system setting and monitoring, and to firmware and hardware updates — we're all about making your life easier. That's why we never stop developing new and exciting DIY opportunities to make PC DIY easy, fun and free from hassle.
Q-Slot
Effortless PCI Express component removal The large winged clip is easy to reach and easy to operate. Just press the Q-Slot clip lightly, and graphics card just pop out. Installing or removing even the biggest graphics cards is no sweat.
AI Suite 3 - One-stop access to innovative ASUS features
ASUS AI Suite 3 offers a brand-new user experience through a clearer and more attractive interface with support for larger monitors. It consolidates all exclusive ASUS features into one simple-to-use package, allowing you to supervise overclocking, energy consumption, fan speeds, voltages and more. This all-in-one app offers diverse and easy to use functionality, with no need to switch back and forth between different utilities.
Push Notice - Monitor your PC status on the go.
If you've ever wondering how your PC is faring when you're not around, Push Notice will keep you informed – in real time. When your PC's status changes, Push Note instantly sends an alert to your tablet or smartphone. You can also throw the webpage you are browsing or memo to your smart device. Everything is under control, no matter where you are.
BIOS Update
ASUS EZ Flash 2 updates your BIOS from USB outside the operating system.