By Kenny @ PureOC
A few months back we took a look at the ASUS Maximus VII Hero Motherboard . The Maximus VII Hero, which is part of ASUS’ mid range Republic of Gamer’s line, took home the Editors Choice award for its great performance and outstanding aesthetics. However, that was only the tip of the iceberg for the ROG line up. Today… we have the chance to take a look at ASUS’ flagship motherboard the ASUS Maximus VII Formula.
Intel’s launch of the new X99 Express Chipset has kicked off a number of new motherboards from various manufacturers. A few of these new motherboards have been made available for review. We have pulled together a number of these reviews and provided the links to them below.
By Ian Cutress @ AnandTech
Next in our recent run of lower cost motherboards is the MSI Z97 Guard-Pro, a motherboard that MSI billed to me as one suited for the overclockable Pentium G3258 on a budget. At $110, we see if it differs much from the more expensive options on the market.
Author: Daniel Dobrowolski @ HardOCP
MSI’s Z97 XPower AC is one of its flagship LGA 1150 motherboards and is specifically designed for the overclocking enthusiast. It carries a huge list of features, a rich bundle of accessories, and and a rich price tag as well at $379. Is the Z97 XPower AC actually worth that? We wondered the same thing.
By Ian Cutress @ AnandTech
One of AMD’s main selling points it likes to promote is towards the gamer, especially those on a tighter budget. This subsequently suggests to the motherboard manufacturers to build models oriented for gaming. MSI’s Gaming Range has become a solid part of MSI’s plethora of motherboards, and now this extends to the FM2+ platform. Today we review the MSI A88X-G45 Gaming.
By Ian Cutress @ AnandTech
The initial set of Z97 reviews demonstrated that most motherboard manufacturers were implementing at least one the new storage options offered by the chipset: SATA Express and M.2. The motherboard we are testing today, the Z97-Pro, uses both but incorporates a switching system so only one is active at the time. Similarly to the Z97-Deluxe which we have reviewed, ASUS’ new brushed metalling gold design is here on the Z97-Pro as well.
By Kenny @ PureOC
Over the last few years we have seen ASRock gain movement in the motherboard arena. They have developed and revamped some rock solid motherboards at a very affordable price. In the past, we have seen many flagship motherboards from ASRock that have been top performers when it comes to overclocking and stability. Not only has ASRock performed well in the past, they have great aesthetic appeal too. Today, we have a chance to look at their newest variation from their already popular Fatal1ty series. This is the ASRock Fatal1ty Z97 Killer Series Motherboard. With Haswell’s refresh chipset in full swing, we have tested a number of great performing motherboards. But today, the ASRock Fatal1ty Z97 Killer Series has another advantage in this arena due to its aggressive pricing. So let’s move forward and put this motherboard to the test and see what it can do with our Intel 4770K Haswell Processor.
Written By: Dan Stoltz @ Legit Reviews
GIGABYTE is certainly one of the top motherboard manufacturers out there these days, and their G1 Series of motherboards have been running strong for a number of years now. Today I have the chance to get my hands dirty with the latest in the G1 series, the GIGABYTE Z97X-Gaming G1 WiFi-BK Intel Z97 Motherboard. The Z97X-Gaming motherboard isn’t for the budget minded individual, with a retail price of $379.99 it’s meant for the elitist that wants the best of the best and is planning on running 4-way SLI or 4-Way CrossFireX.
Author: Daniel Dobrowolski @ HardOCP
We’ve been fans of MSI’s “Gaming” series for some time now. The Z97 Gaming 7 has big shoes to fill and competition is heating up as competitors take a page from MSI’s book and bring some of respective offerings into parity with MSI’s price points. Does MSI still have what it takes to rule this particular market? We are about to find out.
By Ian Cutress @ AnandTech
Overclocking motherboards are here to stay. The $200 overclocking motherboard market seems to be growing, even when overclocking is limited to specific processor SKUs. Intel’s Devil’s Canyon models or Anniversary Pentium have been launched recently, specifically for overclockers to have more fun until the next generation. GIGABYTE’s 8-series overclocking motherboards were very well received, so it was a no-brainer to release upgraded models for 9-series. Today we are reviewing the Z97X-SOC Force, a $210 member of the punch-counterpunch in this market segment.
