Asus unveils the full range of Z87 motherboards

Asus today announced a whole new line-up of motherboards built around the high-end Intel Z87 chipset for the 4th generation Intel core processor. The new motherboards make the most of Z87 capabilities, with offerings from Asus, Republic of Gamers (ROG), The Ultimate Force (TUF) and WS (workstation) series numbering in the range.

The motherboards have been completely redesigned to present a new premium gold colour scheme, symbolising an insistence on delivering the highest standards of innovation, performance and reliability. A variety of offers cover a range of segments, led by the high-end DELUXE, which delivers the most features and advanced connectivity. The Z87-A is aimed at more mainstream builds while retaining exclusive Asus features. Models that are positioned in between these include the PRO and PLUS motherboards. The I-DELUXE brings Z87 to mini-ITX, while the Z87 WS meets the requirements of workstation applications, including professional design and content creation.

The MAXIMUS VI EXTREME motherboard

Features that Asus delivers also include Dual Intelligent Processors 4 with 4-Way Optimization, integrating features that enhance the ways customers control their PC. The TPU performance tuning chip, EPU energy consumption manager, DIGI+ Power Control, and Fan Xpert 2 can all be activated with one click of the mouse to ensure real-time performance optimisation, better energy efficiency, precise digital power control, and detailed case fan management for reduced noise and improved cooling. When users are away from the PC, the design intelligently shifts to Away Mode, allowing customers to download and stream content or back up data with minimal power draw. Exclusive 4-Way Optimization fully readies PCs for better gaming, entertainment, productivity and all other uses. 

The Asus SABERTOOTH Z87 Motherboard

ROG now also offers the all-new MAXIMUS VI HERO motherboard, tailored for hardcore gamers who want to experience the world-famous ROG brand at a more accessible price point. It is accompanied by the VI GENE micro-ATX gaming motherboard, with the two delivering SupremeFX audio to rival up to 115dB SNR discrete sound cards in power and clarity, and the Sonic Radar on-screen overlay, which shows the location and direction of in-game sound sources for greater success in competitive gaming. The VI GENE also comes with mPCIe Combo II for greater data transfer and networking options with support for new NGFF SSD connectivity.

The MAXIMUS VI EXTREME motherboard, which is the flagship of this range, brings the ROG tradition of setting world overclocking records to Z87. It retails bundled with OC Panel, a real-time overclocking and system monitoring console that can be placed in a 5.25” drive bay or used externally. When outside the case, OC Panel offers more detailed overclocking in Extreme Mode. The VI EXTREME also supports high-speed DDR3 memory at over 3GHz.

The TUF SABERTOOTH Z87 motherboard was shown together with GRYPHON Z87 and is the first micro-ATX TUF motherboard. Both deliver rigorously-tested TUF cooling and durability even under the most demanding usage conditions. TUF motherboards use high-durability components such as Japan-made 10K Black Metallic capacitors, which support 20 percent more extreme temperature tolerance and five times the lifespan of generic capacitors.

Specific features of this motherboard include Thermal Armor motherboard covers, which have been revamped with an airflow-boosting flow valve design, while TUF Fortifier backplates reinforce motherboards against bending and bowing, ensuring longer-lasting PCs. Dust Defender adds special enclosures that protect expansion slots and connectors against debris accumulation, also promoting greater system longevity.

While all the above are standard on the SABERTOOTH Z87, the GRYPHON Z87 provides customers the flexibility of the optional GRYPHON ARMOR KIT (sold separately), which upgrades it by using Thermal Armor, TUF Fortifier and Dust Defender.

All Asus, ROG, TUF, and WS Z87 motherboards being launched follow a strict validation process that guarantees the best quality and compatibility in the industry.

The Asus, ROG, TUF and WS Z87 motherboards will all be available from mid-2013. Pricing and availability for specific models may vary.