Yesterday, Geoff told you about the all new MSI Skylake motherboard that might just blow your mind. He then totally went back on everything he said when he wondered if Skylake was worth it (disclaimer: I don’t understand anything he said, so I might be totally wrong about this). But ASUS also has a Skylake offering, and it might be more to your taste, and budget.
ASUS promises unparalleled performance for gaming, professional and overclocking users. But allow me to just copy and paste a part of their press release here to explain this:
ASUS Pro Clock technology has a dedicated base-clock (BCLK) generator designed for 6th-generation Intel® processors for overclocked base clock frequencies of up to 400MHz and beyond. It works in tandem with the ASUS TurboV Processing Unit (TPU) to enhance voltage and base-clock overclocking control, and boosts performance up to 5.2GHz or more.
Second-generation ASUS T-Topology takes DDR4 memory overclocking to new heights. A customized trace layout reduces crosstalk and coupling noise to ensure time-aligned signal transfer for improved memory stability and compatibility. There is also enhanced DDR3/3L support on select motherboards for additional flexibility and compatibility.
5-Way Optimization, another ASUS-exclusive technology, dynamically optimizes essential aspects of the system based on real-time use, ensuring superb processor performance, everyday energy savings, ultra-stable digital power, cool and quiet fans and networking and audio settings that are tailored for preferred apps — perfect for gaming, entertainment, productivity or just about anything else. This latest iteration now includes a dedicated water-pump header so users can tweak pump speeds via the UEFI BIOS or Windows.
This meant that they broke a bunch of world records with the new boards; the Z170 range of motherboards grabbed 8 world records and 12 global first places. Not too shabby. Of course, with all the awards and high tech jargon, you might be thinking that it will be mighty pricey – ASUS is known for being a premium brand with some pretty high price points. However, the pricing sent to me from their PR doesn’t look that terrible.
- MAXIMUS VIII HERO = R4 399
- MAXIMUS VIII GENE = R4 099
- MAXIMUS VIII RANGER = R3 699
- Z170-DELUXE = R5 199
- Z170 PRO GAMING = R3 099
- Z170-K = R2 199
- Z170M-PLUS = R2 199
The ASUS Z170 motherboards will be available locally from tomorrow via Pinnacle South Africa, so be sure to contact them if you are keen to follow an ASUS upgrade. We should hopefully have our review up for you in the next week or two, once Sandy stops drinking beer in Germany and comes home to the trusty Lagzatron 3000.
Last Updated: August 6, 2015
Captain JJ Fantasticus
August 6, 2015 at 14:03
I run all MSI and my wife ASUS. Hmmm.
Dutch Matrix
August 6, 2015 at 14:06
My PC says MSI when it starts up. Then it tries to assimilate me.
Brady miaau
August 6, 2015 at 15:09
I watched the Voyager episodes last night where they meet the Borg and Species 8472 that is killing the borg.
Also, genesis for 7of9 (not just a barcode standard), one of the coolest Star Trek characters out there.
Dutch Matrix
August 6, 2015 at 15:24
The Borg and Seven of Nine are probably two of the best creations in Sci-Fi out there. There is a two parter later on in Season 5 or 6, dealing with the Borg and Seven’s parents. Brilliant episode as well.
I am starting Season 7 tonight. And it makes me sad. Such a damn good show! Even considering it was made in 1995 or there abouts?
Brady miaau
August 6, 2015 at 15:37
I think season 7 was 1997 or something.
As I said, not my favourite Trek (but better than Enterprise). I actually sort of just watched two episodes, just to see that again.
Dutch Matrix
August 6, 2015 at 15:43
To each their own I suppose. Though Enterprise is good. Reed is just a pain in the arse.
Still want to get my paws on The Next Generation uhmmm next. Never saw much of it when it was on TV.
Brady miaau
August 6, 2015 at 15:53
I got it on loot special, as I said previously.
But on Netflix as well
Dutch Matrix
August 6, 2015 at 15:57
Dude! I am approaching 40! I cannot even remember what I had for breakfast this morning! Also. I am old fashioned. Prefer DVD’s. Only because I cannot get hold of VHS tapes anymore.
Brady miaau
August 7, 2015 at 07:11
I am also approaching 40……..
DVD’s are ok, but to change them every two episodes, like Doc Martin. we ripped them all to my now defunct PC and watched like that. Less effort!
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 6, 2015 at 14:08
WE’RE MARRIED!?
Captain JJ Fantasticus
August 6, 2015 at 14:10
Don’t play dumb. You knew what you were getting yourself into the moment I invited you to Vegas.
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 6, 2015 at 14:16
Am I the beneficiary of your will? Asking for a little friend.
Captain JJ Fantasticus
August 6, 2015 at 14:21
No one will really benefit from it, trust me.
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 6, 2015 at 14:22
I did that when we went to Vegas & look how that’s turned out. :/
Captain JJ Fantasticus
August 6, 2015 at 14:37
LOL
Dutch Matrix
August 6, 2015 at 14:25
Never thought someone’s dick would be the beneficiary in a will…
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 6, 2015 at 14:29
We’re not really friends, I’ve just conditioned it to think that way after repeated beatings.
Captain JJ Fantasticus
August 6, 2015 at 14:38
The Stockholm Syndrome really worked in my favour here.
Dutch Matrix
August 6, 2015 at 14:57
You beat your dick? Kinky.
Dutch Matrix
August 6, 2015 at 14:15
YOU’RE A GIRL?????
HvR
August 6, 2015 at 14:16
Been legal in South Africa since 2006
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 6, 2015 at 14:16
That’s sexist!
Lord Chaos
August 6, 2015 at 15:45
I didn’t even think you had those kind of organs?
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 6, 2015 at 15:58
That’s speciest!
Lord Chaos
August 6, 2015 at 16:02
No I’m not, I have an undeniable love for Sil
HvR
August 6, 2015 at 14:15
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view5/2484687/whipped-o.gif
Brady miaau
August 6, 2015 at 15:08
On purposes?
Captain JJ Fantasticus
August 6, 2015 at 15:09
I love my MSI hardware, so mine was. My wife’s was actually just the best we could get for the price. Which is rather odd for ASUS.
Brady miaau
August 6, 2015 at 15:36
Asus make cool laptops, right? That is all I know……..
HvR
August 6, 2015 at 16:00
Still have this irrational dislike in MSI.
Back in the 90’s or early 200’s they made a couple of batches of very badly made motherboards. During that time saw a couple of boards crack from the slightest pressure.
Always think of that when I see the MSI logo.
Same with WD.
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 6, 2015 at 14:08
Meh, I’d be interested if they’d actually found incredible – not if they’re still searching.
Captain JJ Fantasticus
August 6, 2015 at 14:12
LOL
Greylingad[CNFRMD]
August 6, 2015 at 14:23
That description might as well be an elaborate way of explaining the insides of a pitch black tunnel… or at least that’s about as much of it that makes sense….
Matthew Holliday
August 6, 2015 at 14:38
overclocking thats almost as good as MSI, DDR4 and a bunch of irrelevant marketing BS that has more to do with other hardware than it does with the actual board.
Greylingad[CNFRMD]
August 6, 2015 at 14:58
Yep! i.e. you need to buy this, we don’t know why but you have to…
Matthew Holliday
August 6, 2015 at 15:11
yeah, here are some reasons, surprised they didnt mention that it comes with low GI and gluten free bread.
Greylingad[CNFRMD]
August 6, 2015 at 15:14
Your neighbourhood friendly banting motherboard does sound like a good catchphrase…
Matthew Holliday
August 6, 2015 at 14:33
probably good boards.
less marketing BS.
but they moved all the BS into the styling. its impressive, but overdone and ugly.
even with MSIs overdone marketing and all these so called world records, the MSI boards still make a better impression.
Dutch Matrix
August 6, 2015 at 14:56
But can it run Crysis 1?
Greylingad[CNFRMD]
August 6, 2015 at 14:58
Yep, a little slower than the previous gen though….
Her Highness the Hipster
August 6, 2015 at 15:01
but can it run Batman?
Dutch Matrix
August 6, 2015 at 15:04
Not even Batman can run Batman.
Captain JJ Fantasticus
August 6, 2015 at 15:09
Ohhh. Too soon
Matthew Holliday
August 6, 2015 at 15:20
thats the biggest BS.
they talk about these things like theyr laptops…
ITS A MOTHERBOARD, IT DOESNT RUN ANYTHING!
overclocking base frequencies by up to 500mhz? what are they overclocking? their mothers?
and 500mhz? well done, theyr getting an extra pentium 2 out of all that overclocking, which, with a stock cooler, will probably melt your cpu.
MSI, with all their “#1 in gaming” BS, atleast kept it simple saying “hi guys, we make some pretty good overclocking software”
Dutch Matrix
August 6, 2015 at 15:30
Did I touch a nerve?
Matthew Holliday
August 6, 2015 at 15:32
marketing BS annoys me.
Dutch Matrix
August 6, 2015 at 15:51
Ha ha! I can see that…
FoxOneZA
August 6, 2015 at 15:53
Totally. You pay a premium for the gaming tag attached to the product name.
Lord Chaos
August 6, 2015 at 15:44
I have a Rog Formula Z, AMD FX 8530 and 2 HD7970x2’s running on stock cooling no problem.
Matthew Holliday
August 7, 2015 at 11:10
have you overclocked your already high temp AMD cpu or crossfired double graphics cards?
AMD products base temperatures are already high enough, wouldnt dare overclock them on a stock cooler.
would your PSU even support even it?
running stock cooling on my i5 and nvidia 970, but i havent overclocked them. would consider overclocking my 970, but the cooling on that is pretty intense.