ASUS Z170-A (LGA 1151) Motherboard Review

Software Overview

So the manufacturer’s point of difference is not only the components it uses, but also what it can offer the user during day-to-day use. ASUS, like others, offer many different programs for you to choose from once set up which can help to make your life a little easier. Usually these programs are useless, offering bloatware or some pretty pointless programs that you wouldn’t normally download. ASUS used to be the same, but have now changed and have tuned their software to be extremely useful.

The main utility that ASUS provide is AI Suite. It is now on its third revision and in that time it has come a very long way. One key point I really like about AI Suite is the incorporation of most of the other ASUS Utilities into a simple app. The first page you arrive on is the Dual Intelligent Processors 5 page, or most recognisable as “5 Way Optimisation”. This page can tune your system to your preference from three settings; Performance, Power Saving and Away Mode. All this achieved by adjusting the five settings in the centre of the screen; TPU, Fan Xpert 3, DIGI+ VRM, Turbo App and EPU.

No utility would be set without an overclocking feature. A very simple and effective approach, but maybe a little too easy for novice overclockers to adjust.

The Turbo App is deceiving simple. It basically prioritises key applications and processes in your preference of importance.

This page is an extremely cut down version of the first with just Performance, Power saving and Away Mode being the only clickable options.

This page is a more detailed version of Fan Xpert 3 from the first page. You can edit each fan individually, set an overall profile or even allow the system to tune the fans to the best possible setting, running through each speed to determine what each fan can run at.

This is a very interesting page to include in the application. Normally to have LLC functions here are rare to see. When I was first starting into CPU overclocking, I was scared to touch LLC, but this utility makes it easy to adjust and even provides some information on the features which can something be missed in the BIOS.

In with Ai Suite, you have PC Clean up, which works like most other applications, but this is bundled in with this utility and just makes the process much more hassle free than having to download a third party application.

Ai charger+ is a great little feature. Having the ability to quickly charge your phone or tablet is a great relief.

USB 3.1 Boost is something that I don’t see why isn’t implemented from factory, why have a normal mode for some end users to get confused about?

EZ Update is an absolute essential utility. A simple update tool for your BIOS is great for novices and pros alike.

The System Information page is exactly what it says on the tin; it just gives you the information of key parts of your system.

Mobo connect is something new to me, this allows the use of your keyboard and mouse to control your connected smart device and also play music.

USB BIOS Flashback is a great little feature. it simply allows you to save your current BIOS to a USB drive. This is great just incase a new BIOS is corrupt and you can no longer POST.

Along with the absolutely huge Ai Suite, ASUS has bundled in a few other apps such as Turbo LAN. This allows you to monitor your current network activity with a ghost overlay. As you can see from the screen shot, it is relatively accurate.

ASUS Boot Setting is a simple app that allows you to boot to BIOS at next reset; simple!

This little widget is extremely small, but it incorporates EPU, Fan Xpert 3 and PC Cleaner into a simple little interface.

HyStream is an application which I feel might annoy some users. This allows you to stream the screen from your iOS device, with no obvious plans for Android.