Question 1

I have purchased from you this motherboard and a new processor. Can I install drivers before I remove my original motherboard and processor so I do not have to reinstall operating system?

Accepted Answer

Yes that is exactly what I did. You can install drivers and software before removing the resisting board. When you so this you may loose functionality in your wireless card or Ethernet port. When the new board is installed, everything should work fine, no need to reinstall the OS. I would highly recommend putting the drivers (not software like AI Suite) on a flash drive in case you install the board and the is doesn't recognize the new Ethernet port. This way, you fix drivers that did not get recognized after the install. Never had a problem with the drivers. The mobo doent need anything but the usb3 driver and Ethernet driver (Intel Proset) for full functionality. I have had the board for a while now and it works great. Nice build quality and stays cool with or without the armor from the z87/97. It currently works with a Hasewell 4770k and a Asus Strix 970 and I couldn't be happier.

Question 2

One reviewer said the BIOS needed an update to get the i7-4790K to "work".  Does that mean the 4790 won't even boot, or can I build it with a 4790 and use the 4790 to update the BIOS?

Accepted Answer

If you can load the BIOS update onto a USB drive beforehand, there is a specific USB port in the back (clearly labeled) that you put the flash drive into and it basically does it on it's own.  You get notifications from lights on the board as to how it's doing with the update.  There is a page in the manual about this process.

I am pretty sure to update the BIOS it does not matter what chip is installed, I think it uses it's own controller chip. Like 87% sure.

Question 3

What would be the best Ram to run on this if you wanted 32gig over clocking it to 4.5GigHz?

Accepted Answer

The best RAM to run is the fastest the motherboard will support. Not just maximum clock rate, but minimum RAS/CAS cycles. This motherboard detects the RAM speed in BIOS and tries to run the fastest it can.
That being said, I did have to turn it up from 1600MHz (detected) to 1833MHz (actual), but it allowed me to do so.
As to size, if you are running Windows in 64 bit mode, then 12GB to 16GB is recommended.
Remember, most processors are quad core, and if you run software that uses those cores, the typical bottleneck is sharing the RAM, so crank up the speed and lower the RAS/CAS cycles to make it scream.
Also keep in mind that just because the core is overclocked does not mean the RAM will run overclocked. The circuit board layout and termination are optimised for a maximum speed. Cranking up the clock does not change that.

Question 4

Just to clarify, there are 2 gpu slots, correct? Thanks!

Accepted Answer

Just to clarify, it depends entirely on the graphics cards you are trying to use... ;)

But - in general, yes - it has two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots that will run at x8 that can support two modern graphics cards.

It also has a PCIe 2.0 x16 slot (running at x4) that can support an older card.

Question 5

When buying RAM, will stock heat spreaders/sinks be too big? Do I need to go for low-profile modules?

Accepted Answer

I put in two of the Mushkin Redline ram chips and they fit fine. They seem on the larger side to me. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226509&Tpk=20-226-509

Question 6

How many fan connectors are on here?

Accepted Answer

There are a total of 7 fan headers. 1 CPU (4-pin), 1 CPU Optional (4-pin), 1 CPU_ASST (3-Pin) and another 4, 4-pin chassis fans.

All of the 4-pin headers can also be used with 3-pin fans.

All the fans can be controlled from the ASUS application installed in the OS and from the BIOS.

See page 1-33 in the Manual

Question 7

Which of the bottom two physical x16 slots are the x4? I was hoping that I could use the bottom slot (black) as the x8 so I can leave a space between two graphics cards. I would be getting a case with 5 expansion slots.

Accepted Answer

You have 4 slots 1-2-3-4 slots 1 and 3 and gen 3 and slot 4 is gen 2 but you can use slots 1 and 4 or 1 and 3.

Question 8

Will this mb support dual monitors - 1 on HDMI and 1 on DVI to expand the desktop?

Accepted Answer

Your best bet for dual monitors is to use the ports on your gpu rather than ports on mobo. If using the mobo then you'd be limited to the performance of the integrated gpu from the cpu.

But, technically you can do so.

Question 9

Do I need to upgrade my power supply? I currently have a 250w power supply and I was looking at buying a 620w one.

Accepted Answer

The manufacturer recommendation is a 350W power supply that complies with the ATX12V v2.0 spec at minimum. I'd imagine lower wattage probably isn't an issue if you choose lower power components (45W CPUs, no high end graphics, etc) but the 4-pin 12V connector that the ATX12V 2.0 spec provides will be necessary. With that said, a PSU upgrade would be recommended especially if you decide on add-on video cards (or RAID controllers, extra server NICs, etc)

Question 10

Will the The Gryphon Armor Kit work with this board?

"The Gryphon Armor Kit adds to the standalone Gryphon Z87 motherboard."

This is of course a Z97 motherboard, not a z87. were there any changes made that would make the armor kit not fit?

Accepted Answer

The armor kit definitely fits.

Questions & Answers