Question 1

how does windows 10 install with this? will the 3.1 and 3.0 usb connectors work with my usb 2.0 and 3.0 case so i can connect the case to the motherboard no problem?

Accepted Answer

Windows 10 has installed on all 4 of the newer ASUS motherboards I have.  I don't think this board had any problems, but if there were the ASUS driver on the DVD or website corrected the issue.  Only the video or LAN driver is likely to cause an issue, but if that is the case, also check the ASUS website for an update.  I do know that there was not a problem with this board that took more than 5 minutes to fix, but I think this was an issue with one of the older boards.  If you have 3.0 and 2.0 connectors in your case, there will be no problem.  Front Panel USB 3.0 board connector is next to the main PSU connector.

I have had no problems with this board and Windows 10.  Windows 10 issues are mostly caused by partial implementation of features and will likely be resolved over time . . . i.e. so far the rapid development of software is an illusion created by reducing features and a lack of hardware design consistency is a moving target that makes software compatibility a challenge.  Whether the Windows 10 approach is an improvement is yet to be proven, but it looks like it will take at least the same amount of time to reach the same level of features and reliability as Windows 7.

If you use the M.2 Samsung SSD, you will have to go to the website and download the Samsung software, but although it costs more, it is a significant performance update.

Question 2

Does this product allow me to use the USB 3.0 ports on my case or will they have to be converted to USB 2.0 in order to connect to the motherboard?

Accepted Answer

Your new ASUS motherboard contains connecting cables for your USB 3.0 ports. I'm not aware of any case with independent USB ports; they all get their connectivity and ability from the motherboard. Check the User Guide for additional BIOS settings you may have available for USB ports (such as during the boot process), or regarding Windows 7 and USB 3.0 driver for 100 Series.

Question 3

anyone using windows 7 on this board if so how did the installation go?

Accepted Answer

The installation optical disk contains a program called EZ SetUp.  It makes it very easy to slip stream the necessary drivers (I think the hang up is USB drivers, perhaps chipset well) into a Win 7 iso  file, which can then be written to optical or USB flash.  Keep the media if you ever need to re-install.   But, you'll still need to install some drivers manually - most notably for the Intel Ethernet, but the installation is as trouble free as any Win 7 install.  Alternatively, you can install from a USB flash, with the ASUS optical disk in a ODD if you're using one, and Win install will pick the drivers from the OD.  Check device mgr when you're done to see what needs drivers, and install from the OD or download from ASUS

Question 4

what case works best for this motherboard? People say it's not a full ATX, and i prefer not to bend the board.

Accepted Answer

It'll work on any atx case.  I put one in a mid tower, and one in an HTPC horizontal case.  The shorter dimension, while it leaves the front edge cantilevered out over the MB tray, actually gives you a bit more room in the area  where Front panel connections and SATA connections must be made.  This was welcome on my HTPC box since the front edge of a full size atx was almost under a drive cage, and required forceps to install the header connectors.  If flexing the board bothers you install what you can with the board on a table/AS mat.  There's no screw holes in the front edge, so it's fruitless to look for a case built for it.

Question 5

Does this motherboard work with i5-2400 processors?

Accepted Answer

No, this only works with the 6th generation Core i processors in Socket 1151, like the i3-6100 or i5-6600. You will need a newer processor than a second generation like you have. You'll also need DDR4 memory. If you have those things, it works really well!

Question 6

Is this a very good quality motherboard?

Accepted Answer

I have used ASUS mobos exclusively in my builds for the past 20 years.  While the Z170-E is an ATX footprint, it is not full width.  The right side will flex when inserting RAM or the power connector.  That made me uncomfortable so I exchanged it for a Z170-PRO, which I am very happy with.  I am sure you would be happy with either, but I would recommend the Z170-PRO unless the slightly higher price point of the PRO is a concern for you.

Question 7

does this work with xeon processors?

Accepted Answer

The manual states only 6th generation Intel processors i7/i5/i3 , Pentium,Celeron  designed for the LGA1151 socket.  There is no mention of xeon processors so my guess would be no.

Question 8

how much power does it need?

Accepted Answer

This motherboard doesn't list the power consumption but a high end motherboard will only use 45 to 80 W. Your real power consumption is going to come from video cards, hard drives etc. If your looking for a power supply then google OuterVision power supply calculator . I would link it but it tells me not to in this answer.

Question 9

Will this work with a  GeForce GTX 1070 Graphics Card?

Accepted Answer

Yes I have mine running with a GTX 1080 and 970 i see no reason it wouldn't work with a 1070.

Question 10

How many SATA cables does it come with?

Accepted Answer

Only two. If you are planning on running multiple storage devices I'd recommend getting more. 2-4 would be good enough.

Questions & Answers