ASUS-branded motherboards deliver the highest standards of innovation, performance, and reliability with a new premium gold color scheme. All ASUS, ROG, TUF, and WS Z87 motherboards launch following a strict validation process that guarantees the best quality and compatibility in the industry. ASUS tests each motherboard with literally hundreds of memory, expansion card, and external device combinations from nearly every brand and vendor on the market. ASUS Motherboards also pass the most demanding stress-testing process in the industry, verifying their stability, reliability, and longevity.
Key Features
• ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 4 with Four-Way Optimization
• ASUS Remote GO! - One-Stop PC Remote Control and Home Entertainment
• ASUS USB 3.0 Boost - Lightning Fast Transfer Speeds!
• ASUS USB BIOS Flashback - Simple Plug & Press, Hardware-based BIOS Flashback
• AI Suite III - One-Stop Access to Innovative ASUS Features!
ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 4 with Four-Way OptimizationASUS's exclusive Dual Intelligent Processors 4 with Four-Way Optimization integrate 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 to ensure real-time performance optimization, 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 backup data, with minimal power draw. The exclusive Four-Way Optimization fully readies PCs for better gaming, entertainment, productivity, and all other uses.
One-Stop PC Remote Control and Home EntertainmentRemote GO! links PCs, tablets, smartphones and TVs wirelessly together through an existing LAN cable and router setup. It allows users to stream multimedia content from PC to DLNA devices, and to access their computer from anywhere using their mobile device at home. It also permits easy file transfers between your computer and your mobile devices. It provides seamless environment for a futuristic connected lifestyle with three useful functions: DLNA Media Hub, Remote Desktop and File Transfer.
1.3X Faster than Traditional USB 3.0With USB 3.0 Boost technology, USB transfer speeds are significantly increased up to 1.3x, enhancing an already impressive USB 3.0 transfer rate. ASUS software automatically accelerates data speeds for compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without the need for any further user configuration.
Simple Plug & Press – Hardware-based BIOS FlashbackA truly revolutionary hardware-based update solution, USB BIOS Flashback offers the most convenient way ever to update the BIOS! It allows users to update new UEFI BIOS versions, even without hardware such as a CPU or DRAM installed into the motherboard. Just plug in a USB flash drive containing the BIOS file, and press the BIOS Flashback button for three seconds with the power supply connected. The UEFI BIOS will then automatically update without requiring further interaction. With its new, complementary Windows application, users can regularly check for UEFI BIOS updates and download the latest BIOS automatically. Hassle-free updating for the ultimate convenience!
One-Stop Access to Innovative ASUS FeaturesWith hardware driver compatibility tested and assured, ASUS provides a complete solution for Windows 8 support. Users can now experience the next generation operating system on ASUS hardware, and can rest assured that they can easily upgrade once the final driver versions are released — all without any compatibility issues!
6 x SATA 6Gb/s by Intel Z87 2 x SATA 6Gb/s by ASMedia ASM1061
SATA RAID
6 x SATA 6Gb/s by Intel Z87 Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
Onboard Audio
Audio Chipset
Realtek ALC892
Audio Channels
8 Channels
Onboard LAN
LAN Chipset
Intel I217-V
Max LAN Speed
10/100/1000Mbps
Rear Panel Ports
PS/2
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
Video Ports
D-Sub + DVI
HDMI
1 x HDMI
DisplayPort
1 x Mini DisplayPort
USB 3.0
6 x USB 3.0
S/PDIF Out
1 x Optical
Audio Ports
6 Ports
Internal I/O Connectors
Onboard USB
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB ports (19-pin) 4 x USB 2.0/1/1 connectors support additional 8 USB ports
Other Connectors
1 x TPM header 1 x CPU Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin) 1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin) 4 x Chassis Fan connector(s) 1 x S/PDIF out header(s) 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s) 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s) 1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP) 1 x System panel(s) (Q-Connector) 1 x DirectKey Button(s) 1 x DRCT header(s) 1 x MemOK! button(s) 1 x TPU switch(es) 1 x EPU switch(es) 1 x Power-on button(s) 1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s) 1 x USB BIOS Flashback button(s)
Physical Spec
Form Factor
ATX
Dimensions (W x L)
12" x 9.2"
Power Pin
24 Pin
Features
Features
Dual Intelligent Processors 4 with 4-Way Optimization
4-Way Optimization - One Click and Done! Top-up Performance, Efficiency, Digital Power, and System Cooling
Remote GO! - DLNA Streaming and Remote Desktop Made Easy
Fan Xpert 2 - The Most Customizable Fan Controls
Packaging
Package Contents
ASUS Z87-PLUS MB 3 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS SLI bridge connector ASUS IO Shield 2 in 1 Q-connector User's manual
Overall Review: I was having a problem with my computer and after a process of elimination I determined that the problem may have been caused when I flashed the BIOS with ver 1802 by using the ASUS EZ FLASH 2 utility. After several e-mail with Asus help, we decided to flash the BIOS with the most current version, 2004.
When this latest BIOS is downloaded, it comes with a utility program to flash the BIOS that is now a requirement. To make things short, I continued to get the message “BIOS file not correct”. I again e-mailed Asus help and was told to rename the .CAP file Z87P.CAP I never found these instructions on the Asus website so I am placing them here for others to follow. (I have asked Asus to post instructions on their website in the BIOS download section.)
To do this, the following steps must be followed.
Close all open programs.
First, download the 2004 BIOS file and SAVE it. Once saved, select this folder named Z87-PLUS-ASUS-2004-and-BIOS_updater.zip and right click and select EXPAND ALL. After the file is unzipped, find the .CAP file and rename it Z87P.CAP. (select the file and then right click and select rename) Open up the bios installer program that was just expanded and launch it with by double clicking on the file named Update.exe (This file is several layers down so you will have to open several folders until you find it.) It will ask if you want to expand all files and select yes. Now open the folder(s) until you find the Update.exe file (again) and launch it. A new window opens and may be hidden by what is on the screen so select the taskbar at the bottom of the screen to get to this update window. Browse to find the Z87P.CAP file and select. (You may have to browse several layers to find this specific file as the original named file will also appear.)
The flashing process will take about 5 minutes and will require several confirmations of processes so stay at the computer. At the end it will ask if you want to reboot the computer and select yes. On boot-up the screen will stall and a message in the lower left corner will say to press F2 to enter setup. Do so and then in the upper right corner select Exit and Advanced Mode and with the next screen select Exit and then save all changes and EXIT. A message will say no changes have been made, still select Save and EXIT. The computer should now reboot with the new BIOS.
I realize that there several steps involved here so I suggest you print these instructions before attempting to flash your BIOS.
Pros: I would like to re-review this product. In my last review, I had expressed my severe disappointment in the product and the customer service. However, due to one extremely helpful representative from Asus who set up a cross ship for me, I feel that another review of a working motherboard is in order. To start with, the motherboard has so many ports and options. I really enjoyed having the 6 usb 3.0 ports in the I/O panel. They have been so helpful thus-far in set ups for external drives. The UEFI BIOS set up is another pro. The new BIOS interfaces allow for tweaking and customization in a far more comfortable manner than in the past. The AI tweaker in the BIOS contains all the necessary options to OC. I could not for the life of me find one option that was missing or ill-named. The SATA arrangement is nice and very easy to work with thus far. Lastly, the on board sound is very good. I would not call it amazing, but I will admit that it is definitely on a higher tier compared to most motherboards.
Cons: The only reason I give this motherboard 4 eggs and not five is because of the horrible customer service I received. The customer will be satisfied as long as he or she receives a working motherboard. A faulty motherboard, however, just leads to this train wreck in communication between the customer and Asus. The work that I had to go through to get a repair or replacement for this motherboard was absurd.
Overall Review: I gave another review because this replacement motherboard has performed well. While the Asus customer service can be improved upon (like a lot), this motherboard performs well, is inexpensive, and can be recommended to other customers with little to no hesitation.
Cons: Strange issue involving RAM. I've got 16GB total (4 x 4GB) of Corsair Vegance, all identical. However the computer will NOT boot if all 4 DIMM slots are utilized. A1/A2 slots seem fine. I am able to boot with two RAM chips (8GB) in A1/A2. But if you were to throw anything into B1/B2 the computer starts up, 4 seconds later turns off, starts up on its own, 4 seconds later it turns off, etc.
I've individually tested all 4 RAM chips using A1/A2 DIMM slots and they all worked fine - so it's not my RAM chips. Something has to be wonky with the B1/B2 DIMM slots or the memory channel. BIOS was already the lastest version shipped, tweaked some of the memory settings under BIOS (disable/enabled XBM or whatever its called) and still nada. I've ran that MemOK! diagnostic - no good.
It's not necessarily a show stopper because everything else works fine and ultimately I could always try throwing 2 x 8GB to make 16GB into A1/A2 DIMM slots. I'm contemplating on RMA'ing the motherboard.
Manufacturer Response:
Greetings,
I am sorry that you are having issues with the motherboard. At your earliest convenience, please contact me through email, including your reference number within the subject line, and we can discuss this case further. Thank you. 3495949.
Regards,
Mark
ASUS Customer Loyalty
cl-mark@asus.com
Anonymous
Ownership: 1 month to 1 year
Verified Owner
Unreliable and Poor Customer Service12/21/2013 8:40:00 PM
Pros: It was a fairly straight forward motherboard and everything was where it should be. Nothing physically quirky about it. Good specifications.
Cons: Stopped detecting the RAM after 6 weeks. I've dealt with ASUS on numerous occasions about this board. They sent it back "repaired" but the same problem persisted and I had all of the other essential pieces of hardware RMAd for new pieces but the same problem remains. I told them of this and that the repair didn't work and the only way at this point is to send me a new one, and they said they would but they ended up sending back the same board, again, "repaired" but it was still busted.
Overall Review: I will not be buying another ASUS board in the future.
Manufacturer Response:
Greetings,
I am sorry that you are having issues with the motherboard. At your earliest convenience, please contact me through email and we can discuss this case further. Within the email, please include the serial number of the motherboard and your RMA number. Reference number: 3302272.
Regards,
Mark
ASUS Customer Loyalty
cl-mark@asus.com
Pros: - Available usb 3.0 (6 back. 2 header)
- Available usb 2.0 headers (4 headers, 2 ports each)
- Available Sata III (6 are intel, can perform raid, 2 ASMedia)
- Chipset cooling
- New colors (works well with evga's gold/black theme)
- Overclocking capability
- Board Layout (easy to work with)
- Performance
- Not much different than the Z87 Pro, just very slightly, not enough to spend the extra $ on the pro board.
Cons: - N/A at this time
Overall Review: Where the Haswell architecture hasn't thus far gave me that "wow" factor (actually a little less so than previous gens), the Z87 chipset shines very well in my eye's. Being an enthusiast and using my pc as a audio workstation, I need all the speed I can get. Being able to utilize more SSD's with the available Sata III on this board has been a cost saver (no more having to buy add-on cards). With my Samsung 840 series, I am seeing the exact (sometimes better) numbers Samsung says you should get. This means this board is allowing the fullest potential I can receive from my SSD's. Awesome.
The only area I am not as happy about is Haswell. I love to oc my rigs. However, even an H80i cannot help me achieve over a 4.4Ghz oc, and even that is warmer than I like. The Asus-Plus however remains very low, I haven't seen the chipset above 38C yet, very impressive. With the Rosewill Thor V2 and NZXT 850 I have, the boards connectors where very easy to reach and the build itself is very clean and looks great. Wanted a ROG board like my old Maximus IV, however this is still a great board. A+
Asus Z87-Plus
Intel i7 4770k
32Gb G.Skill Sniper 1600
EVGA GTX 770
Thor V2 Full Tower
NZXT 850w
Pros: Great for any use great and easy to be overclocked. The UEFI Is intuitive and easy to use. The board looks great supports a vast amount of memory manufacturers and speeds.
Cons: Unfortunately after one month the real-time clock began to slowly jump back one hour every 15 minutes.
Overall Review: I have been a faithful Asus fan and user for many years and this is the first board I have had to return.
Pros: Decent looking, Nice amount of USB 3 ports, nice BIOS. IT WORKS!
Cons: Kind of a flimsy, cheapo I/O cover.
Odd board width
Overall Review: I got this when I replaced my old AM3/Phenom II X3 720 to pair with a 4670k. I haven't had any issues with it so far and it has some nice utilities and BIOS options.
The only weird thing is how the board is just short enough in width to not reach the last set of right most motherboard standoffs in my Storm Scout. Just made me a little nervous installing it if you press down hard when installing components, you'll flex the board a little since the rightmost edge isn't really supported.
And the I/O shield is pretty cheap. My old Asus AM3 mobo was an even cheaper budget model when I bought it 3+ years ago but it had a nice padded I/O shield. The one for this board is just kind of flimsy and cheap. Its just really odd when everything else about the board is high quality.
Pros: Nice color scheme
plenty of features
ASUS, great quality as always
Efficient layout, especially 90* SATA ports!
Hardware BIOS flashback, I haven't tested it but it's a nice feature to have at my disposal
Cons: The additional features of this board are a little gimmicky (remote control, the AI suite, etc).
Overall Review: People that are looking at this board most likely want something that is quality, feature packed, and no going to break the bank. ASUS did exactly that with this motherboard.
Pros: Good and reliable.
Cons: Asus help can be a little slow
Overall Review: I was having a problem with my computer and after a process of elimination I determined that the problem may have been caused when I flashed the BIOS with ver 1802 by using the ASUS EZ FLASH 2 utility. After several e-mail with Asus help, we decided to flash the BIOS with the most current version, 2004. When this latest BIOS is downloaded, it comes with a utility program to flash the BIOS that is now a requirement. To make things short, I continued to get the message “BIOS file not correct”. I again e-mailed Asus help and was told to rename the .CAP file Z87P.CAP I never found these instructions on the Asus website so I am placing them here for others to follow. (I have asked Asus to post instructions on their website in the BIOS download section.) To do this, the following steps must be followed. Close all open programs. First, download the 2004 BIOS file and SAVE it. Once saved, select this folder named Z87-PLUS-ASUS-2004-and-BIOS_updater.zip and right click and select EXPAND ALL. After the file is unzipped, find the .CAP file and rename it Z87P.CAP. (select the file and then right click and select rename) Open up the bios installer program that was just expanded and launch it with by double clicking on the file named Update.exe (This file is several layers down so you will have to open several folders until you find it.) It will ask if you want to expand all files and select yes. Now open the folder(s) until you find the Update.exe file (again) and launch it. A new window opens and may be hidden by what is on the screen so select the taskbar at the bottom of the screen to get to this update window. Browse to find the Z87P.CAP file and select. (You may have to browse several layers to find this specific file as the original named file will also appear.) The flashing process will take about 5 minutes and will require several confirmations of processes so stay at the computer. At the end it will ask if you want to reboot the computer and select yes. On boot-up the screen will stall and a message in the lower left corner will say to press F2 to enter setup. Do so and then in the upper right corner select Exit and Advanced Mode and with the next screen select Exit and then save all changes and EXIT. A message will say no changes have been made, still select Save and EXIT. The computer should now reboot with the new BIOS. I realize that there several steps involved here so I suggest you print these instructions before attempting to flash your BIOS.