Shootouts

High-End Intel Z87 Motherboard Shootout

By Wong Chung Wee - 14 Apr 2014

Conclusion

Conclusion

From what we've encountered and since the Intel Z87 chipset is a high-end platform for the Intel Haswell processors, we can safely conclude that this current crop of motherboards are in line with our expectations. The boards do boast of high-end features that will appeal to the varied needs of the very group of specialized users. The wares from the board manufacturers boast of good build components, with each attempting hard to differentiate its offerings in this crowded market segment. Therefore, we have taken their unique features into consideration as we tabulated their scores below. The performance scores take into account each board's stock performance, overclocking capabilities, temperature and power performance, and they have been adjusted accordingly.

Ratings Breakdown
Model Features Performance Overall Suggested Retail Price
ASRock Z87 OC Formula 8.0 7.5 8.0 S$468
ASUS Maximus VI Extreme 9.5 8.0 8.5 S$609
ECS Gank Domination Z87H3-A2X Golden 7.5 7.0 7.5 S$450
Gigabyte Z87X-OC 8.0 8.0 8.0 S$422
MSI Z87 MPower Max 7.5 8.0 8.0  S$452

 The ASUS Maximus VI Extreme board’s performance is stellar where it counts, namely in overclocking and gaming benchmarks. Its overclocking performance is helped by ASUS’ proprietary DIGI+ PWM systems and the on-board energy-saving EPU chip to allow for precise voltage control.

The ASUS Maximus VI Extreme board’s performance is stellar where it counts, namely in overclocking and gaming benchmarks. Its overclocking performance is helped by ASUS’ proprietary DIGI+ PWM systems and the on-board energy-saving EPU chip to allow for precise voltage control. In line with its ROG heritage, the inclusion of a high-speed PLX PEX8747 splitter chip allows gamers to set up a multi-GPU configuration for their extreme gaming requirements. For power users, the OC Panel offers convenience in overclocking and system monitoring. Another bundle of surprise is a mPCIe Combo II expansion card. This card allows for the installation of M.2 (NGFF) SSD so that users can take advantage of Intel SRT (Smart Response Technology -- Intel's hybrid SSD caching solution) or otherwise from its enhanced interface. In addition, the expansion card houses a dual-band IEEE 802.1ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth v4.0 module. A removable ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi moving antenna completes the whole package. The board is priced at an exorbitant price of S$609; however, given the board’s rich feature set, excellent overclocking experience and top-end performance, it truly deserves the top accolade for our shootout.

The Gigabyte Z87X-OC is a high-end board that turned in consistently high performance scores during our stock testing. The board is targeted at users who want to overclock their Intel Z87-based system without worrying about performance stability issues. To reiterate, the board boasts of Ultra Durable 5 Plus components. In particular, the board features specially designed MOSFETs called PowIRstage ICs. They are touted to have lower operating temperatures while maintaining top performance, which we found to be true. Gigabyte fans would be pleased to know that the DualBIOS feature of the board has been widely copied by other manufacturers under different guises. This nifty feature will allow power users to keep one set of BIOS for their overclocking needs, and another set for regular operation. Another strong suit for this board is the full complement of features that enable using the board for advanced overclocking needs in an open test-bench environment outside of the casing - it has the most number of controls and features for such use of any other motherboards we've seen to-date. Wireless connectivity would have really rounded up the overall package, but that would have added to the board's cost. As it stands now, with an attractive price point of S$422, it takes our Value For Money Award for a board that excels on core performance and features.

The MSI Z87 MPower Max features Military Class IV components that make up its power delivery system. The Hi-c capacitors, with super ferrite chokes and dark capacitors ensure its overclocking capabilities. In fact, the board has been OC Certified by the company as a sign of confidence about its said abilities. Other features targeted at overclockers include its voltage read-out points to an easy on-board OC button for easy overclocking. For ease of configuration, as well as for back up purposes, the board’s Multi-BIOS II feature allows users to store different settings in each of its two set of BIOSes. The on-board buttons like the Easy Button 3 and Direct OC are a boon to power users. The OC Genie allows the system to be overclocked with the push of a single button. For the more ardent overclocker, the pair of Direct OC buttons will allow for modification of the CPU ratio and base clock frequency in the operating system environment. The board has an interesting add-on card in the form of a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module that supports Intel Wireless Display (WiDi) technology. On top of the usual wireless connectivity options of IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth v 4.0, this module allows you to stream HD content from your system to an Intel WiDi-enabled display or projector. It's a decent all-rounder and comes as a close recommendation to the Gigabyte Z87X-OC if you prefer MSI's overall proposition better.

The ASRock Z87 OC Formula has one of the more unique features such as a waterproof PCB that will appeal to power users who are into liquid cooling. Rig builders who are afraid of leakage from their liquid cooling systems may also apply. Another notable feature is the Purity Sound technology that features an on-board Realtek ALC1150 audio codec, complete with EMI shielding to minimize distortion due to electrical interference. Together with the accompanying TI NE 5532 amplifiers, this on-board audio system is touted to provide high quality aural experience. So while its features might be unique, overall performance was average, though the board does have a decent showing in some of the tests. Take note that it's an EATX board, so checking on casing compatibility is a must.

One of the key features of the ECS Gank Domination Z87H3-A2X Golden is its Durathon standard components. They are of high-quality build and have been subjected to stringent testing conditions. In particular, the board’s “super solid” capacitors are claimed to have a lifespan of 22 years, which is about seven times longer than average ones. These capacitors can operate at extreme temperatures, up to 100 degrees Celsius. To add to its durability, the board’s PCB has weaved glass fabric to guard against warping under humidity and high temperatures. Unfortunately, its performance leaves much to be desired for a board of this caliber. While it's not all bad, it's not outstanding in any manner. Low points are its temperature and overclocking prowess that are important factors for this pedigree of boards.

Our Final Ratings
ASUS Maximus VI Extreme

Click for detailed results break-down

Gigabyte Z87X-OC

Click for detailed results break-down

MSI Z87 MPower Max Click for detailed results break-down
ASRock Z87 OC Formula Click for detailed results break-down
ECS Gank Domination Z87H3-A2X Golden Click for detailed results break-down
Join HWZ's Telegram channel here and catch all the latest tech news!
Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.