The Asus ROG Strix Z270G Gaming Motherboard Review
by E. Fylladitakis on October 3, 2017 8:15 AM ESTAsus ROG Strix Z270G Gaming Software
The driver’s DVD comes with a nicely written installation software that allows the user to pick the drivers and software that wants to install, then it automatically installs these software packages, restarting the system as many times as necessary in the process. Where users need to be a little careful is with the selection of software, as Asus included software trialware packages into the driver’s list (Norton Security Trial). Norton Security definitely is not a driver and is in no way necessary for using this, or any other, motherboard.
The two main software packages accompanying the Asus ROG Strix Z270G Gaming are the AI Suite 3 and the AURA. The former includes nearly all of the motherboard’s tweakable options, while the latter handles only the RGB lighting options. There are several more utilities but most are simplistic applications, such as a version of the CPU-Z that has been modified to display the Asus logo.
As it includes all of the tweakable options, AI Suite 3 has a complex UI with an overwhelming number of options. The display is divided into the main display (top) and the advanced options (bottom). The bottom part persists regardless of the display option that has been selected for the top screen. It defaults to multiple sensor readings but clicking on the cogwheel icon brings up threshold settings for every motherboard sensor.
The main display at the top has a side menu that offers access to many different screens, each with a large number of advanced settings. Most of the BIOS options are accessible via these screens, allowing the user to perform automated or advanced overclocking without having to enter the BIOS. There is also a BIOS update software.
The Asus AURA software is flexible and allows for the programming of basic and advanced lighting effects independently for the motherboard itself and for the installed RGB LED strips (if available). There are several pre-programmed lighting effects and each can be individually tweaked, but the users cannot program effects of their own.
Another interesting software is the “Gamefirst IV”, Asus’ network optimization/acceleration software. It can be used to adjust the priority of specific applications/services, either manually or automatically. Its “intelligent mode” automatically detects games and prioritizes them over other processes. It also has network monitoring and debugging options. The “Gamefirst IV” can be used to control both the wired and wireless controller of the Asus ROG Strix Z270G Gaming.
The “SupremeFX” software that Asus supplies with this motherboard is, for the most part, a reskinned version of Realtek’s default software package. It has four main tabs that allow for the configuration of the speakers, amplification levels, equalizer settings, and room correction options. The system automatically detects the connected devices and even their impedance, automatically adjusting the amplification quite accurately.
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DanNeely - Tuesday, October 3, 2017 - link
Just to try and head the peanut gallery off at the pass. Based on something that either Ian or Ryan said a few days ago on twitter this should be the last board from the Z270 backlog.Gothmoth - Tuesday, October 3, 2017 - link
take a look at the mainboard reviews here an anandtech and tell me anandtech is not biased.count the intel reviews then count the AMD reviews.
full reviews for intel boards and "overviews" for AMD boards.
and no, the reason is not that there are less AMD boards then intel boards.
why not at least review the few AMD boards that exist?
they rather preview Z270 boards then spending time on threadripper or AM4 boards.
while AMD sells better in europe than intel for the past 3 month.
Ian Cutress - Tuesday, October 3, 2017 - link
We've got two AMD motherboard reviews being edited this week for next week. Our new motherboard review team, all of whom are in different corners of the world, is slowly coming up to speed. In case you didn't notice, E.Fyll has been doing our Z270 reviews this year and only Z270 - the other reviewers are taking on other chipsets - Joe for X299, Gavin for AM4. E.Fyll is likely to take TR4 now, and when Patrick gets back from his vacation, he's likely to take the Z370 content.MajGenRelativity - Tuesday, October 3, 2017 - link
I'm looking forward to seeing more motherboard reviews :) I appreciate the quality contentFlunk - Tuesday, October 3, 2017 - link
Since Anandtech doesn't buy the gear they review, they can only review whatever the manufacturer sends them. If ASUS sends them 4 Intel boards and one AMD board, that's what they review.smilingcrow - Tuesday, October 3, 2017 - link
"while AMD sells better in europe than intel for the past 3 month."Is that based on the data for one webtailer or the whole of Europe?
For all CPUs or just a range?
I doubt that AMD currently have the capacity to supply that much of the retail market but if that's what they have done it's amazing.
Gothmoth - Tuesday, October 3, 2017 - link
yeah i will buy Z270 now that Z370 is released in 2 days.....great job on doing timely reviews. tremendous job.
Ian Cutress - Tuesday, October 3, 2017 - link
As per my tweet a few days ago, just getting the last ones out. The platform is still going to exist for a couple of years, with retail sales of both motherboards and processors. Reviews are still relevant.reckless76 - Tuesday, October 3, 2017 - link
Just wanted to chime in since you're being forced to defend yourself, that I appreciate all your reviews, whenever they're posted. I'm not in the market for new parts now, but I have in the past and will be again in the future. Your site has always been an invaluable resource, so thank you.notR1CH - Wednesday, October 4, 2017 - link
I bought this board based only on the spec sheet when the 7700k came out as there were no reviews at the time. It's nice to know that I got a good board even if the review is late, in particular I had no idea the onboard audio was that good, I figured it was all just marketing.