ASUS Z170 Pro Gaming (LGA 1151) Motherboard Review

Software Overview

So the manufacturer’s point of difference is not only the components it uses, but also what it can offer the user during day-to-day use. ASUS, like others, offer many different programs for you to choose from once set up which can help to make your life a little easier. Usually these programs are useless, offering bloatware or some pretty pointless programs that you wouldn’t normally download. ASUS used to be the same, but have now changed and have tuned their software to be extremely useful.

The main utility that ASUS provide is their AI Suite. It is now on its third revision and in that time it has come a very long way. One key point I really like about the AI Suite is the incorporation of most of the other ASUS Utilities into a simple app. The first page you arrive on is the Dual Intelligent Processors 5 page, or most recognisable as “5 Way Optimisation”. This page can tune your system to your preference from three settings; Performance, Power Saving and Away Mode. All of this achieved by adjusting the five settings in the centre of the screen; TPU, Fan Xpert 3, DIGI+ VRM, Turbo App and EPU.

No utility would be set without an overclocking feature. A very simple and effective approach, but maybe a little too easy for novice overclockers to adjust.

The Turbo App is deceivingly simple. It basically prioritises key applications and processes in your preference of importance.

This page is an extremely cut down version of the first with just Performance, Power saving and Away Mode being the only clickable options.

This page is a more detailed version of Fan Xpert 3 from the first page. You can edit each fan individually, set an overall profile or even allow the system to tune the fans to the best possible setting, running through each speed to determine what each fan can run at.

This is a very interesting page to include in the application. Normally to have LLC functions here are rare to see. When I was first starting into CPU overclocking, I was scared to touch LLC, but this utility makes it easy to adjust and even provides some information on the features which can sometimes be missed in the BIOS.

In with the Ai Suite, you have PC Clean up, which works like most other applications, but this is bundled in with this utility and just makes the process much more hassle free than having to download a third party application.

Ai charger+ is a great little feature. Having the ability to quickly charge your phone or tablet is a great relief.

USB 3.1 Boost is something that I don’t see why isn’t implemented from factory, why have a normal mode for some end users to get confused about?

EZ Update is an absolute essential utility. A simple update tool for your BIOS is great for novices and pros alike.

The System Information page is exactly what it says on the tin; it just gives you the information on key parts of your system.

Mobo connect is something new to me, this allows the use of your keyboard and mouse to control your connected smart device and also play music.

The LED control portion of the utility is to allow the user to customise, within reason; the effects of the on board LEDs.

Ai Suite also has a small widget to utilise certain features outside of Ai Suite.

Game First is a utility focused on, well the gamers. Allowing you to enter (or test) your internet speed and prioritise network usage accordingly. You can prioritise by a preset option or choose the applications yourself.

RAMCache is a great little app; it takes a percentage of your RAM to use as a cache (didn’t see that coming did you). This speeds up your drives tremendously, but comes at a price if you have limited RAM.

ASUS brought us Sonic Radar, and then made it better in the second iteration. You can tweak the sounds coming from the game in terms of frequency. If you are in a stealth game, you can tweak for foot steps; in a fire fight, or change for gun fire. An unfair advantage just got easier to take.