Networking Performance
LAN Speed Test Lite
The motherboard’s network capabilities fell behind the competition in both read and write tests. Although, the difference wasn’t as dramatic as the ECS Z170-Claymore.
Passmark Performance Test 8 – Ethernet
In Passmark, the results are quite baffling due to the large disparity between TCP and UDP. The motherboard’s UDP score is within an expected range but despite running the benchmark multiple times, I couldn’t get the TCP to run at a higher rate. I can only imagine this is down to a strange network anomaly and nothing to do with the motherboard’s networking.
Passmark Performance Test 8 – CPU Work Load
The CPU load utilization hit a maximum of 3% under TCP which is a huge improvement compared to the Z170 PRO GAMING.
We’ve recently transitioned our WiFi testing procedure to Performance 8.0 given the accuracy of recorded statistics in system reviews. Compared to other WiFi interfaces, the results at 5GHz are decent but I would have preferred a rate above 300mbps. However, the testing was conducted on an early review sample which features a Qualcomm Atheros instead of a Broadcom WiFi module. ASUS decided to change the WIFi adapter on retail samples due to improved performance. As a result, the retail WiFi performance should fare much better.
The performance of Asus’ smaller Z170 boards (including mATX) is awful. All the fine electronics, and it’s below average. Especially a shame in mITX since the selection is so small, and this isn’t cheap either.