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ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£120
  • Avg. price in US: ~$170
  • CPU socket: LGA 1150
  • Chipset: Intel Z97
  • Form factor: microATX

ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

4.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.7

Technical Score

10.0%

7.3

User score

Poor
4.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

3.9

Memory

16.0%

6.5

Platform & Features

16.0%

3.3

Storage

15.0%

5.2

Network

13.0%

3.3

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.0

Expansion

8.0%

6.1

Power & Cooling

5.0%

6.9

Audio

Poor
7.3

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

2.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(24)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(24)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Very good
  • 3.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.8

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    1.0

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    4.6

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    1.4

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • asus-gryphon-z97-armor-edition
asus-gryphon-z97-armor-edition

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition is a durable micro-ATX motherboard built on the Intel Z97 chipset, supporting LGA1150 socket CPUs including 4th and 5th Generation Core i7, i5, and i3 processors. It features four DDR3 DIMM slots for up to 32GB of memory (overclockable to 3200MHz), two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots with SLI/CrossFireX support, and six SATA 6Gb/s ports for storage. Its main characteristics include the signature 'TUF Armor' thermal shroud for directed airflow, a 'TUF Fortifier' backplate to prevent PCB bending, and 'Dust Defenders' for port protection. Key pros include high-grade military-certified components for extreme reliability, a comprehensive 5-year warranty, and advanced Thermal Radar 2 fan control. However, cons include the lack of a native M.2 slot (only supported via add-on) and potential clearance issues for certain large air coolers or water blocks due to the bulky thermal armor.

Technical Specifications of ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

3.9

Memory

16.0%

6.5

Platform & Features

16.0%

3.3

Storage

15.0%

5.2

Network

13.0%

3.3

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.0

Expansion

8.0%

6.1

Power & Cooling

5.0%

6.9

Audio

4.7
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has a technical score of 4.65 points, which is lower than that of 85.9% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

2.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(24)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(24)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.3
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has a user score of 7.29 points, which is lower than that of 70.3% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
2.8
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has a popularity of 2.8 points, which is lower than 61.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

6.4
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is lower than 81.8% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

Asus
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

LGA 1150
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition uses the LGA 1150 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 90.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.6% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

Intel Z97
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition uses the Intel Z97 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 78% of motherboards and equal to that of 2% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

microATX
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has the microATX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 52.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% of motherboards.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR3
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition uses DDR3 memory, which is older than that of 86.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.4% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

4
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 87% of motherboards and equal to 11.2% of motherboards.
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

1,866 MT/s
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition supports memory speeds up to 1866 MT/s, which is lower than that of 91.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.5% of motherboards.
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N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

0
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has 0 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 88.4% of motherboards and equal to 11.7% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

6
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

no
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition does not support NVMe RAID. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
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N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.4% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 56.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.7% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
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Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

8
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.3% of motherboards and equal to 30.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

14
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has 14 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 51.8% of motherboards and equal to 12.9% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

0
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.4% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

1 Gbps
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.1% of motherboards.
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel I218-V
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition uses the Intel I218-V LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 60.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.7% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

1
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has 1 RJ45 ports, which is equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 49.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

N/A
Show more
Audio codec
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC892
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition uses the Realtek ALC892 audio codec, which is less advanced than that of 80.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.5% of motherboards.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

95 dB
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has an audio SNR of 95 dB, which is lower than that of 84.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.1% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

yes
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

5
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
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VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

8+2
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has 8+2 VRM phases, which is fewer than 59.1% of motherboards and equal to 4.5% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

1
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has 1 CPU power connectors, which is equal to 54.5% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

8
ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.2% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

?
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ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition vs the average motherboard

  • 3 more fan headers
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
    What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
    When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6

    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.8 vs 5
  • 1 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe 2.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you compare older full-length expansion options.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.1 vs 0
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
    When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x1
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    What it is: The number of internal USB4 or Thunderbolt headers on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to add high-speed front USB-C or Thunderbolt connections.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.1 vs 0
  • Broader Windows support
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has broader Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
    What it is: The Windows versions officially supported by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to know whether your planned Windows version is supported.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has broader Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.
    What it is: The number of DVI video outputs on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to use older compatible monitors.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.1 vs 0
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6

    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.6 vs 4
  • 61 mm shorter
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition is shorter than the average motherboard (244 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
    What it is: The physical height of the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you check case fit or compare board size.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition is shorter than the average motherboard (244 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.244 mm vs 305 mm
  • Broader Windows support
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has broader Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 1 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
  • 3 more fan headers
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • 61 mm shorter
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition is shorter than the average motherboard (244 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.

Total
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z97 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • Older CPU socket
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has older CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,150 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.1% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • Less versatile form factor
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (microATX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
  • 7 years older release date
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition is older than the average motherboard (2,014 vs 2,021). The average motherboard was released in 2,021.
    May 2014
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • Older DDR memory generation
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 59.4% lower maximum RAM speed
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (1,866 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 35.1% lower overclocked RAM speed
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,200 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4,933 MT/s.
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • No NVMe RAID support
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 1 fewer total USB connections
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • Older HDMI version
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 20 dB lower audio SNR
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (95 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • More basic audio codec
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more basic audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (8+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z97 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z97 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel Z97 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 2.5GbE

    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
    When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.32 GB vs 128 GB
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=3

    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
    What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
    When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • Older DDR memory generation
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: DDR5

    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.0 vs 1
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
    What it is: Shows whether the external Wi-Fi antenna is included with the motherboard package.
    When it matters: When the board has Wi-Fi and you want it ready to use right away.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
24 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
24 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition?

  • Durable military-grade components with a 5-year warranty for long-term reliability
  • Thermal Armor and backplate provide structural rigidity and protect against board bending
  • Excellent cooling management via Thermal Radar 2, dedicated thermal sensors, and an optional assist fan
  • Comprehensive dust protection including 'Dust Defenders' for ports and headers
  • Robust fan control through UEFI and software, allowing precise tuning of system acoustics
  • Compact Micro-ATX form factor that still supports dual-GPU SLI/Crossfire configurations

What customers dislike about ASUS Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition?

  • Lacks modern storage interfaces like an onboard M.2 port, which is found on competing Z97 boards
  • Integrated audio performance is considered average compared to high-end ROG or gaming-focused alternatives
  • Premium price point can be difficult to justify compared to similar quality motherboards without the armor
  • Thermal Armor can be bulky and may interfere with the installation of some large CPU coolers
  • Slightly lower out-of-the-box performance in multi-tasking benchmarks compared to top-tier Z97 models

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