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ASUS Z170 A Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$170
  • CPU socket: LGA 1151
  • Chipset: Intel Z170
  • Form factor: ATX

ASUS Z170 A review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

5.9

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%

5.6

Technical Score

10.0%

9.0

User score

Good
5.6

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%

5.7

Memory

16.0%

6.2

Platform & Features

16.0%

4.9

Storage

15.0%

5.3

Network

13.0%

5.4

Ports & USB

8.0%

5.0

Expansion

8.0%

6.1

Power & Cooling

5.0%

6.9

Audio

Good
9.0

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%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(710)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(740)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 3.6
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.8

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    3.3

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    4.6

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    1.8

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • asus-z170-a
  • asus-z170-a
asus-z170-a
asus-z170-a

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Asus Z170-A is a versatile ATX motherboard built on the Intel Z170 chipset, supporting 6th Generation Intel Core processors via the LGA1151 socket and up to 64GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory with speeds reaching 3466MHz (OC). It features a robust 8+2 phase digital power design, dual-way SLI and 3-way CrossFireX support, and high-speed connectivity through a 32Gb/s M.2 slot, USB 3.1 Type-A and Type-C ports, and an Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN controller. Key pros include its 5-Way Optimization for easy one-click overclocking, a dedicated water-pump header, and excellent fan control across seven headers. However, cons include a relatively basic Realtek ALC892 audio chip compared to higher-end models, the inclusion of a legacy PCI slot which may be unnecessary for modern builds, and the lack of a dedicated POST code display or onboard CMOS reset button.

Technical Specifications of ASUS Z170 A

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%

5.7

Memory

16.0%

6.2

Platform & Features

16.0%

4.9

Storage

15.0%

5.3

Network

13.0%

5.4

Ports & USB

8.0%

5.0

Expansion

8.0%

6.1

Power & Cooling

5.0%

6.9

Audio

5.6
ASUS Z170 A has a technical score of 5.58 points, which is lower than that of 67.7% 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%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(710)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(740)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.0
ASUS Z170 A has a user score of 9.02 points, which is higher than that of 82.1% 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.
10
ASUS Z170 A has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 79.9% 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%

5.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

7.1
ASUS Z170 A has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.1 points, which is lower than 58.1% 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 1151
ASUS Z170 A uses the LGA 1151 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 70.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.8% 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 Z170
ASUS Z170 A uses the Intel Z170 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 75.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.5% 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

ATX
ASUS Z170 A has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
Show more
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

DDR4
ASUS Z170 A uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 51% 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 Z170 A 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

64 GB
ASUS Z170 A supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 62.6% of motherboards and equal to 24.3% 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 Z170 A 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

2,133 MT/s
ASUS Z170 A supports memory speeds up to 2133 MT/s, which is lower than that of 86.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.5% of motherboards.
Show more
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

1
ASUS Z170 A has 1 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 69.2% of motherboards and equal to 19.1% 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

1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
ASUS Z170 A offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 73.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.4% of motherboards.
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 Z170 A 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 Z170 A 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

yes
ASUS Z170 A supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
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 Z170 A 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 Z170 A 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

3
ASUS Z170 A has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.8% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% 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

?
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 Z170 A supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
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

?
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 Z170 A 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

1
ASUS Z170 A has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.4% of motherboards and equal to 48.8% 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

1
ASUS Z170 A has 1 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 21.3% 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 Z170 A 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 Z170 A 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 I219-V
ASUS Z170 A uses the Intel I219-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 41% of motherboards and equal to that of 14.2% 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 Z170 A 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 Z170 A 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 Z170 A 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 Z170 A 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 Z170 A 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 Z170 A supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
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 Z170 A has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
also has optical S/PDIF out
Show more
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 Z170 A 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 Z170 A 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

7
ASUS Z170 A has 7 fan headers, which is more than 72.7% of motherboards and equal to 9.5% 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

yes
ASUS Z170 A has a pump header. 23.1% of motherboards include this feature.
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

1 A
ASUS Z170 A supports up to 1 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 58.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 15.9% of motherboards.
Show more

ASUS Z170 A vs the average motherboard

  • 1 more PCI slots
    ASUS Z170 A has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    What it is: The number of legacy PCI slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need compatibility with older expansion cards.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Z170 A has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    ASUS Z170 A has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster rear USB-C connectivity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1

    ASUS Z170 A has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.1 vs 0
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    ASUS Z170 A has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe x1 slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want space for smaller add-in cards.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    ASUS Z170 A has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.3 vs 1
  • 2 more fan headers
    ASUS Z170 A has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 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 Z170 A has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.7 vs 5
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    ASUS Z170 A has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    supports Thunderbolt add-in card
    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 Z170 A 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
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    ASUS Z170 A 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 Z170 A has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.1 vs 0
  • Includes VGA connector
    ASUS Z170 A has a VGA connector, while the average motherboard does not. 22% of motherboards include a VGA connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the rear I/O includes an analog VGA display output.
    When it matters: When you need compatibility with older displays or projectors.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Z170 A has a VGA connector, while the average motherboard does not. 22% of motherboards include a VGA connector.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    ASUS Z170 A 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 Z170 A has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.6 vs 4
  • Includes onboard power button
    ASUS Z170 A has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    ASUS Z170 A has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 1 more PCI slots
    ASUS Z170 A has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    ASUS Z170 A has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    ASUS Z170 A has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    ASUS Z170 A has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    ASUS Z170 A 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 Z170 A has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.
  • Includes VGA connector
    ASUS Z170 A has a VGA connector, while the average motherboard does not. 22% of motherboards include a VGA connector.
  • 2 more fan headers
    ASUS Z170 A has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.

Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS Z170 A has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z170 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    ASUS Z170 A does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    ASUS Z170 A is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.1% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • Narrower Windows support
    ASUS Z170 A has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
  • 6 years older release date
    ASUS Z170 A is older than the average motherboard (2,015 vs 2,021). The average motherboard was released in 2,021.
    August 2015
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    ASUS Z170 A has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • 53.6% lower maximum RAM speed
    ASUS Z170 A has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,133 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 31.1% lower overclocked RAM speed
    ASUS Z170 A has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,400 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4,933 MT/s.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    ASUS Z170 A has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    ASUS Z170 A has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASUS Z170 A has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
  • 1 fewer total USB connections
    ASUS Z170 A has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • Older HDMI version
    ASUS Z170 A has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    ASUS Z170 A 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 Z170 A 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 Z170 A 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 Z170 A 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 Z170 A has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    ASUS Z170 A has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • 1 A lower pump header current limit
    ASUS Z170 A has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (1 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    ASUS Z170 A 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 Z170 A has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z170 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 Z170 A has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z170 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel Z170 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    ASUS Z170 A 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 Z170 A 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
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    ASUS Z170 A has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    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

    ASUS Z170 A has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    ASUS Z170 A has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 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 Z170 A has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.64 GB vs 128 GB
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    ASUS Z170 A has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 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 Z170 A has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.1 vs 2
  • No BIOS flashback support
    ASUS Z170 A does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard can update BIOS without needing a fully installed or supported CPU to boot first.
    When it matters: When you may need to update BIOS before the system can boot.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS Z170 A does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    ASUS Z170 A 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 Z170 A 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 Z170 A has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (95 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    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

    ASUS Z170 A has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (95 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.95 dB vs 115 dB
Total
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
710 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
740 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASUS Z170 A?

  • Excellent value for money, offering premium features at a mid-range price point.
  • Highly polished and user-friendly UEFI BIOS with extensive overclocking and fan control options.
  • Robust fan support with seven headers, each configurable for DC or PWM modes.
  • Comprehensive connectivity including USB 3.1 Type-A and Type-C, M.2 x4, and SATA Express.
  • Good support for legacy hardware, featuring PCI slots and VGA (D-Sub) output.
  • Solid baseline performance that competes with higher-end ROG series motherboards.
  • Aesthetic design with a clean white and black color scheme that fits most builds.

What customers dislike about ASUS Z170 A?

  • Onboard audio (Realtek ALC892) is considered basic compared to higher-end models.
  • I/O shield can be difficult to install due to large grounding fins that may slip into ports.
  • PCB is reported by some users to be slightly thin or flimsy.
  • Limited onboard lighting, with only a few LEDs that provide minimal illumination.
  • Lacks advanced troubleshooting features like a built-in POST code debug display.
  • Early BIOS versions were noted to have stability issues, requiring immediate updates for Windows 10.
  • Power circuitry is more basic, which may limit extreme or hardcore overclocking stability.

Video reviews

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