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ASUS Z97 Pro Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£110
  • CPU socket: LGA 1150
  • Chipset: Intel Z97
  • Form factor: ATX

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

5.3

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%

5.1

Technical Score

10.0%

7.9

User score

Good
5.1

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%

4.0

Memory

16.0%

6.8

Platform & Features

16.0%

4.5

Storage

15.0%

6.8

Network

13.0%

2.5

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.1

Expansion

8.0%

4.9

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.4

Audio

Good
7.9

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%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

7.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(71)
amazon
4.3
(62)
amazon
3.6
(51)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(68)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(67)
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(53)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Very good
  • 3.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.9

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    3.3

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    4.6

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    3.3

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • asus-z97-pro
asus-z97-pro

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 Z97 Pro is an ATX motherboard built on the Intel Z97 chipset, supporting 4th and 5th Generation Intel Core processors via the LGA1150 socket and up to 32GB of DDR3 RAM overclockable to 3200MHz. It features high-speed connectivity with an M.2 slot and SATA Express (both 10Gb/s), 5-Way Optimization for one-click system tuning, and robust power delivery through a 12-phase digital VRM design. Main pros include its versatile networking with Intel Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, support for NVIDIA Quad-GPU SLI and AMD 3-Way CrossFireX, and premium Crystal Sound 2 audio. However, cons include the shared bandwidth between the M.2 slot and SATA Express/PCIe slots which limits simultaneous use, and its reliance on the now-outdated DDR3 memory standard.

Technical Specifications of ASUS Z97 Pro

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%

4.0

Memory

16.0%

6.8

Platform & Features

16.0%

4.5

Storage

15.0%

6.8

Network

13.0%

2.5

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.1

Expansion

8.0%

4.9

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.4

Audio

5.1
ASUS Z97 Pro has a technical score of 5.05 points, which is lower than that of 78.5% 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%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

7.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(71)
amazon
4.3
(62)
amazon
3.6
(51)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(68)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(67)
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(53)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.9
ASUS Z97 Pro has a user score of 7.88 points, which is lower than that of 55.2% 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.
7.1
ASUS Z97 Pro has a popularity of 7.1 points, which is higher than 69.7% 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%

5.3

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

6.7
ASUS Z97 Pro has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is lower than 72.9% 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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

ATX
ASUS Z97 Pro 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.
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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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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

3,200 MT/s
ASUS Z97 Pro supports memory speeds up to 3200 MT/s, which is lower than that of 62.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.9% 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

1
ASUS Z97 Pro 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 2.0 x2
ASUS Z97 Pro offers 1x PCIe 2.0x2 for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 85% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.3% 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
SATA only
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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.4% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
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, x8/x8
ASUS Z97 Pro uses x16/x0, x8/x8 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 81.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.7% 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 Z97 Pro supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
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

6
ASUS Z97 Pro has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 32.9% 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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

yes
ASUS Z97 Pro supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.9% 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)

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
ASUS Z97 Pro supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than that of 49.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.7% of motherboards.
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 ALC1150
ASUS Z97 Pro uses the Realtek ALC1150 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 52.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 9.3% 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 Z97 Pro 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

112 dB
ASUS Z97 Pro has an audio SNR of 112 dB, which is lower than that of 53.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.1% 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 Z97 Pro supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 300Ω.
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

6
ASUS Z97 Pro has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 86.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.4% of motherboards.
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

10
ASUS Z97 Pro has 10 VRM phases, which is fewer than 54.4% of motherboards and equal to 3.3% 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 Z97 Pro 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

6
ASUS Z97 Pro has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50.3% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% 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

no
ASUS Z97 Pro does not have a pump header. 77% 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

0 A
ASUS Z97 Pro supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 74.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 25.7% of motherboards.
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ASUS Z97 Pro vs the average motherboard

  • Includes POST code display
    ASUS Z97 Pro has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    Q-Code display.
    What it is: Shows whether the board includes a diagnostic POST code readout for boot troubleshooting.
    When it matters: When you troubleshoot boot issues and want clearer error information.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Z97 Pro has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    ASUS Z97 Pro supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support 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

    ASUS Z97 Pro supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    ASUS Z97 Pro has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    What it is: The number of internal USB 3.2 Gen1 headers for front-panel Type-A ports.
    When it matters: When your case has front USB-A ports to connect.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    ASUS Z97 Pro has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.2 vs 1
  • 3 more PCIe x1 slots
    ASUS Z97 Pro has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (4 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 Z97 Pro has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.4 vs 1
  • 1 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    ASUS Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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
  • Supports Bluetooth
    ASUS Z97 Pro supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes built-in Bluetooth for wireless peripherals and accessories.
    When it matters: When you want to connect wireless peripherals without an adapter.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Z97 Pro supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    ASUS Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.
    DVI-D output
    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 Z97 Pro has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.1 vs 0
  • Includes POST code display
    ASUS Z97 Pro has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes onboard power button
    ASUS Z97 Pro has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    ASUS Z97 Pro has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    ASUS Z97 Pro has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 3 more PCIe x1 slots
    ASUS Z97 Pro has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 1 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    ASUS Z97 Pro has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    ASUS Z97 Pro has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    ASUS Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.
  • Includes VGA connector
    ASUS Z97 Pro has a VGA connector, while the average motherboard does not. 22% of motherboards include a VGA connector.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    ASUS Z97 Pro supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    ASUS Z97 Pro supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 1 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    ASUS Z97 Pro has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
  • 1 more fan headers
    ASUS Z97 Pro has more fan headers than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.

Total
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.1% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • Narrower Windows support
    ASUS Z97 Pro has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
    64-bit only.
  • 7 older release date
    ASUS Z97 Pro is older than the average motherboard (2,014 vs 2,021). The average motherboard was released in 2,021.
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    ASUS Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 30.4% lower maximum RAM speed
    ASUS Z97 Pro has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,200 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 Z97 Pro 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.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    ASUS Z97 Pro has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 2.0x2 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.
  • No NVMe RAID support
    ASUS Z97 Pro does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    ASUS Z97 Pro has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    ASUS Z97 Pro has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0, x8/x8 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    ASUS Z97 Pro has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    ASUS Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • Older HDMI version
    ASUS Z97 Pro has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    ASUS Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    ASUS Z97 Pro has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (4 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
  • 3 dB lower audio SNR
    ASUS Z97 Pro has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (112 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    ASUS Z97 Pro has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • No pump header
    ASUS Z97 Pro does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    ASUS Z97 Pro does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    ASUS Z97 Pro has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    ASUS Z97 Pro has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (0 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 2.0x2 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 Z97 Pro has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 2.0x2 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 2.0x2 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    ASUS Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro 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
  • No NVMe RAID support
    ASUS Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    ASUS Z97 Pro has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    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

    ASUS Z97 Pro has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.6 vs 8
  • Older DDR memory generation
    ASUS Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    ASUS Z97 Pro 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 Z97 Pro has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.1 vs 2
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
71 Reviews
amazon
4.3
62 Reviews
amazon
3.6
51 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
68 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
67 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
53 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASUS Z97 Pro?

  • Excellent overclocking capabilities, particularly when using the automated 5-Way Optimization tool.
  • Highly intuitive UEFI BIOS with both 'EZ' and 'Advanced' modes catering to different skill levels.
  • Comprehensive connectivity options including M.2, SATA Express, and high-speed Wi-Fi AC.
  • Robust build quality and reliable performance once properly configured.
  • Effective USB BIOS Flashback feature that prevents the motherboard from being 'bricked' during updates.
  • Detailed fan control software (Fan Xpert 3) that allows for quiet operation.

What customers dislike about ASUS Z97 Pro?

  • Customer support and RMA processes are frequently described by users as slow or frustrating.
  • Bundled 'AI Suite' software is viewed by some as bloatware that can be buggy or cause system instability.
  • The placement of some onboard buttons and headers can be difficult to access after installing large GPUs.
  • Onboard audio, while decent, may not satisfy audiophiles compared to high-end discrete sound cards.
  • Reports of occasional DOA (Dead on Arrival) units, though these are typically handled via warranty.

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