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EVGA Z87 FTW Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£150
  • CPU socket: LGA 1150
  • Chipset: Intel Z87
  • Form factor: ATX

EVGA Z87 FTW review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

4.7

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%

?

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%

6.8

Platform & Features

16.0%

3.4

Storage

15.0%

5.7

Network

13.0%

2.7

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.2

Expansion

8.0%

4.6

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.0

Audio

Poor
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.6

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    1.0

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    4.6

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    2.5

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £150

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The EVGA Z87 FTW is an ATX motherboard built on the Intel Z87 chipset for 4th-generation Intel LGA 1150 processors, featuring a robust 6-phase power design and 300% more gold content in the CPU socket for enhanced power delivery. It supports up to 32GB of DDR3 memory at overclocked speeds of 2666MHz+, offers four PCIe 3.0 x16 slots for 2-Way SLI, and includes eight SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID support. Key pros include a high-quality 8-channel Realtek ALC898 audio system, triple BIOS support for multiple profiles, onboard power/reset buttons, and a redesigned GUI BIOS focused on overclocking efficiency. However, it lacks onboard Wi-Fi, and some users have noted issues with SLI configuration performance and a relatively high price point compared to similar feature-rich competitors.

Technical Specifications of EVGA Z87 FTW

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%

?

Memory

16.0%

?

Platform & Features

16.0%

?

Storage

15.0%

?

Network

13.0%

?

Ports & USB

8.0%

?

Expansion

8.0%

?

Power & Cooling

5.0%

?

Audio

4.7
EVGA Z87 FTW has a technical score of 4.69 points, which is lower than that of 85.4% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
EVGA Z87 FTW has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 77.9% 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%

4.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

6.2
EVGA Z87 FTW has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.2 points, which is lower than 88.9% 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

Evga
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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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 Z87
EVGA Z87 FTW uses the Intel Z87 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 80% of motherboards and equal to that of 3% 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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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

2,666 MT/s
EVGA Z87 FTW supports memory speeds up to 2666 MT/s, which is lower than that of 78.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.7% 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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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

8
EVGA Z87 FTW has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.2% 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
EVGA Z87 FTW supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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

4
EVGA Z87 FTW has 4 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 93.9% of motherboards and equal to 3.5% 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

?
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
EVGA Z87 FTW supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8, x8/x4/x4.
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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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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

12
EVGA Z87 FTW has 12 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 72.4% of motherboards and equal to 16.6% 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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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
EVGA Z87 FTW has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
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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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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

?
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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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
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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 ALC898
EVGA Z87 FTW uses the Realtek ALC898 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 49.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.9% 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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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

110 dB
EVGA Z87 FTW has an audio SNR of 110 dB, which is lower than that of 55.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.7% 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

?
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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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

6
EVGA Z87 FTW has 6 VRM phases, which is fewer than 85.5% of motherboards and equal to 1.9% 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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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
EVGA Z87 FTW 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

?
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EVGA Z87 FTW vs the average motherboard

  • Includes POST code display
    EVGA Z87 FTW has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST 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

    EVGA Z87 FTW has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    EVGA Z87 FTW has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes two BIOS chips for redundancy or recovery.
    When it matters: When BIOS safety and recovery matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    EVGA Z87 FTW has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    EVGA Z87 FTW has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 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

    EVGA Z87 FTW has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.8 vs 4
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    EVGA Z87 FTW has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    What it is: A rear I/O button used to clear BIOS or CMOS settings quickly.
    When it matters: When you overclock or troubleshoot and want an easier reset method.

    Importance: LOW

    EVGA Z87 FTW has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    EVGA Z87 FTW 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

    EVGA Z87 FTW supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 2 more eSATA ports
    EVGA Z87 FTW has more eSATA ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 eSATA port/s.
    What it is: The number of eSATA ports available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you still use compatible external SATA storage.

    Importance: LOW

    EVGA Z87 FTW has more eSATA ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 eSATA port/s.2 vs 0
  • Includes onboard power button
    EVGA Z87 FTW has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a built-in power button on the PCB itself.
    When it matters: When you test or troubleshoot the board outside a case.

    Importance: LOW

    EVGA Z87 FTW has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    EVGA Z87 FTW has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a built-in reset button on the PCB itself.
    When it matters: When you test or troubleshoot the board outside a case.

    Importance: LOW

    EVGA Z87 FTW has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • Includes POST code display
    EVGA Z87 FTW has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    EVGA Z87 FTW has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    EVGA Z87 FTW has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Includes onboard power button
    EVGA Z87 FTW has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    EVGA Z87 FTW has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    EVGA Z87 FTW has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 3 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    EVGA Z87 FTW has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 2 more eSATA ports
    EVGA Z87 FTW has more eSATA ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 eSATA port/s.
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    EVGA Z87 FTW has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    EVGA Z87 FTW supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 1 more fan headers
    EVGA Z87 FTW 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
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    EVGA Z87 FTW has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z87 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    EVGA Z87 FTW does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • Older CPU socket
    EVGA Z87 FTW 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
    EVGA Z87 FTW is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.1% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • No automatic overclocking
    EVGA Z87 FTW does not support automatic overclocking, while the average motherboard does. 74% of motherboards support automatic overclocking.
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    EVGA Z87 FTW has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
  • 8 years older release date
    EVGA Z87 FTW is older than the average motherboard (2,013 vs 2,021). The average motherboard was released in 2,021.
    June 2013
  • No TPM connector
    EVGA Z87 FTW does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 86.7% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
  • Narrower Windows support
    EVGA Z87 FTW has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    EVGA Z87 FTW 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
    EVGA Z87 FTW has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 42% lower maximum RAM speed
    EVGA Z87 FTW has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,666 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 46% lower overclocked RAM speed
    EVGA Z87 FTW has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,666 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4,933 MT/s.
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    EVGA Z87 FTW 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
    EVGA Z87 FTW does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    EVGA Z87 FTW has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
  • 3 fewer total USB connections
    EVGA Z87 FTW has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (12 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    EVGA Z87 FTW 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 USB 2.0 headers
    EVGA Z87 FTW has fewer USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
  • Older HDMI version
    EVGA Z87 FTW 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
    EVGA Z87 FTW 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
    EVGA Z87 FTW 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
    EVGA Z87 FTW 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
    EVGA Z87 FTW does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    EVGA Z87 FTW has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (2.1 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
  • 5 dB lower audio SNR
    EVGA Z87 FTW has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (110 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    EVGA Z87 FTW has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (6 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    EVGA Z87 FTW has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • No pump header
    EVGA Z87 FTW does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    EVGA Z87 FTW does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    EVGA Z87 FTW has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    EVGA Z87 FTW has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z87 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

    EVGA Z87 FTW has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z87 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel Z87 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    EVGA Z87 FTW 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

    EVGA Z87 FTW 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
    EVGA Z87 FTW 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

    EVGA Z87 FTW 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
    EVGA Z87 FTW 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

    EVGA Z87 FTW 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
    EVGA Z87 FTW 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

    EVGA Z87 FTW does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • Older DDR memory generation
    EVGA Z87 FTW 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

    EVGA Z87 FTW has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.DDR3 vs DDR4
  • No BIOS flashback support
    EVGA Z87 FTW does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    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

    EVGA Z87 FTW does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    EVGA Z87 FTW 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

    EVGA Z87 FTW 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
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
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Storage
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about EVGA Z87 FTW?

  • Robust build quality and high-quality components for long-term reliability
  • Clean, intuitive layout that simplifies the installation process for both new and experienced builders
  • Effective overclocking potential, supported by a 10-layer PCB and high gold content in CPU pins for power delivery
  • Feature-rich, including Dual BIOS, 8 SATA ports, Bluetooth, and advanced audio with high SNR
  • Excellent customer support and detailed physical documentation (literature and posters) included in the box
  • Highly responsive GUI BIOS that is easier to navigate compared to previous generations

What customers dislike about EVGA Z87 FTW?

  • Overpriced at launch compared to competitors like Gigabyte or ASUS that offered more features at similar price points
  • Potential spacing issues for SLI configurations, which can result in a very tight fit between graphics cards
  • BIOS updates can be problematic, sometimes requiring a DOS bootable USB as Windows-based updates may fail
  • Software suite (E-LEET) lacks depth and functionality compared to industry standards from other manufacturers
  • Brief user manual that some users felt lacked sufficient detail for advanced configurations
  • Optional 6-pin PCIe power connector for Bluetooth is awkwardly placed, often nearly touching the power supply in mid-tower cases

Video reviews

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