ASUS Announces 9 Series Mini-ITX Motherboards

Z97I-Plus and H97I-Plus deliver ATX-grade capabilities, M.2 connectivity, IntelGigabit Ethernet and exclusive audio features for potent gaming and multimedia

ASUS today announced Z97I-Plus and H97I-Plus, two new mini-ITX motherboards built around the powerful Intel® 9 Series chipset for 4th-, new 4th- and 5th-generation Intel Core™ processors (codenamed ‘Haswell’, ‘Haswell Refresh’, ‘Haswell Refresh K-series / Devil’s Canyon’). The new motherboards feature extraordinarily-smart layouts, multiple exclusive technologies and support for the latest M.2 storage devices, so users are able to fully exploit the capabilities of the Z97 and H97 chipsets for the very best multimedia and gaming experiences.

Commenting on the launch, Jackie Hsu, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Worldwide Sales, ASUS Open Platform Business Group, said: “ASUS is committed to small-form-factor motherboard development and we’re excited to present our 9 Series mini-ITX line-up. Developing the perfect layout for mini-ITX is exacting work that demands the finest engineering expertise. Our efforts in layout design are praised repeatedly by the media and with Z97I-Plus and H97I-Plus we have expanded connectivity options and enhanced the DIY experience still further. ASUS 9 Series deliver ATX-grade capability and compatibility in mini-ITX form for the best performance and user experience."

Six-point smart layout for ATX-grade capability and compatibility

The new Z97I-Plus and H97I-Plus motherboards are engineered with a well-equipped layout that puts them on a par with the best ATX boards, delivering great capabilities and compatibility in compact form. For users, this means great expansion flexibility for extra storage, connectivity and graphics. Even large components traditionally considered ATX-only are accommodated effortlessly.

To deliver this uncompromising versatility ASUS engineers applied six smart design ideas to Z97I-Plus and H97I-Plus, beginning with the positioning of the CPU socket and its topography. The processor socket is situated right in the center of the motherboards, providing maximum space between other components for a wider choice of CPU coolers. In addition, there are no components mounted below the socket: this ‘zero-height’ underside ensures maximum compatibility with CPU-cooler fixtures and fittings.

Z97I-Plus and H97I-Plus also benefit from four 6Gbit/s SATA sockets for super-fast connectivity. The carefully calculated spacing between these connectors ensures simple installation and removal of the SATA devices. An M.2 connector is also on board, so users can take advantage of the latest solid-state drives (SSDs).

Both new motherboards are equipped with three 4-pin fan headers that support both 3- and 4-pin (PWM/DC mode) fans. Users enjoy extremely precise control over system cooling with ASUS Fan Expert 3 (Z97I-Plus) and Fan Expert 2+ (H97I-Plus). Fan Xpert 3 is a highly advanced fan-management tool that both puts 3- and 4 pin CPU and case-fan controls in one place. It scans each fan’s characteristics and intelligently delivers custom settings for each fan based on the dedicated area temperatures, and makes sure that every fan achieves the best balance of cooling performance and low noise. Fan Expert 2+ offers similar easy-to-use functionality and supports 3- and 4-pin case-fan connectors.

ASUS engineers always consider the smallest details, which with Z97I-Plus and H97I-Plus means the edge-mounted positioning of the power connector: this convenient location makes it easier to make the required connection. The same level of design-thinking is also applied to the installation of the graphics card, with Q-Slot — a PCIe slot with a large, winged retaining clip that makes inserting or removing a graphics card easy in even a small case.

Exclusive audio technology and ultra-fast networking

Z97I-Plus and H97I-Plus include exclusive ASUS audio features that roar on the battlefield and are superb for all manner of multimedia enjoyment, from movie-watching to music-listening. Distinct layers on the printed circuit board (PCB) separate the left and right channels to guard the quality of the sensitive audio signals. Premium components, including Japanese-made audio capacitors and operational amplifiers (op-amps), result in sound output that has exceptional clarity and fidelity.

Z97I-Plus also includes ASUS Turbo LAN, a clever software utility that works with the Intel Gigabit Ethernet to add even more lag-reducing support, all controlled via an intuitive user interface. Turbo LAN allows users to reduce lag by up 1.45 times (1.45X) — with no expert knowledge required.

Access everything, everywhere with ASUS HomeCloud

Z97I-Plus and H97I-Plus feature ASUS HomeCloud technology. This turns the PC’s hard drive into a private cloud, removing worries about storage limits. Users are able to access the entire contents of their PC remotely, stream multimedia content to any suitable device via a wired or Wi-Fi network, and manage content from anywhere — no matter where the computer is stored. The built-in Wake-on-WAN feature even lets users wake and control a PC remotely with a single smart device, anywhere and anytime.

Z97I-Plus additionally benefits from built-in next-generation 802.11ac dual-band (2.4/5GHz) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 technology for the ultimate connectivity.

Critically-acclaimed reliability and performance

ASUS employs strict compatibility and validation standards, and ASUS 5X Protection uses the finest components to ensure long-term reliability and durability: these include DIGI+ voltage-regulator module (VRM), DRAM overcurrent protection, ESD Guards, high-quality 5K-hour solid-state capacitors that last up to 2.5 times (2.5X) longer than traditional capacitors, and a corrosion-resistant stainless-steel back I/O panel. Additionally, all motherboards are validated for compatibility with over 1,000 devices, and undergo more than 7,000 hours of rigorous endurance testing to assure quality and long-term reliability.