If you’re in the market for a new motherboard, you may be wondering what the difference is between the Asus Z170-A and Pro Gaming models. Both are excellent choices for gamers, but there are some key differences that you should be aware of before making your final decision. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the two models and break down the key differences so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Table of Contents
What Is Asus Z170-A?
This Intel-LGA1151 socket board is designed to accommodate 6th generation Intel processors, providing your system with robust performance. The Z170-A features an advanced thermal design with high quality components, making it extremely stable and reliable. It also has numerous connectivity options, including USB 3.1 ports, PCIe slots for graphics cards, SATA 6Gb/s connectors and multiple fan headers for optimal cooling performance. Additionally, the Z170-A comes with Asus’ proprietary technologies such as AI Suite III to help users optimize their system performance in real time. [1]
What Is Asus Z170 Pro Gaming?
Asus Z170 Pro Gaming is an upgrade to the Z170-A. It is also an Intel LGA1151 socket based board, however it supports 7th/8th/9th generation Intel processors. Along with a more advanced power design and higher quality components, the Z170 Pro Gaming has extra features such as support for two M.2 slots, USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports and SupremeFX audio technology. Additionally, the Z170 Pro Gaming comes with exclusive Asus technologies such as Gamer’s Guardian to provide users with reliable safeguards against any damage during installation or operation of their system.
Asus Z170-A vs. Pro Gaming
Memory
If you’re looking for maximum RAM control, then the Asus Z170-A motherboard offers up to 64 GB DDR4 RAM, while the Pro Gaming motherboard can support a total of 128 GB DDR4 RAM.
Ports
The Asus Z170-A motherboard has a total of 6 SATA3 ports, 2 USB 3.1 ports and 2 USB 2.0 ports; however the Pro Gaming model offers 8 SATA3 connections, 4 Gen 1 USB 3.1 inserts and an additional 4 USB2 slots for even more versatility!
Expansion Slots
The Asus Z170-A motherboard provides two PCIe x16 slots for graphics cards and one PCIe x4 slot for additional expansion cards while the Pro Gaming motherboard offers three PCIe x16 slots for graphics cards and four PCIe x4 slots for additional expansion cards.
Audio Quality
Both motherboards feature Realtek ALC892 audio codecs with support for 5.1/7.1 channel surround sound but the Pro Gaming also offers ASUS-exclusive SupremeFX technology for optimized audio quality. [2]
Network Connectivity
The Asus Z170-A motherboard has an Intel I219V Gigabit LAN controller while the Pro Gaming motherboard features an Intel I211AT Gigabit LAN with turbo LAN technology.
Form Factor
Both motherboards are ATX form factor but the Pro Gaming also includes a mini ITX version.
Storage
The Asus Z170-A motherboard can handle up to 4 SATA Express and 2 M.2 x4 connectors, while its bigger brother the Pro Gaming supports a whopping 6 SATA Express and 2 M.2 x4 connections – setting yourself up for faster data transfer speeds!
Graphics
The Asus Z170-A motherboard is compatible with both NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards while the Pro Gaming only supports NVIDIA graphics cards.
BIOS
The Asus Z170-A motherboard has a UEFI BIOS with a graphical user interface while the Pro Gaming offers an advanced BIOS with an easy-to-navigate EZ Mode.
Both motherboards offer features that are suitable for gaming purposes, but the Pro Gaming model offers more memory and storage capacity, improved network connectivity, better audio quality, and additional expansion slots.
Ultimately, both models are good options depending on what you’re looking for in a gaming motherboard. [3]
Pros and Cons of Asus Z170-A
The Asus Z170-A is a great mid-range motherboard, offering good performance and features at an affordable price. It supports Intel’s latest 6th Generation processors, including the Core i7-6700K, Core i5-6600K, and Core i3-6320. With its LGA 1151 socket and DDR4 memory support up to 4000MHz, the Z170-A offers plenty of flexibility for gamers looking to build their dream rig.
On the downside, the Asus Z170-A does not come with SLI or Crossfire support. This means if you’re looking to outfit your PC with multiple graphics cards in order to get maximum gaming performance out of it, this may not be the motherboard for you. Additionally, the Z170-A only supports up to three displays, so if you’re looking to game on four or more monitors, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
All in all, the Asus Z170-A is a great option for gamers looking to build a high-performance PC on a budget. It offers excellent value for the money and should be able to handle any game you throw at it without issue. If you’re looking to do some serious gaming on multiple monitors or with multiple graphics cards, however, you’ll need to look elsewhere. [4]
Pros and Cons of Z170 Pro Gaming
The Asus Z170-A has been one more popular choice for gamers, but there are some key differences between the regular model and the Pro Gaming version. Here we take a look at the pros and cons of both models to help you decide which one is best suited to your gaming needs.
Pros:
The Z170 Pro Gaming model comes with an Intel LGA1151 chipset that offers higher performance than the regular model, allowing for faster loading times and improved compatibility with newer games. It also provides more ports for connecting peripherals such as USB devices, networking equipment, and gaming consoles like Xbox One or PlayStation 4. Additionally, it features a special BIOS designed specifically for gamers which makes overclocking easier and allows users to customize their hardware settings to optimize performance.
Cons:
The Pro Gaming model is more expensive than the regular Z170-A, and it may not be necessary for users who don’t need all the extra features it offers. Additionally, some gamers have reported issues with stability when overclocking on this motherboard, so it’s important to test any upgrades before making a purchase. Lastly, due to its compatibility with newer games, older titles may not run as well or at all on the Pro Gaming model.
Overall, the Asus Z170-A and Pro Gaming are both viable options for gamers looking for a powerful motherboard that can handle their gaming needs. Whether you choose the regular version or go with the Pro Gaming model depends largely on your budget, the games you plan to play, and the features you need. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which one is right for you. [5]
Alternatives to Asus Z170-A and Asus Pro Gaming
Asus offers a range of alternatives to the Z170-A and Pro Gaming motherboards, including:
- Asus Prime Z390-A – This is one of the company’s most popular motherboards. It supports 9th gen Intel Core processors, has an 8+2 digital PWM power design and supports up to 64GB DDR4 RAM.
- Asus Strix H370-F Gaming – This motherboard features high-end audio quality with SupremeFX enhancements, as well as support for 8th gen Intel Core processors. With fan Xpert 4 technology and Aura Sync RGB lighting, customization options are plentiful.
- Asus Maximus XI Extreme – A top of the line gaming motherboard that supports both 8th and 9th gen Intel Core processors. It has AI overclocking and a robust cooling design, as well as an LGA 1151 socket with four RAM slots that can hold a total of 64GB DDR4 memory.
Each of these Asus motherboards is loaded with features that bring the perfect balance between performance and quality. Whether you’re looking for a PC build for gaming or work, you can find the right motherboard to fit your needs at ASUS.
FAQ
Is the Asus Z170-a good for gaming?
Yes, the Asus Z170-a is an excellent option for gaming. It offers a variety of features suitable for gamers, such as support for Intel’s latest 6th generation processors, up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM and multiple PCIe 3.0 slots for expansion cards. Additionally, it has a modern aesthetic design with gamer-focused features such as reinforced PCIe slots and integrated RGB lighting control.
What makes the Asus Pro Gaming better than the Z170-a?
The main difference between the two motherboards is that the Pro Gaming adds additional gamer-oriented features beyond what is available on the Z170-a. These include USB 3.1 Type C connectors, integrated SupremeFX audio technology, Gamer’s Guardian components like ESD guards, a dedicated SupremeFX shielding audio card and more powerful network controllers. Additionally, the Pro Gaming has an even heavier-duty thermal design for improved cooling performance.
Does the Asus Pro Gaming offer better overclocking capabilities?
Yes, the Pro Gaming motherboard is designed specifically for overclockers, with features such as automated overclocking profiles, enhanced PWM controls and optimized fan settings to help you get maximum performance out of your CPU. It also offers premium components with higher quality construction than what is available on the Z170-a. This can result in improved stability and reliability when running at higher speeds.
Are there any other differences between the two motherboards?
Aside from their feature sets, one key difference between the two motherboards is the price. The Asus Pro Gaming motherboard is more expensive than the Z170-a, reflecting the additional features and improved components that it offers. Ultimately, which one you choose will depend on your budget and what type of gaming experience you are looking for.
Do either of these motherboards support AMD CPUs?
No, neither of these motherboards supports AMD CPUs; they are both designed specifically for Intel processors. If you need a motherboard to support an AMD CPU, you will have to look for a different model such as one from ASUS’s ROG or TUF series.
Can I use multiple graphics cards with either motherboard?
Yes, both the Z170-a and Pro Gaming motherboards support multiple graphics cards. The Z170-a has two PCIe 3.0 slots for expansion, while the Pro Gaming has three. This means that you can install up to two or three GPUs, depending on which one you choose.
What generation is the Z170 motherboard?
The Asus Z170-A is part of Intel’s 6th generation Core processor family, using the latest Intel Z170 chipset. It provides support for up to 64GBs of DDR4 memory and features several USB 3.1 Type-A and Type-C ports. The board also boasts a host of other modern technologies such as M.2 storage, PCIe x16 Gen3 slots, and a variety of onboard audio codecs. Meanwhile, the Asus Pro Gaming Series motherboard is based on Intel’s 7th Generation Core Processor family with an advanced Z270 chipset. It supports up to 64GBs of DDR4 memory and offers two USB 3.1 (Type A & C) ports plus four PCIe x16 Gen1 slots. The Pro Gaming Series also comes equipped with Intel Optane Memory support, multi-GPU graphic card support, and a SupremeFX 8-Channel High Definition Audio Codec for enhanced audio output.
Does Z170 Pro Gaming support 3600MHz RAM?
Yes, the Asus Z170 Pro Gaming motherboard supports RAM with speeds up to 3600MHz. It is also compatible with both 4th and 5th generation Intel processors, allowing you to upgrade your system as needed. The Z170-A model also features a host of other features for gaming enthusiasts including SupremeFX Audio Technology, customizable lighting effects, two LAN ports for increased bandwidth and support for up to 8 SATA devices connected simultaneously.
What are some alternatives?
If you’re looking for an alternative to the Asus Z170 Pro Gaming, some other popular gaming motherboards are the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max and Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite. Both of these boards support Ryzen CPUs up to 3rd generation and up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM at speeds up to 3600MHz. They also both feature advanced cooling systems, custom RGB lighting effects, dual M.2 slots for fast SSD storage and support for 8-channel HD audio. Additionally, each motherboard offers robust overclocking capabilities and built-in protection against power surges. Each board is also compatible with a wide range of components and peripherals so you can create the perfect system for your needs. It’s important to note that each of these boards is designed with gaming enthusiasts in mind and offer higher performance than the Z170 Pro Gaming. However, they may be more expensive depending on where you purchase them from. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which board will best suit your needs.
Does Z170 support 7th gen?
Yes, the Asus Z170-A and Pro Gaming motherboards both support Intel’s 7th generation Core processors. The Z170-A is designed for more mainstream users while the Pro Gaming supports overclocking and extreme gaming. Both boards feature DDR4 memory slots, USB 3.1 ports, M.2 drive slots, and multiple expansion slots.
Useful Video: MSI Z170A Gaming Pro vs ASUS Z170 Pro Gaming
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Asus Z170-A and the Pro Gaming have their benefits and drawbacks. If you are looking for a reliable motherboard that has great features like support for multiple GPUs, USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C ports and advanced cooling system, then the Asus Z170-A is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you need maximum performance on overclocking and want to get more out of your gaming rig, then going with the Pro Gaming is the better option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and how much money you would like to spend on your motherboard.
Whichever option you decide to go with will provide you with a good experience in gaming or other computing tasks that require high levels of performance.
References
- https://versus.com/en/asus-z170-a-vs-asus-z170-pro-gaming
- https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/asus-z170-a-vs-asus-z170-pro-gaming.2479947/
- https://productz.com/en/asus-z170-a-vs-asus-z170-pro-gaming/v/E4XzQ-RynN7
- https://pangoly.com/en/compare/motherboard/asus-z170-pro-gaming-vs-asus-z170-pro
- https://pcpartpicker.com/forums/topic/184799-asus-z170-pro-vs-z170-a