EVGA Z97 FTW is TRASH. Do. NOT. Buy.

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leroy3rd

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Aug 6, 2014
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I just bought the Z97-FTW, and have to say, this is the first EVGA product that I'm disappointed in. I should mention that I came from an ASUS Rampage III Extreme that finally died. I wasn't expecting that kind of quality in a product at this price point, but even with these lowered expectations, I'm seriously let down. If the OEM version of Windows wasn't tied to the motherboard (requiring me to buy a NEW copy of Windows 8.1 if I get a new motherboard), I would, without hesitation, return this piece of junk.

First Issue:
The article about the motherboard on their website SPECIFICALLY says there are TWO USB 2 and 2 USB 3 headers ON THE MOTHERBOARD. I get the motherboard, what do I discover? Only one of each... And worse, it took me ten minutes to figure this out since ON THE MOTHERBOARD is printed USB 2.0 HDR 1/2 and USB 3.0 HDR 1/2... Spent far too long looking for the long lost 2/2 headers for USB 2 and 3. VERY frustrating as I bought this to use those headers. Since I have a Corsair H80i cooling my CPU, I now have ZERO USB headers for the front of my case (which only has USB 2). Unacceptable. (It should be noted that in BIOS it also has a toggle to turn the 2nd USB 2 and 3 headers off...)
Internal%20IO.jpg


Second issue:
The motherboard specs on EVGA's website (in the features tab) for the Z97 FTW list it as having Triple BIOS, when clearly it only has two... Not a huge problem for me, but misinformation like this make me wonder what else is incorrect.
Triple%20BIOS.jpg


Third Issue:
The PCI-E disable switch is lauded as being able to make my life easier by allowing my to turn off PCI-E channels without removing the cards (it certainly saved me some time once or twice on my last motherboard). COOL! Only problem? My SC EVGA 780ti with an ACX COMPLETELY COVERS the switches, making it IMPOSSIBLE TO USE! Seriously, who thought putting the switches UNDER the main video slot was a good idea? (and having a fan header right there isn't exactly brilliant either...)

Fourth Issue:
Horrible manual. Self explanatory. Very little detail, NOTHING on the BIOS (and there are quite a few non-standard options in there).

Fifth Issue:
Fan Control. For some reason the motherboard doesn't report all of the fans to Windows... No matter which software I use, I can't see all of my fans. I can see them in BIOS, but not in windows. Is it a BIOS problem? A Windows problem? No idea, but, I will say, with my ASUS Rampage III Extreme I saw (and could control) all 6 of my fans in Windows.

Sixth Issue:
M2 port. Really? You fitted a NON-STANDARD ("E" key instead of the standard "B" key) port to the board and just neglected to mention that?? I've got a Samsung 840 Pro, so there was really no need for an M2 at the moment, but I was happy it was there in case I needed it in the future. Didn't realize it was useless...

As you can tell, I'm very disappointed with this product. My EVGA 1000w Platinum power supply, SC 780ti, and even old GTX470 are fantastic, this motherboard, not so much. As a final note, my previous motherboard allowed me to change the picture displayed by BIOS at boot, I'd really love to be able to do this again, but, I can't find enough info on the actual BIOS to attempt it, detailed info on the exact version of AMI BIOS in this thing would be greatly appreciated...

-LeRoy3rd



(Triple BIOS, under features)
http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=142-HR-E977-KR
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/34631339/Triple%20BIOS.jpg

(Two USB 2 and Two USB 3 headers)
http://www.evga.com/articles/00835/
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/34631339/Triple%20BIOS.jpg
 
Solution
Dark Lord of Tech
With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8.1 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8.1 you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.


Windows7-2.jpg



OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different...
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Y0GI

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Jul 22, 2013
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If the OEM version of Windows wasn't tied to the motherboard (requiring me to buy a NEW copy of Windows 8.1 if I get a new motherboard), I would, without hesitation, return this piece of junk.
Click to expand...

MS changed their EULA for Win 8 OEM. It is no longer tied to the mobo, as with Win 7 and previous versions. With Win 8/8.1 you are free to change mobos with the same copy of Windows, you just can't use it on more than one machine at the same time.

Yogi
 
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rolli59

rolli59

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Oct 27, 2007
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+1 now the license is open just as long it is only installed on 1 computer at a time!
 
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leroy3rd

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Aug 6, 2014
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Really!?!?? Whoa!!! That would be great! But are you sure? Here's what it says in the description:
"Use of this OEM System Builder Channel software is subject to the terms of the Microsoft OEM System Builder License. This software is intended for pre-installation on a new personal computer for resale. This OEM System Builder Channel software requires the assembler to provide end user support for the Windows software and cannot be transferred to another computer once it is installed. To acquire Windows software with support provided by Microsoft please see our full package "Retail" product offerings. "
 
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leroy3rd

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Aug 6, 2014
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From microsoft's own website:

"If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created. Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred to the new computer"

:ouch:

http://www.microsoft.com/OEM/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/licensing_faq.aspx#fbid=ZkQPvd_O9Fo?hashlink=faq1


It goes on, but basically, if you replace with the same make/model of MB, it will work fine. If you use a different make/model, you can't reuse the same key. :-(
 
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Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator
Aug 18, 2009
128,614
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With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8.1 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8.1 you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.


Windows7-2.jpg



OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com


Windows8-1_zps0f2f36f7.png



Windows 8 is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx
 
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Solution
Y

Y0GI

Splendid
Jul 22, 2013
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I believe that they are referring to the OEM Windows that comes with prebuilt computers such as Dell, HP, Gateway, etc. Those cannot be transferred. The OEM Windows that you buy at a dealer, like Newegg, can be transferred without any problems.

Yogi

 
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leroy3rd

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Aug 6, 2014
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Thanks for setting me straight in regard to the new policy, even the description at Amazon says it can't be xferred to a new mobo! Amazon said they'd take back the EVGA board and issue me a full refund, then they authorized free next day shipping for an ASUS Maximus VII Hero. This was my second choice board, the thing that pushed the EVGA to first was the promise of 2 internal USB 2.0 headers. I love EVGA's other products, but think I'll be much happier with this Asus board.
 
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Puffnstuff

Puffnstuff

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Oct 4, 2009
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Well evga is sending me that board to replace a most pathetic z87 ftw that post loops, resets itself at random, has flaky usb ports and a bios that freezes up when I try to use it among other things. This is the second one like this so they agreed to replace it with a z97. If you take a look at the components on the new evga board they aren't near what they used to be nor are they on par with asus or gigabyte but their prices are as high or higher. If I hadn't received this board as a replacement from them for another model I would be looking at asus or gigabyte myself.
 
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G

Guest

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I have windows 7 was installed on a gigabyte 990fx burnt that mobo out switched to a crosshair v formula z didn't have to rebuy the license ;D

 
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G

Guest

Guest


I have windows 7 was installed on a gigabyte 990fx burnt that mobo out switched to a crosshair v formula z didn't have to rebuy the license ;D

 
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Timzhardware

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Feb 27, 2015
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To the OP: A better title to your many posts, here and elsewhere on the web, would be "Buyer Beware".

Why did you not return the mobo as soon as you realized it did not have the USB headers you claim were the main reason for your purchase? EVGA helpline might have upgraded you to the Classified (which you should have purchased based on your needs), if you explained their misrepresentation to them in the same clear and supported manner as in your post. This is an important issue to many of their customers. In my experience, EVGA's helpdesk is better than most. Posting your claim that these boards are 'trash' all over the web makes you look vindictive because your expectations were not met. If EVGA misrepresented the specs, calling these boards 'trash' is misrepresenting your complaint.

Although I sincerely feel for your shot expectations, the title of this thread is misleading and not supported by your very well written observation/complaint. My boards are working very well, and are not trash. If anything, EVGA are guilty of classic "bait-and-switch" fraud, because of their marketing department's actions, not any functional failures on the boards themselves. The placement of the PCI-E switch is just stupid but it works.

Someone from EVGA advertising should be fired, publicly. In fact the whole senior marketing staff should be fired. They f*d up representing the gtx 970 specs, and they f*d up the z97 FTW mobo specs. I just bought two of each, so I am also quite pissed about the misrepresentations. However, both video cards and both mobos are performing well. Based on past EVGA purchases, I expect these to continue working for years before I will need to 'trash' them.
 
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Puffnstuff

Puffnstuff

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Oct 4, 2009
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EVGA will not upgrade your board even if you offer to pay the difference. I know because I tried it and they said no. In the end I got tired of the z97 ftw and replaced it with an asus Maximus vii hero which has been an excellent board. I've been selling off my evga boards ever since and will never buy another one.
 
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