Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Five Z87 Motherboards For Your Mini-ITX Build, Reviewed
By ,
1. The Mini-ITX Market Is Small, But Growing...

Every time we hear about the death of the desktop PC, that conclusion seems to be based on slowing sales from big tier-ones like Dell and HP. But we know from talking to boutique builders that the demand for high-end gaming PCs and workstations continues to increase. It's a good time to be an enthusiast, and games like Battlefield 4 help illustrate why. 

At least some of the excitement comes from high-performance, high efficiency hardware, which is allowing the community to construct faster machines in smaller enclosures. It's no longer necessary to drop a big case next to your desk with two or three 250 W graphics cards for playable frame rates in the latest titles. Now we can get plenty of speed in small machines that look more like living room appliances, but are every bit PCs. 

Up until recently, the mini-ITX form factor was all about compromise. You'd give up most of your motherboard's slots and room for integrated extras to fit into tighter spaces. But as this segment grows, more and more companies are recognizing a desire for premium-class platforms with all of the on-board features expected from a larger ATX board. Drop in a high-end, overclockable processor, one dual-slot graphics card with multiple display outputs, and some solid-state storage. Sounds about as sexy as any monolithic gaming box we've ever seen.

So, which motherboard would we choose to serve as the foundation for a build like that? There are certainly many options on the market, and five of the industry’s top performance-oriented brands sent us a sample to compare.

LGA 1150-Based Mini-ITX Motherboard Features
 ASRock
Z87E-ITX
Asus
Z87I-Deluxe
EVGA
Z87 Stinger
Gigabyte
Z87N-WiFi
MSI
Z87I
PCB Revision1.051.031.11.01.0
ChipsetIntel Z87 ExpressIntel Z87 ExpressIntel Z87 ExpressIntel Z87 ExpressIntel Z87 Express
Voltage RegulatorSix Phases12 PhasesFour PhasesFour PhasesFour Phases
BIOSP2.10 (10/04/2013)0702 (08/30/2013)102 (08/07/2013)F4 (08/03/2013)V1.4 (09/30/2013)
100.0 MHz BCLK100.10 (+0.10%)99.94 (-0.06%)100.12 (+0.12%)99.77 (-0.23%)100.01 (+0.01%)
I/O Panel Connectors
P/S 21NoneNone11
USB 3.046444
USB 2.024422
Network11122
CLR_CMOS Button111None1
Digital Audio OutOpticalOpticalOpticalOpticalOptical
Digital Audio InNoneNoneNoneNoneNone
Analog Audio53556
Video OutDVI-I, DisplayPort, HDMIDVI-I, HDMI, DisplayPortDisplayPort, HDMIDual HDMI, DVI-IHDMI, DisplayPort, DVI-I
Other DeviceseSATA, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth ModuleUSB BIOS Flashback, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth ModuleBluetooth Transceiver
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth ModuleWi-Fi/Bluetooth Module
GO2BIOS button
Internal Interfaces
PCIe 3.0 x1611111
PCIe 2.0 x16NoneNoneNoneNoneNone
PCIe 2.0 x1Mini-PCIe (filled)NoneMini-PCIeMini-PCIe (filled)Mini-PCIe (filled)
USB 3.01 (2-ports)1 (2-ports)1 (2-ports)1 (2-ports)1 (2-ports)
USB 2.02 (4-ports)1 (2-ports)1 (2-ports)1 (2-ports)1 (2-ports)
SATA 6.0 Gb/s6 x (shared with
eSATA, mSATA)
6444
4-Pin Fan24322
3-Pin FanNoneNoneNoneNoneNone
FP-Audio11111
S/PDIF I/ONoneOutput OnlyNoneOutput OnlyNone
Internal ButtonsNoneMemOKPower, ResetNoneNone
Internal SwitchNoneNoneNoneNoneNone
Diagnostics PanelNoneNoneNumericNoneNone
Other DevicesNoneNoneNoneSerial COM portSerial COM port
Mass Storage Controllers
Chipset SATA6 x SATA 6Gb/s (Total)
Shared w/eSATA, mSATA
6 x SATA 6Gb/s4 x SATA 6Gb/s4 x SATA 6Gb/s4 x SATA 6Gb/s
Chipset RAID Modes0, 1, 5, 100, 1, 5, 100, 1, 5, 100, 1, 5, 100, 1, 5, 10
Add-In SATANoneNoneNoneNoneNone
USB 3.0Integrated-onlyIntegrated-onlyIntegrated-onlyIntegrated-onlyIntegrated-only
Networking
Primary LANWGI217V PHYWGI217V PHYWGI217V PHYWGI217V PHY8111G PCIe
Secondary LANNoneNoneNoneAR8161 PCIe8111G PCIe
Wi-FiBCM4352 PCIe
802.11ac Dual-Band
BCM4352 PCIe
802.11ac Dual-Band
NoneIntel 2230 PCIe
802.11n Single-Band
Intel 2230 PCIe
802.11n Single-Band
BluetoothBy 802.11ac ComboBy 802.11ac ComboAR3011 USBBy 802.11n ComboBy 802.11n Combo
Audio
HD Audio CodecALC1150ALC1150CA0132 (Core3D) PCIeALC892ALC892
DDL/DTS ConnectDTS ConnectDTS ConnectNoneNoneNone
WarrantyThree YearsThree YearsThree YearsThree YearsThree Years
2. ASRock Z87E-ITX

ASRock fills the mini-PCIe slot of its high-end Z87E-ITX with Broadcom’s dual-band BCM4352 controller card, adding 802.11ac Wi-Fi with a peak data rate of 867 Mb/s and Bluetooth, in addition to Intel’s reputable gigabit Ethernet PHY for networking. The full set of six SATA ports is also available internally, though two of those ports are shared with other connectors.

One shared connection shows up on the I/O panel as eSATA, alongside DisplayPort and HDMI display outputs. DVI-I allows ASRock to get rid of the ancient VGA connector, while retaining compatibility through an included adapter block. The space that might have once been dedicated to VGA is now occupied by the wireless controller's antenna bracket.

The rear I/O panel also provides a CLR_CMOS button, four of the chipset’s six USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, five analog audio jacks, and optical audio ouput. ASRock expands multi-channel digital audio functionality to live streams by licensing DTS Connect capability for its Realtek ALC1150 codec.

The Z87E-ITX hides an mSATA interface under the circuit board to save space and confuse spectators. Could that system really be running with no visible hard drive or SSD? Crazy! That connector does steal one of the top-side SATA 6Gb/s ports when it's occupied, lowering the total number of unshared internal ports to four. Several competing boards are limited to four ports, period, with no other interfaces. So, ASRock can count this as a win.

As with SATA connectivity, the Z87 chipset is packed with more USB 2.0 ports than most manufacturers can fit onto such a small form factor. ASRock again does one better than most of its competitors by offering two internal headers, for a total of four front-panel USB 2.0 ports, in addition to the Z87E-ITX’s dual-port USB 3.0 header.

The Z87E-ITX’s CPU interface is positioned to the far right, putting more space between the CPU cooler and graphics card. Placing it there forced ASRock to move its eight-pin EPS12V connector to the left of the CPU’s input voltage regulator, where it could be unreachable under mid-sized coolers. Builders may be forced to attach this cable before installing a wide, low profile cooler.

Larger coolers might also overlap the last two SATA ports. Knowing that some folks won't be able to reach them, ASRock picked those ports to share with the mSATA and eSATA interfaces.

Four SATA cables, a DVI-I-to-VGA adapter, an I/O shield, and a dual-band antenna complete the Z87E-ITX hardware list.

3. Z87E-ITX Software

The Z87E-ITX contains ASRock’s standard software suite, including XFast USB by FNet, XFast LAN packet prioritization by cFos, Restart to UEFI, and various freeware and shareware discussed in a previous review. The Z87E-ITX reverts to Realtek’s DTS-enabled audio control interface, but the firm's A-Tuning application adapts to the new board’s hardware configuration.

Confirmed working through CPU-Z, base clock, CPU ratio, and voltage controls match firmware settings.

Additional voltage settings are also adjustable through ASRock A-Tuning, though most of these changes aren’t detectable through software. DRAM and CPU Input were verified functioning with a volt meter.

A-Tuning System Info shows installed hardware on a motherboard-specific image. The Z87E-ITX gets two images, since its mSATA connector is on the opposite side.

An automatic overclocking algorithm pushed our CPU to 4.3 GHz at 1.20 V. Though those settings initially appeared ideal for compact gaming systems, Prime95 revealed power throttling down to 3.5 GHz.

4. Z87E-ITX Firmware

The Z87E-ITX's firmware is loaded with several overclocking profiles, including 20% and 30% over stock and manual configurations up to 4.8 GHz. We already know where we’re going, jumping down to the CPU Ratio “All Core” multiplier of 46x at the stock 100 MHz BCLK frequency.

Because the Haswell CPU’s integrated memory controller lacks a 30x multiplier, the Z87E-ITX correctly chooses its DDR3-2933 setting and adjusts BCLK to 102.3 MHz.

We reached the expected 4.6 GHz overclock at the Z87E-ITX’s 1.24 V setting. Though CPU-Z now reports set voltage (rather than actual voltage), CPU core temperature was consistent with our actual target of 1.25 V.

DRAM voltage is easier to check with a volt meter, reaching an actual 1.65 V at the board’s 1.635 V setting.

Primary, secondary, and tertiary timings are adjustable over a wide range. XMP timings for our DDR3-3000 modules are shown.

5. Asus Z87I-Deluxe

Asus packs its Z87I-Deluxe I/O panel with six USB 3.0 and four USB 2.0 ports, but loses PS/2 and eSATA compared to ASRock’s competing product. Internal connectors are moved around to make room for a far-larger 12-phase CPU input voltage regulator.

The I/O panel also gains a USB BIOS Flashback button. This Asus-exclusive feature allows builders to flash a new firmware version using nothing more than a power supply and USB thumb drive, and is particularly useful when installing a newer, unsupported CPU on an older board. We shouldn’t need to worry about that for a while, since all of the Haswell-based processors compatible with LGA 1150 are pretty recent.

Analog connectivity on the rear panel drops to three jacks, though DTS Connect technology encodes live audio streams to 5.1-channel surround over a single digital output.

Asus saves space by placing Broadcom’s dual-channel, 867 Mb/s-capable 802.11ac Wi-Fi + Bluetooth controller on a vertical I/O panel riser. And since the vertical voltage regulator impedes access around the CPU socket, the Z87I-Deluxe’s eight-pin CPU power connector is relocated to the board’s front edge. Large CPU coolers may force builders to connect fan header cables before placing the board into a case.

The USB 3.0 front-panel header is a little close to the CPU socket, which may cause clearance issues with some coolers. Though most large heat sinks can be rotated out of the way, the upright voltage regulator may prevent low-profile models (those with little motherboard clearance) from being rotated. Those factors make cooler offset and vertical clearance equally important, which is why they’re listed on page one of Eight Low-Profile CPU Coolers For Your Compact PC, Reviewed.

Asus surprises us by including all six SATA 6Gb/s internal cables with its six-port board. An I/O shield, Wi-Fi antenna, and front-panel lead extender round out the kit.

6. Z87I-Deluxe Software

The Z87I-Deluxe includes Asus’ standard applications suite with Digi+ voltage regulator modes, AI Charger+ USB charging booster, EZ Update software updater, EPU energy-saving underclocking profiles, Fan Xpert2 enhanced fan control, USB 3.0 Boost for UASP and USB Turbo modes, Boot Setting reboot to firmware GUI, Network iControl packet prioritization, “Wi-Fi Go!” launching point for wireless networking and AP-mode controls, and TurboV Evo software-based overclocking.

TurboV Evo represents the full range of multiplier and voltage controls already found in UEFI, and changes that are applied directly to UEFI require a reboot.

Automatic Overclocking is also an option, with the Auto Tuning algorithm quickly testing stability at increased multiplier, voltage, and clock settings. Choosing “By Multiplier” mode got us a 4.30 GHz max O/C at 1.155 V that drops to 4.1 GHz as additional cores are loaded.

A few more millivolts would have allowed the system to remain stable at its full overclock with all four cores under load. Choosing “By Base Clock” mode, the algorithm pushed a fixed 4.25 GHz O/C at 1.175 V.

7. Z87I-Deluxe Firmware

Asus' firmware has several overclocking modes, and the Z87I-Deluxe follows that theme. Selecting XMP overclocking mode before making other adjustments enables both XMP-memory and manual CPU overclocks simultaneously.

The Z87I-Deluxe properly selects the highest-functioning DDR3-2933 memory ratio for our Haswell-based processor, increasing BCLK to 102.3 MHz to enable its DDR3-3000 rating. We had to back it down to 100 MHz to find our CPU’s 4.6 GHz maximum frequency.

Heat is the reason our CPU tops out at 4.6 GHz, as core voltage levels greater than 1.25 V result in thermal throttling. We reached that limit at this motherboard's 1.245 V setting.

DRAM is even more aggressively over-volted; our voltmeter showed a 1.65 V output at the board’s 1.635 V setting.

Primary, secondary, and tertiary timings are adjustable. The top three settings switched from “Auto” to our memory’s XMP ratings when XMP mode was enabled.

Because the Haswell architecture's core voltage is internally regulated, we left load-line calibration settings at motherboard defaults.

8. EVGA Z87 Stinger

While most of its competitors scrambled to find room to retain all of the Z87 Express PCH's natively-supported features using a mini-ITX form factor, EVGA made space for power and reset buttons, plus a dual-digit system status display. Dedicated to gamers, and by extension to overclockers, the company got there by focusing on the unique needs of the mini-ITX-based gaming system market.

The first thing we noticed was that the board has only four internal SATA 6Gb/s ports, which makes sense when most small cases have no more than four drive bays anyway. A tiny heat sink serves a similarly downsized four-phase voltage regulator, which also works for us since Haswell’s heat issues normally prevent it from capitalizing on the additional capacity of larger regulators. EVGA also gets rid of rarely-used connections like legacy communications ports and the TPM.

That’s not to say the board is stripped. We still find, for example, the full range of front-panel headers, including USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and analog audio I/O. In fact, front-panel audio is a significant addition to the Z87 Stinger, since EVGA neglected to include it on the company's Z77-based predecessor. Also, one of the missing SATA 6Gb/s ports gets re-routed to eSATA.

EVGA even includes a decorative cover so you don't have to look at parts of the board that don't add anything aesthetically. In fact, Wi-Fi is the only feature notably missing from the Z87 Stinger compared to competing products.

The Z87 Stinger has a mini-PCIe slot into which you can drop your choice of wireless networking controller or other compatible device. EVGA even includes a place on the board's I/O shield for mounting antenna leads. On the other hand, if the company wanted to provide its customers with added configuration flexibility, it should have bundled the break-out cables that aren’t included with most mini-PCIe-based wireless modules.

The Z87 Stinger's manual is universal, and based on EVGA's other products. You'll need to rely on its additional configuration sheet to determine the location and function of various connectors, and know to dismiss anything listed in the manual but not found on the board.

9. Z87 Stinger Software

Equipped with Creative’s Core3D audio processor, the Z87 Stinger features the same audio control interface as the previously-reviewed M8 mini PC, with one exception: there are no digital inputs in its mixer panel.

EVGA E-Leet is updated for the company's Z87 line-up, adding tuning menus to the familiar CPU-Z interface. An entire row of five tabs is devoted to hardware monitoring.

Base clock settings far exceed UEFI limits, though both exceed the capabilities of any Haswell-based CPU that we've seen. We verified that smaller changes worked though, in addition to ratio multiplier adjustments.

Another menu provides controls for CPU input, DIMM, and chipset voltages. We were able to confirm DIMM voltage changes with a volt meter.

Two more menus provide core affinity for specific processes and overclocking profile settings.

10. Z87 Stinger Firmware

The Z87 Stinger is a formidable competitor in multiplier-based overclocking. But if you're doing any tuning with the BCLK, then beware. A “d6” error code had this sample locked up for hours after setting 104 MHz with integrated graphics disabled.

It turns out that whenever the board experiences overclocking issues on its PCIe bus, it reverts to integrated graphics. If integrated graphics are disabled, it stops. And the CLR_CMOS button does not reset the base clock nor re-enable on-board graphics. Pulling the battery with the power disconnected and allowing it to drain down for several hours didn’t solve the issue, nor did changing the CPU or graphics card. Even EVGA’s own GeForce GTX 760 in our lab didn’t solve this show-stopper.

Forcing configuration errors is my last-ditch approach to sneaking into a board's firmware without replacing its CMOS ROM. In theory, a platform should (and usually does) jump to default settings when major hardware changes take place. The problem is that all of my LGA 1150-based processors are the same model!

I tried booting without memory and then booting with memory, but the UEFI remained stuck at 104 MHz with on-board graphics disabled and a PCIe error to the graphics card. I even tried removing the CPU, starting without the CPU, and then re-installing the CPU. Many of these changes would cause the board to temporarily use default settings, but it would then detect the hardware and reboot with the previous problematic settings before POSTing.

Thank goodness for bad memory, though. After pondering the type of error that would force the Z87 Stinger to remain in default mode until I could enter the UEFI, I remembered that some very old DDR3 modules aren’t properly programmed for newer memory controllers. I reached into my scrap pile, pulled out some discarded memory, and installed it. Viola, the error was detected, the board couldn’t figure out how to re-configure it at previous settings, and I was dropped into the firmware for manual configuration.

Remember that the diagnostics process started with many attempts to CLR_CMOS? Upon entering the UEFI, I found that the 104 MHz setting was still locked and loaded for application upon the next boot. I also found that on-board graphics would still be disabled. Resetting to defaults from inside the firmware got me back up and running.

The Z87 Stinger reached our expected 4.6 GHz at 1.25 V using a motherboard setting of 1.245 V, but couldn’t configure our memory to its XMP-3000 settings. It instead chose a 30x memory multiplier that’s not supported by any LGA 1150 processor. The board was, however, able to reach DDR3-3025 by choosing its DDR3-2933 setting and then increasing BCLK to 103 MHz.

Primary, secondary, and tertiary timings are all configurable from the Z87 Stinger’s memory menu. A 1.635 V setting produced a detected 1.65 volts.

I’ve never used memory training algorithms to search for higher DRAM clocks, but welcome the opinions of advanced memory tweakers in our comments below. The Z87 Stinger provides a lengthy selection of these settings.

11. Gigabyte Z87N-WiFi

While some companies add features and others reduce prices to win over different types of consumers, Gigabyte tries to do both with its Z87N-WiFi. We found this board, with its two GbE and Wi-Fi controllers (with Bluetooth support), for a mere $127.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch though, and 802.11ac capable of 867 Mb/s performance is certainly a big cost-adder. We instead find Intel’s 802.11n-based single-band module on-board, which is rated for up to 300 Mb/s in a 2x2 configuration. Hop online and you can buy that card for as little as $15 or so. And the second GbE controller isn’t free either, as the board also has a reduced-cost four-phase voltage regulator.

Gigabyte drops two of the chipset’s six SATA 6Gb/s ports. Even though the four remaining ports are more than adequate for most builds, the loss of a pair internally also highlights the fact that the board lacks eSATA. And the VGA output capability of its DVI-I connector is lessened by the installation kit’s lack of an adapter block.

None of those exclusions dissuade us from seeing high value in the Z87N-WiFi’s low price though, since available connections and power still surpass the maximum needs of most miniature builds. The Haswell architecture's heat issues even mean that most overclockers will run out of thermal headroom before they reach the voltage regulator’s maximum output.

Mini-ITX chassis- and CPU-imposed limitations don't save the Z87N-WiFi from harsher feedback over only including two fan connectors. Most of our tiny cases have both intake and exhaust fans. And the CPU cooler still needs at least one fan header.

Close spacing between the Z87N-WiFi’s CPU socket and graphics slot raise a second concern: cooling. Eight Low-Profile CPU Coolers For Your Compact PC, Reviewed probably has enough offset data to help an owner of this board figure out what will work, but we had to turn our tower-style heat sink sideways in order to fit a graphics card. Then, memory clearance becomes a concern.

The four-pin CPU power connector (ATX12V) is also uncomfortably close to the CPU socket, and will likely compel owners of low-profile coolers to install the cable, heat sink, and motherboard in that order.

The Z87N-WiFi includes a wireless networking antenna, two SATA 6Gb/s cables, and an I/O shield.

12. Z87N-WiFi Software

Gigabyte’s APP Center resides under the Windows task bar, popping up when selected to reveal a scrolling menu. The image below shows these menu items pasted side-by-side for a quicker view, and the applet links a variety of handy applications such as USB Blocker for port security and Live Update to poll Gigabyte’s server for new drivers.

Gigabyte @BIOS allows firmware updates within windows, polls from Gigabyte’s server, and includes its “Face Wizard” boot image modification application.

Gigabyte’s EZ Setup provides a simple interface for the functions of Intel’s SATA controller.

Smart Recovery 2 provides file backup and system recovery functions.

Gigabyte Smart TimeLock gives PC owners additional user management options, as described on its info page.

The company's EasyTune hasn’t changed significantly since our previous verbose description, but its tuning options are still governed by each motherboard model's feature set. We find the full range of clock, multiplier, and voltage controls repeated from firmware into this easy Windows-based interface:

Automatic overclocking is also an option, with both pre-defined overclocking profiles and an overclocking algorithm at your fingertips. The top profile (OC Extreme) increases the CPU frequency range to 3.7 through 4.5 GHz, depending on the number of cores in use, at 1.30 volts.

Gigabyte’s Auto Tuning algorithm managed to get our CPU stable at 4.40 GHz with all of its cores loaded. The voltage level for this somewhat-impressive O/C was on the high side at 1.475 V unfortunately, causing near-instant thermal throttling from our Haswell-based Core i7.

13. Z87N-WiFi Firmware

Gigabyte’s UEFI is optimized for 1080p displays, showing system status in various menus that surround its main settings. Fortunately, the F6 key toggles the screen to low-resolution mode, where only the main menus remain.

The user-configurable home page is set by default to provide the most common overclock settings, including base clock, multipliers, and key voltage levels.

Z87N-WiFi firmware defaults to 99.77 MHz in Auto mode, but selecting a 100.01 MHz base clock results in an actual 100.00 MHz.

The Z87N-WiFi had no difficulty reaching the 4.6 GHz we were expecting, but our XMP-3000 memory profile didn’t work. We had to drop the memory multiplier to 24 x 100 MHz.

The Z87N-WiFi memory menu has redundant multiplier and XMP settings. Switching from Auto memory timings to Manual provides combined (both channel) timing controls, while per-channel settings can be made using Advanced Manual timings.

Primary, secondary, and tertiary memory timings are all adjustable. We were able to run our RAM at DDR3-2400 CAS 9, but loosening it to slower XMP timings did not allow stability at any higher memory ratio.

The Voltage menu is a launching point for three submenus that, combined, would have still fit onto one page. We reached our desired 1.25 V CPU core voltage at the Z87N-WiFi’s 1.23 V setting, and our memory’s 1.65 V rating at the board’s 1.62 V setting.

14. MSI Z87I

MSI’s Z87I puts Gigabyte in a tight spot by providing a nearly identical feature set and price. Using the same 802.11n wireless card from Intel as its competition, MSI adds teaming support to its dual GbE ports by leaning on a matched pair of less expensive controllers.

MSI adds DisplayPort to facilitate higher resolutions from the board’s second video output than Gigabyte enables, but joins the Z87N-WiFi in leaving out the rarely-needed DVI-to-VGA adapter block. We even find four USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports on the I/O panels of both boards.

You get six analog audio outputs from the Z87I, compared to Gigabyte's five. This is achieved by relocating the Z87I’s optical audio output. MSI also finds room for two easy-access buttons on its I/O panel: CLR_CMOS and the firm’s aptly-named “Go2BIOS”.

Similarities between competing models don’t end at the I/O panel. The Z87I also has the same CPU-to-graphics slot crowding issue, and is even limited to two fan headers. I'd like to offer the same tip about offset measurements from Eight Low-Profile CPU Coolers For Your Compact PC, Reviewed, though the Z87I does have slightly more room between its CPU interface and ATX12V connector.

We're pointing out an awful lot of similarities here, but also like Gigabyte's board, MSI only exposes four internal SATA 6Gb/s ports, highlighting a lack of eSATA on the Z87I. Both platforms go so far as to use the same ALC892 audio codec, so we’re left to check overclocking and efficiency before we can choose a leader.

You only get two SATA cables with the Z87I, an I/O shield, and a pair of Wi-Fi antennas to complete the installation. Aside from antenna style, this is an almost exact match to its closest competitor.

15. Z87I Software

MSI’s Command Center software is now updated for better Z87 motherboard support, providing several overclocking, monitoring, and system function controls.

CPU multiplier and BCLK settings are adjustable within firmware limits, though our CPU kept our verification process constrained to a few steps over stock. Smart fan controls appear on the same page, letting you set a speed curve that best matches thermal needs to acoustic desires.

DRAM and GPU overclocking menus appear to have available adjustments, though the settings were locked in our specific configuration.

MSI now has its own complementary RAMDisk utility.

The company couldn't find the space to drop an OC Genie button on its Z87I, but the software application still works. It set our CPU to 4 GHz at 1.10 volts, and offers several pop-up menus for additional adjustments.

The Motherboard icon opens a pop-up menu labeled Voltage that also has a ring ratio setting. MSI's CPU icon opens a redundant fan setting pop-up, and the Memory icon opens a DRAM Timings page. Voltages are software-adjustable within firmware limits, but changes to DRAM timings prompt a reboot or cause the software to crash.

MSI’s sensor recorder and status alerts are available from more pop-up menus.

Four more menus are devoted to system information.

16. Z87I Firmware

MSI surrounds its menu settings with a status bar and several large icons, though the setting fonts are still large enough to read even after shrinking from the native 1024x768 to 600x450 scale.

The Z87I didn’t reach the stable 4.6 GHz at 1.25 V we were expecting from our processor, but it got close at 4.55 GHz using a 45x multiplier and 101 MHz BCLK. Our XMP-3000 memory was also properly configured within memory multiplier limits at 22x 1.33x 102.3 MHz.

Our 1.25 volt CPU core target was reached at the Z87I’s 1.240 V setting, and the memory’s 1.65 V rating was similarly reached at the board’s 1.635 V setting.

Primary, secondary, and tertiary memory timings are all configurable over a wide range, with our XMP-3000 defaults shown in grey text.

The Z87I also features DRAM training configuration.

MSI’s DigitALL Power menu still contains CPU Vdroop offset, though this has primarily become an integrated function of the CPU’s input-to-core voltage controller. Default settings gave us excellent voltage stability.

17. Test Hardware And Benchmark Settings
Test System Configuration
CPUIntel Core i7-4770K (Haswell): 3.5-3.9 GHz, 8 MB Shared L3 Cache, LGA 1150
CPU CoolerThermalright MUX-120 w/Zalman ZM-STG1 Paste
RAMG.Skill F3-17600CL9D-8GBXLD (8 GB) at DDR3-1600 C9 Defaults
G.Skill F3-3000C12D-8GTXDG (8 GB) at XMP-3000 C12 Timings
GraphicsAMD Radeon HD 7970 3 GB: 925 MHz GPU, GDDR5-5500
Hard DriveSamsung 840 Series MZ-7PD256, 256 GB SSD
SoundIntegrated HD Audio
NetworkIntegrated Gigabit Networking
PowerCorsair AX860i: ATX12V v2.3, EPS12V, 80 PLUS Platinum
Software
OSMicrosoft Windows 8 Professional RTM x64
GraphicsAMD Catalyst 13.4
ChipsetIntel INF 9.4.0.1017

Thermalright’s classic MUX-120 remains competitive with our recent review of high-end heat sinks, even when using its original clip-on mounting system. It’s that easy-to-mount mechanism that wins me over in motherboard round-ups, and the good performance points to a good design.

Alternatively, we can point to problems with the Core i7's heat spreader as a reason why larger coolers couldn’t give us significantly better thermal performance in that review.

G.Skill’s F3-17600CL9D-8GBXLD is the only memory kit in our lab that defaults to our DDR3-1600 CAS 9 test standard. Faster RAM always uses slower defaults, and slower RAM requires XMP to get there. The problem is that some boards automatically enable other overclocking features when XMP is enabled. Consistency rules these tests.

We replaced the slower memory with G.Skill’s DDR3-3000 kit for our overclocking stability tests.

Corsair sent its 80 PLUS Plantinum-rated AX860i for our benchmark needs, citing enhanced support of Haswell's C7 state.

Benchmark Settings
Adobe Creative Suite
Adobe After Effects CS6Version 11.0.0.378 x64: Create Video which includes Three Streams, 210 Frames, Render Multiple Frames Simultaneosly
Adobe Photoshop CS6Version 13 x64: Filter 15.7 MB TIF Image: Radial Blur, Shape Blur, Median, Polar Coordinates
Adobe Premeire Pro CS6Version 6.0.0.0, 6.61 GB MXF Project to H.264 to H.264 Blu-ray, Output 1920x1080, Maximum Quality
Audio/Video Encoding
iTunesVersion 11.0.4.4 x64: Audio CD (Terminator II SE), 53 minutes, default AAC format
LAME MP3Version 3.98.3: Audio CD "Terminator II SE", 53 min, convert WAV to MP3 audio format, Command: -b 160 --nores (160 Kb/s)
HandBrake CLIVersion: 0.99: Video from Canon Eos 7D (1920x1080, 25 FPS) 1 Minutes 22 Seconds
Audio: PCM-S16, 48,000 Hz, Two-Channel, to Video: AVC1 Audio: AAC (High Profile)
TotalCode Studio 2.5Version: 2.5.0.10677: MPEG-2 to H.264, MainConcept H.264/AVC Codec, 28 sec HDTV 1920x1080 (MPEG-2), Audio: MPEG-2 (44.1 kHz, Two-Channel, 16-Bit, 224 Kb/s), Codec: H.264 Pro, Mode: PAL 50i (25 FPS), Profile: H.264 BD HDMV
Productivity
ABBYY FineReaderVersion 10.0.102.95: Read PDF save to Doc, Source: Political Economy (J. Broadhurst 1842) 111 Pages
Adobe Acrobat 11Version 11.0.0.379: Print PDF from 115 Page PowerPoint, 128-bit RC4 Encryption
Autodesk 3ds Max 2012Version 14.0 x64: Space Flyby Mentalray, 248 Frames, 1440x1080
Autodesk 3ds Max 2013Version 15.0 x64: Space Flyby Mentalray, 248 Frames, 1440x1080
BlenderVersion: 2.67b, Cycles Engine, Syntax blender -b thg.blend -f 1, 1920x1080, 8x Anti-Aliasing, Render THG.blend frame 1
Visual Studio 2010Version 10.0, Compile Google Chrome, Scripted
File Compression
WinZipVersion 17.0 Pro: THG-Workload (1.3 GB) to ZIP, command line switches "-a -ez -p -r"
WinRARVersion 4.2: THG-Workload (1.3 GB) to RAR, command line switches "winrar a -r -m3"
7-ZipVersion 9.28: THG-Workload (1.3 GB) to .7z, command line switches "a -t7z -r -m0=LZMA2 -mx=5"
Synthetic Benchmarks and Settings
3DMark 11Version: 1.0.1.0, Benchmark Only
PCMark 8Version: 1.0.0 x64, Full Test
SiSoftware SandraVersion Version 2013.01.19.11, CPU Test = CPU Arithmetic / Cryptography, Memory Test = Bandwidth Benchmark
18. Results: 3DMark And PCMark

Tighter integration makes it difficult for any product to stand out in a performance comparison, though companies can still cheat a little on base clock or force a modified Turbo Boost mode, where the highest (single-core) turbo ratio is applied even to quad-core loads. We disable that tomfoolery when settings are available, and enable Intel’s full power-saving feature set to the best of each motherboard’s capability. That means benchmarks do nothing more than show if anyone is cheating or accidentally crippling their product.

Storage scores are the only synthetic performance measurements that carry though to our final analysis. They range from 4993 to 4997 will have little overall impact there.

19. Results: SiSoftware Sandra

Gigabyte’s small lead in Sandra's Arithmetic module appears strange, especially since we locked the board in at an exact 100 MHz base clock and made sure that its full range of Turbo Boost ratios were represented at various loads. EVGA’s stumble in Sandra's Cryptography test appears equally out of place, and retesting confirmed that this data was consistent.

Suddenly, EVGA's finish in the Cryptography test makes a lot more sense. Poor memory performance curbs the rate at which our CPU can churn through AES-related instructions. Our Z87 Stinger operates at the same DDR3-1600 CAS 9 defaults as the other boards, but perhaps EVGA is playing with other timings to boost memory stability?

20. Results: Audio And Video Encoding

We try not to worry about one-second differences in these benchmarks, since very small absolute values can cause rounding errors anyway. However, the two-second delta between ASRock's and EVGA's samples in Lame is at least noteworthy (though still tiny).

21. Results: Adobe Creative Suite

EVGA’s Z87 Stinger takes a few more small victories in Adobe Creative Suite. This is the same board that had trouble in a couple of our synthetics, so the company is obviously doing something different.

22. Results: Productivity

MSI's Z87I slightly leads in 3ds Max and ABBY FineReader, but again by an amount that you’d probably need a performance chart to recognize. EVGA’s Z87 Stinger sweeps Visual Studio by a similar margin.

23. Results: File Compression

The Z87 Stinger leads most of our file compression suite, but takes a noticeable stumble in the OpenCL-accelerated WinZip benchmark.

24. Energy, Heat, And Efficiency

The Z87E-ITX puts ASRock in the lead for lowest idle power consumption, while EVGA registers the highest idle and lowest full-load power numbers. Inconsistent Turbo Boost behavior could explain the small leads in a few benchmarks, though the Z87 Stinger's overall performance is just 1% above average.

Gigabyte’s Z87N-WiFi demonstrated high full-load power consumption, and showed us similarly higher core temperatures. With its processor interface nudged up close towards the graphics card, we credit cooler orientation with part of the heat increase.

High full-load power consumption hurts Gigabyte’s overall efficiency, while low full-load power consumption boosts EVGA’s average efficiency in spite of idle power issues.

25. Overclocking

Five of the six motherboards we tested pushed our Core i7-4770K sample to 46 x 100 MHz stably under an eight-thread, AVX-optimized Prime95 load. MSI’s Z87I was down by half a tick at 45 x 101 MHz.

We generally limit ourselves to multiplier-based overclocks whenever possible, so the only base clock that matters to most of us is at the processor’s 100 MHz strap. That’s because locked cores also have locked straps. A non K-series processor can still get a 9% overclock from Asus’ Z87I-Deluxe, in addition to the four 100 MHz bins of headroom available to those processors.

ASRock falls slightly behind the top three boards in DRAM overclocking, but Gigbyte’s Z87N-WiFi had a more-serious issue of instability at high memory multipliers. But we’re not sure this matters, since our recent DRAM tests showed that timing-optimized DDR3-2133 offers slightly better performance than timing-optimized DDR3-2400 with Haswell-based CPUs.

26. Which Mini-ITX Motherboard Would We Buy For Haswell?

Who has the best mini-ITX-based motherboard? And which board offers the best value? Can those two competing concepts be tied together in a single product?

Gigabyte and MSI present significantly similar platforms, which offer features and faults that largely mirror each other. Naturally, they sell for almost identical prices, too. The Z87N-WiFi had a tough time pushing memory data rates beyond 2400 MT/s, while the Z87I was over 50 MHz down on CPU core overclocking. Recent memory tests indicate that CPU core frequency is the more important variable, though anyone who disagrees will want to see these motherboards achieve a value tie. Our Smart Buy recognition doesn't have to be exclusive in a round-up, so they both receive our recognition.

At the other end of the pricing scale, EVGA’s Z87 Stinger includes fewer features and sells at a higher price. This leaves Asus and ASRock competing for best-of-the-best status.

Both boards are also equipped similarly, with Broadcom’s 867 Mb/s 802.11ac controller topping their feature sets. The Z87I-Deluxe adds an overkill voltage regulator suitable to processors twice this size, but the Z87E-ITX has a hidden mSATA slot that some builders will love (in addition to its adequately-oversized voltage regulator).

The Z87I-Deluxe’s beefier power circuitry costs more than ASRock’s alternative sneakily-placed SATA connector, and probably justifies its $30 price difference. Then again, Asus would tell us that the hardware needed to enable its USB BIOS Flashback feature is also worth a chunk of that difference, even if most of us won't have occasion to use it. The Z87E-ITX comes out on top of a practical features-to-price comparison, while Asus’s more-expensive extras finish first in a cost-versus-price analysis.

When Tom's Hardware looks to crown a product the best in a category, however, price gets limited weighting. Asus' features are probably more valuable than ASRock’s, even though we're asked to pay more for them. Nevertheless, the Asus Z87I-Deluxe receives our coveted Tom's Hardware Elite award.

On the other hand, the flexibility of eSATA and mSATA connectors on ASRock's Z87E-ITX truly does make it difficult to crown another board unquestionably superior. So, competing closely for top-value and top-features, many of us would rightly consider the ASRock platform as a stunning offering as well. The only award we have left to bestow on the Z87E-ITX is Tom's Hardware Approved, which is recognition from our editor of a job well done.