What's the difference? Z170

[TurkeyClub]

Hey, in im the process of buying a board for a 6600k, I like asus's because they would fit well in my b/w build.  I wanted to know the difference between their z170e and z170a motherboards, I d not want to pay more for just another white accent.  Thanks!

[xephoneration]

Rating	(44)	(193)
In Stock	Yes	Yes
Item#	Multiple	Multiple
Model#	Z170-E	Z170-A
Brand	ASUS	ASUS
CPU Socket Type	LGA 1151	LGA 1151
CPU Type	Core i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium / Celeron (LGA1151)	Core i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium / Celeron (LGA1151)
Supported CPU Technologies	Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
Chipset	Intel Z170	Intel Z170
Onboard Video Chipset	Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel HD Graphics support Multi-VGA output support: HDMI/DVI-D ports - Supports HDMI with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz / 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz - Supports DVI-D with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz Maximum shared memory of 512MB Supports Intel InTru 3D, Quick Sync Video, Clear Video HD Technology, Insider Supports up to 2 displays simultaneously	Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel HD Graphics support Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort/HDMI/DVI-D/VGA ports Supports DisplayPort 1.2* with max. resolution 4096 x 2304@60HZ/24HZ Supports HDMI 1.4b with max. resolution 4096 x 2160@24Hz / 2560 x 1600@60Hz Supports DVI-D with max. resolution 1920 x 1200@60Hz  Supports RGB with max. resolution 1920 x 1200@60Hz  Supports Intel InTru 3D/Quick Sync Video/Clear Video HD Technology/Insider Supports up to 3 displays simultaneously Maximum shared memory of 512MB *DP 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports DP 1.2 monitor daisy chain up to 3 displays  Multi-GPU support: Supports NVIDIA 2-Way/Quad-GPU SLI Technology (with 2 PCIex16 graphics card) Supports AMD 3-Way/Quad-GPU CrossFireX Technology
Number of Memory Slots	4×288pin	4×288pin
Memory Standard	DDR4 3466*(*O.C.)/ 3400*/ 3333*/ 3200*/ 3000*/ 2800*/ 2666*/ 2400*/ 2133	DDR4 3400*(*O.C.)/ 3333*/ 3200*/ 3100*/ 3000*/ 2933*/ 2800*/ 2666*/ 2600*/ 2400*/ 2133
Maximum Memory Supported	64GB	64GB
Channel Supported	Dual Channel	Dual Channel
PCI Express 3.0 x16	2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8) 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x2 mode)	2 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode) 1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot* (max. at x4 mode, compatible with PCIe x1 and x4 devices) * The PCIe x16_3 slot shares bandwidth with SATA6G_56. The PCIe x16_3 is default set at x2 mode.
PCI Express x1	1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1	3 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x1 slots
SATA 6Gb/s	6 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), gray	6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray, 2 from SATA Express)
SATA Express	1 x SATA Express port, Compatible with 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports	1 x SATA Express port (compatible with 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports)
M.2	1 x M.2 x4 Socket 3, with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (both SATA & PCIE mode) *1 *1: M.2 shares SATA mode with SATA Express. Change this item before installing M.2 SATA devices.	1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key**, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (both SATA & PCIE mode)*** ** Supports PCIE RAID configurations via onboard M.2 and PCIex16_3.  *** M.2 shares SATA mode with SATA Express. Change this item before installing M.2 SATA devices.
SATA RAID	0/1/5/10	0/1/5/10
Audio Chipset	Realtek ALC887	Realtek ALC892
Audio Channels	8 Channels	8 Channels
LAN Chipset	Intel I219-V	Intel I219-V
Max LAN Speed	10/100/1000Mbps	10/100/1000Mbps
PS/2	1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port	1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
Video Ports	1 x DVI-D	1 x DVI-D
HDMI	1 x HDMI	1 x HDMI
RJ45	1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)	1 x RJ45
USB 3.1	1 x USB 3.1 Type-C	1 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 ports (teal blue, Type A) 1 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 ports (Type C)
USB 3.0	2 x USB 3.0 (blue)	2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
USB 1.1/2.0	2 x USB 2.0	2 x USB 2.0 ports
Audio Ports	6 Ports	8-channel Audio I/O ports
Onboard USB	2 x USB 3.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 3.0 port(s) (19-pin) 2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)	2 x USB 3.0/2.0 connectors support additional 4 USB ports (19-pin) 2 x USB 2.0/1/1 connectors support additional 4 USB ports
Other Connectors	1 x COM port(s) connector(s) 1 x CPU Fan connector(s) (1 x 4-pin) 1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s) (1 x 4-pin) 2 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (2 x 4-pin) 1 x S/PDIF out header(s) 1 x Thunderbolt header(s) 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s) 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s) 1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP) 1 x System panel(s) 1 x 5-pin EXT_FAN(Extension Fan) connector 1 x DRCT header(s) 1 x MemOK! button(s) 1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s) 1 x Water Pump header (4-pin) 1 x 14-1 pin TPM connector	1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin) for both 3-pin(DC mode) and 4-pin (PWM mode) CPU coolers control with auto detection support 1 x CPU OPT Fan connector (4-pin) 1 x Water Pump header (4-pin) 4 x Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin) for both 3-pin(DC mode) and 4-pin (PWM mode) coolers control 1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP) 1 x BIOS Flashback connector 1 x S/PDIF out header 1 x Thunderbolt header (5-pin) for ASUS ThunderboltEX series support 1 x TPM connector 1 x COM port 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector 1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector 1 x System Panel (Q-Connector) 1 x MemOK! button 1 x Clear CMOS jumper 1 x DRCT (Direct Key) connector 1 x TPU switch (advanced two-stage adjustments) 1 x EZ XMP switch 1 x Power-on button 1 x 5-pin EXT_FAN (Extension Fan) connector
Form Factor	ATX	ATX
Dimensions (W x L)	12.01" x 9.21"	12.0" x 9.6"
Power Pin	24 Pin	24 Pin
Features	Multi-GPU Support: Supports NVIDIA 2-Way SLI Technology Supports AMD 2-Way CrossFireX Technology Special Features: OC Design - ASUS PRO Clock Technology - Full BCLK range for extreme overclocking performance 5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5 - Whole system optimization with a single click! 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU, DIGI+ Power Control, Fan Xpert 3, and Turbo App together, providing better CPU performance, efficient power saving, precise digital power control, whole system cooling and even tailor your own app usages. ASUS 5X Protection II: - ASUS LANGuard - 2.5X higher surge tolerance - ASUS Overvoltage Protection - World-class circuit-protecting power design - ASUS DIGI+ VRM - 4 Phase digital power design - ASUS DRAM Overcurrent Protection - Prevents damage from short circuits - ASUS Stainless-Steel Back I/O - 3X corrosion-resistance for greater durability ASUS TPU: - Auto Tuning - GPU Boost ASUS EPU: - EPU ASUS Digital Power Design: - Industry leading Digital 4 Phase Power Design - CPU Power Utility ASUS Exclusive Features: - AI Suite 3 - Ai Charger+ - Anti-Surge - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface - USB 3.1 Boost - Turbo LAN - Crystal Sound 2 - EZ XMP ASUS Exclusive Features - Mobo Connect - PC Cleaner Operating System Support: Windows 10, 64bit Windows 8.1, 64bit Windows 7, 32bit/64bit BIOS: 128MB Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI3.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 3.0, ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified log, F12 PrintScreen and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information Manageability: WfM 2.0, DMI 3.0, WOL by PME, PXE Support Disc: Drivers ASUS Utilities EZ Update Anti-virus software (OEM version)	5-Way Optimization  ASUS PRO Clock Technology Crystal Sound 3 Native M/2/NVMe PCIe RAID Support for Lightning Fast Storage Speeds! USB 3.1 Boost with USB 3.1 Type-A and Type-C Ports 5X Protection II ASUS Special Features: ASUS 5X Protection - ASUS DIGI+ VRM - 8 Phase digital power design - ASUS Enhanced DRAM Overcurrent Protection - Short circuit damage prevention  - ASUS ESD Guards - Enhanced ESD protection  - ASUS High-Quality 5K-Hour Solid Capacitors - 2.5x long lifespan with excellent durability  - ASUS Stainless Steel Back I/O - 3x more durable corrosion-resistant coating  - Mobo Connect - LAN Guard - USB 3.1 Boost - Ai Charger+ - AI Suite 3 - MemOK! - EZ XMP ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution Quiet Thermal Design: - ASUS Fan Xpert 3 - ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-sink solution ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features Precision Tweaker 2: - CPU Core/Cache Voltage: Adjustable CPU Core/Cache Voltage at 0.005V increment - CPU Graphics Voltage: Adjustable CPU Graphics voltage at 0.005V increment  - CPU VCCIO Voltage: Adjustable CPU VCCIO Voltage at 0.0125V increment - CPU System Agent Voltage: Adjustable CPU System Agent Voltage at 0.0125V increment - DRAM Voltage: 152-step Memory voltage control - PCH Core Voltage: 88-step Chipset voltage control SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) - BCLK/PCIE frequency tuning from 40 MHz up to 500 MHz at 0.01 MHz increment Overclocking Protection: - ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) BIOS: 128MB Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI3.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 3.0, ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified log, F12 PrintScreen and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information Manageability: WfM 2.0, DMI 3.0, WOL by PME, PXE Support DVD Drivers ASUS Utilities EZ Update  Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Package Contents	Accessories: User's manual I/O Shield 1 x M.2 Screw Package 1 x CPU installation tool 1 x Supporting DVD 1 x SLI bridge(s)	Accessories: 3 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS SLI bridge connector 1 x Q-connector 1 x M.2 screw package 1 x CPU installation tool 1 x User's manual 1 x Z170 Series Exclusive Feature manual
PCI Slots		1 x PCI Slot
DisplayPort		1 x DisplayPort
S/PDIF Out		1 x Optical

[Naeaes]

Use the comparison tool at asus.com

[xephoneration]

the 44 egg rating is the z170e the other one is th a

[EunSoo]

z170a has more video output supports, supports 4way SLI and 3way Crossfire, better audio, has a USB C connector

 

z170e has 2way SLI, 2way Crossfire, and one less PCIe lane

[TurkeyClub]

Which would you guys recommend, is it worth the price for the a?

[dizmo]

1 minute ago, TurkeyClub said:

Which would you guys recommend, is it worth the price for the a?

You tell us.

If you use the added features, yes.

If not, no.

Only you can really answer that.

[TurkeyClub]

I think I'll go with the e, I wouldn't use most of the extra features anyway, so thanks guys.

[xephoneration]

Z170-A has more video input support and can support up to 3 seperate monitors using integrated graphics

Z170-A can support a larger amount of graphics cards simultaneously, NVIDIA Quad-GPU SLI Technology as well as 3-Way CrossFireX. The Z170-E is limited to 2 way SLI and Crossfire. 

 

Z170-A has 1 extra legacy PCI lane

Z170-A has slightly better in-built audio

Z170-A has both USB 3.1 A & C connections, the Z170-E only has USB 3.1 C.

both perform pretty identical but the price ranges are so close that it pays to go with the z170a because its a better board. 

[smokefest]

1 hour ago, TurkeyClub said:

I think I'll go with the e, I wouldn't use most of the extra features anyway, so thanks guys.

I had z97-E

And it couldnt run pcie 3.0 16x,

Cud only run 3.0 8X,

Dont know if it was random issue...

I bought a z170-.....A this time to fit with my 6700k

 

[smokefest]

1 hour ago, xephoneration said:

Z170-A has more video input support and can support up to 3 seperate monitors using integrated graphics

Z170-A can support a larger amount of graphics cards simultaneously, NVIDIA Quad-GPU SLI Technology as well as 3-Way CrossFireX. The Z170-E is limited to 2 way SLI and Crossfire. 

 

Z170-A has 1 extra legacy PCI lane

Z170-A has slightly better in-built audio

Z170-A has both USB 3.1 A & C connections, the Z170-E only has USB 3.1 C.

both perform pretty identical but the price ranges are so close that it pays to go with the z170a because its a better board. 

May I ask @ what vcore voltage you are @ 6700k @ 4.6 ?