ASUS: here is the new Z170 Pro Gaming / Aura motherboard

For 3D printing.

Asus has officially announced a new motherboard dedicated to 3D printing applications. Thanks to the exclusive technology of RGB LED lighting created by ASUS, enthusiasts will be able in a simple and intuitive way, to illuminate the motherboard with an infinite range of color combinations and to create fascinating and fun special effects synchronized through some simple software controls.

For more details, please refer to the official press release below:

ASUS announces the Z170 Pro Gaming / Aura motherboard

World's first compatible motherboard for 3D printing, Aura RGB lighting, reinforced PCIe SafeSlot

Cernusco sul Naviglio, 4 October 2016 - ASUS Z170 Pro Gaming / Aura is the first motherboard in the world specifically designed for 3D printing applications, thanks to its special chassis (patent pending) and characterized by Aura RGB LED lighting that allows you to easily create amazing color combinations completely customizable.

The Z170 Pro Gaming / Aura motherboard includes many exclusive features that guarantee the best possible gaming experience and several technologies that increase overclocking performance and is designed to ensure maximum customization. ASUS Z170 Pro Gaming / Aura embodies the Make It Your Own 3D Printing project, already shown by ASUS at Computex 2016 on several modified X99 motherboards and concept designs. This motherboard allows maximum freedom to mount custom 3D printed components; enthusiasts and modders can download, design and print customized plates and integrate them on the motherboard, it is also possible to create customized solutions to manage cables, thanks to the different source files for 3D printing that ASUS intends to make available.

To further customize their creations, enthusiasts can take advantage of Aura, the exclusive RGB LED lighting technology created by ASUS that allows in a very simple and intuitive way to illuminate the motherboard with an infinite range of color combinations and to create fascinating and fun special effects synchronized via some simple software controls. This intuitive interface allows you to characterize the system with a fantastic multicolored luminescence including: static effect, breath effect, stroboscopic, color cycle, to which is added the possibility to change the color tones to indicate the CPU temperature, to make it pulsate colors to the rhythm of music or take advantage of other effects including: Rainbow, Comet, Falsh and Dash, Wave, Starry Night and Glowing Yo-Yo.

Ideal for gaming, ASUS Z170 Pro Gaming / Aura includes SupremeFX technology that ensures high fidelity audio without quality losses thanks to the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 115dB and Nichicon® audio components that reproduce a warmer and more natural sound. This technology guarantees effective shielding against electromagnetic interference, preserving the integrity of the audio signals for better sound quality. It incorporates a 300ohm amplifier to support the best headphones available thus offering an exceptional listening experience for both music, gaming and audio in a more general sense.
To offer help on the playing field, ASUS Z170 Pro Gaming / Aura uses Sonic Radar II technology that superimposes a “stealth” image on the screen that shows what enemies and teammates are doing; everything is managed through a simple and intuitive control panel. Sonic Radar II detects the direction and origin of sounds during the game and improves the ability to detect the enemy; in addition, audio enhancement technology purifies every sound, to hear enemies even from a distance and understand precisely where each shot is coming from.

Z170 Pro Gaming / Aura uses the new Intel Gigabit Ethernet Controller (I219-V) which reduces CPU overhead by offering exceptionally high performance with TCP and UDP protocols, leaving more computing power available for gaming. The motherboard also includes the exclusive ASUS LANGuard with signal coupling technology that ensures more reliable connections and better throughput, while ESD Guard protects all components from electrostatic discharge.

GameFirst IV optimizes network traffic and prioritizes game-related packets for faster, latency-free online gaming, including multi-Gate Teaming, which allows all player networks to be grouped together for maximum bandwidth at stake. There is also a new intelligent mode, which automatically populates a database by analyzing new data to ensure that each game is optimized for best performance.

Z170 Pro Gaming / Aura includes intelligent RAMCache technology, which efficiently caches an entire storage device so that your favorite apps and games can be launched in the blink of an eye for use the moment they are activated.

5-Way Optimization technology automates the tuning process to instantly boost performance while maintaining maximum control. This unique ROG technology dynamically optimizes system essentials based on usage - ASUS TPU (TurboV Processing Unit), EPU (Energy Processing Unit), the Digi + (VRM) voltage regulator module, Fan Xpert 3 and Turbo App - to make the most of the CPU's potential, ensure daily energy savings, extremely stable digital power supply, quiet and efficient fans, settings audio and networking tailored to your favorite apps and games, all with just one click.

The second generation ASUS T-Topology technology then allows the overclocking of DDR4 memory up to 3466MHz, ensuring a time-aligned signal transfer to improve compatibility and memory stability levels.

The Z170 Pro Gaming / Aura motherboard includes Pro Clock technology that adopts a dedicated BCLK (Base-Clock) generator designed for 400th generation Intel processors, which allows for overclocking base-clock frequencies of 2 MHz or higher XNUMX. This custom solution works in tandem with the ASUS TurboV Processing Unit (TPU) to improve voltage control and overclocking.

A rich set of protections implemented on the new motherboard, starting with the Gamer's Guardian components, which include the brand new ASUS SafeSlot, an improved PCI-Express slot that adopts a new insert molding process that fixes the slot to a reinforcing metal structure to offer superior stability and strength. The Digi + Voltage-Regulator Module (VRM) ensures smooth and precise powering of the CPU and DRAM Overcurrent Protection technology with resettable fuses, superior quality inductors and long-life capacitors.

Smart DYI (do-it-yourself) features include single-clip Q-Slot graphics card installation and single-sided clip-on Q-DIMM memory slots for extremely simple and secure module management RAM. Q-Shield protects against scratches and cuts during assembly, while four Q-LED indicators warn of any problems with the CPU, memory, graphics card or boot device, allowing for quick diagnosis. ASUS ESD Guards technology actively protects USB, LAN and audio ports from sudden electrostatic discharge (ESD).

ASUS Z170 Pro Gaming / Aura is available at a recommended price of € 169,00 including VAT.

The images are available here.