ECS Z97I-Drone motherboard review

Mainboards 327 Page 2 of 19 Published by

teaser

Product Showcase

Product Showcase

The ECZ Z97I DRONE follows a Mini ITX form factor, that would be 170mm X 170mm). The motherboard is placed in the L33t Gaming series and is the premium product within this range.
 

Img_0566


Included with the motherboard are the regulars including; manuals, driver CDs, SATA cables and a rear IO plate. This motherboard lacks Bluetooth and WIFI though.

  • CPU support: 4th Gen Intel Core / Pentium / Celeron processors
  • Chipset: Intel Z97 Express Chipset
  • Intel Gigabit Ethernet
  • Storage: 5x SATA 6Gb/s, 1x M.2 for WIFI module (optional purchase) 
  • Connectivity: 1x PCI-E 3.0
  • 4x USB 3.0 / 4x USB 2.0 supported through rear panel
  • 8-channel Audio ALC1150 Realtek

 

 

Img_0567


Well look at that; simple, small and decent looking. And really, as powerful as any high-end Core i7 quad core setup. Included in the bundle is the motherboard and gear like sata cables etc. 

Img_0568


The I/O back panel reveals four USB 2.0 ports (black) with another four USB 3.0 ports. A Realtek ALC1150 high definition audio codec is the source for audio and we spot one 10/100/1000 Ethernet jack (Intel). There is no PS/2 combo port that can be used for either a keyboard or a mouse, optical SPDIF in/out port and six audio jacks.

Then monitor connectors wise:

  • 1 x DisplayPort with max. resolution up to 4096x2160@24Hz, 24bpp/ 3840x1600@60Hz, 24bpp
  • 1 x HDMI port  with max. resolution up to 4096x2160@24Hz, 24bpp/2560x1600@60Hz, 24bpp/ 1920x1080@60Hz, 36bps.
  • 1 X DVI port

The integrated audio comes from Realtek ALC1150. And check that, one  PCIe 3.0 x16 slot.

  • 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, (supports x16)

14766_img_0569

Too bad the rear IO connectors aren't colored black, that would have killed this motherboard with some moar awesomeness. 

Img_0574

The Z97I DRONE actually comes with one 8 power connector, we spot five phases /  CPU Digital Power Design. Allow me to copy and paste some marketing gobble:

1. HYBRID DIGITAL PWM
Hybrid Digital 5-Phase PWM Designed to manage microprocessor core and memory voltage regulator with auto phase shedding for easy setting, high system flexibility and overclocking applications.

2. ICY CHOKES
1.5X greater stability offering 50° wider temperature range and reducing heat by 13% more than standard ferrite chokes, even under full loading operations

3. Dual Advanced MOSFET
Exclusive Dual Advanced MOSFETs providing up to 90% power efficiency, which allows for extreme heat dissipation with the optimal combination of fast switching, high efficient power conversion and low on-resistance

4. EXCLUSIVE HEATSINK DESIGN
L337 heatsink offers extreme cooling and heat dissipation of up to 10% more, and the style design represents the architectural homage of L337 spirit

5. SUPERIOR JAPANESE CAPS
Ultra long lifespan Nichicon Japanese Caps delivering the highest standard of stability, reliability and longevity to fulfill hard-core gamers' demand and over-clocking application

Share this content
Twitter Facebook Reddit WhatsApp Email Print