One of Asus’ latest Z97 motherboard, the fully featured Asus Z97-Deluxe (NFC & WLC) is now available. The Asus Z97-Deluxe (NFC & WLC) is jam-packed with lots of features and accessories like Near Field Communication, Wireless Charger, Thunderbolt 2 and many more. It also features a one-click total system optimization and fastest WiFi 802.11ac connectivity. Check out the rest of its features, specifications, price and where to buy below.
Asus Z97-Deluxe (NFC & WLC) Features
The Asus Z97-Deluxe (NFC & WLC) is one of the most fully featured Asus Z97 motherboards. It has 5-way optimization by Dual Intelligent Processor 5, M.2 and SATA Express ports, Crystal Sound 2 and dual Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports, Asus HomeCloud with 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, ThunderboltEX II/Dual, NFC Express 2 and Wireless Charger (WLC) and many more. Let’s take a look at these features one by one.
5-Way Optimization
The new Asus Z97-Deluxe (NFC & WLC) features the new 5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processor 5, which optimizes the essential part of your system. Before it was only a 4-way optimization, but now latest Z97 motherboards can optimize 5 essential area of your system, namely: CPU performance, energy saving, precise digital power control, fans, and networking and audio settings. In other words, with the 5-way optimization games will run swiftly and smoothly with high performance, prioritized bandwidth and vivid sound; fans stay whisper-quiet for everyday computing and ensure extreme cooling efficiency when gaming; movies play without stutter; and energy waste is reduced so you’ll save money.
System Cooling and Monitoring
The Asus Z97-Deluxe (NFC & WLC) also features Fan Xpert 3 which can control the different 4-pin and 3-pin PWM or DC fans connected on the motherboard. Fan speed can be configured from ultra-low to high performance depending on your system’s needs. There are also several onboard thermal sensors for monitoring the different temperature of your system.
New UEFI BIOS
All Asus Z97 motherboards, including the new ROG and TUF series, feature a new UEFI BIOS. The previous UEFI BIOS was great but the new version in the Z97 motherboards is even better. You also get an EZ mode and Advanced mode, plus you get even more control of your system than before.
System Overclocking
The new Asus Z97 Deluxe (NFC & WLC) makes it easy for you to overclock your processor and your memory. Overclocking your processor can be done easily via the new AI Suite or if you want more control, you can do it via the new UEFI BIOS. You can also overclock your system’s memory up to 3300MHz, thanks to Asus’ T-Topology design that provides superb memory overclocking capability under full load by minimizing the coupling noise and signal reflection effect.
M.2, SATA Express and Thunderbolt 2
One of the new features in the Intel 9 Series based motherboards is the support for built-in M.2 PCIE 2.0 port which supports up to 10Gb/s data-transfer, breaking the SATA III 6Gbps barrier speed. The new Asus Z97 Deluxe (NFC & WLC) also features two SATA Express ports, providing up to 10Gbit/s data-transfer speeds from two PCIE 2.0 lanes, resolving the higher bandwidth request in the near future.
The Asus Z97 Deluxe (NFC & WLC) also features ThunderboltEX II, the first Intel-certified Thunderbolt 2 add-on card, offering the flexibility to upgrade your own build to Thunderbolt 2 technology whenever you want. You can enjoy bi-directional transfer speeds up to 20Gbit/s and experience video in incredible detail on the latest 4K/UHD (ultra-high-definition) displays while using bandwidth-hungry storage devices at the same time.
Crystal Sound 2
The new Asus Z97 Deluxe (NFX & WLC) also features Crystal Sound 2 audio core. It has audio shielding, EMI cover, Audio amplifier, unique de-pop circuit, and has premium Japanese-made audio capacitors, giving you superb audio quality, clarity and fidelity.
Dual LAN and WiFi 802.11 ac
This motherboard has also lots of wired and wireless connectivity options. It features two super-fast Gigabit Ethernet ports featuring Turbo LAN with cFosSpeed traffic-shaping technology. It also features a 2T2R Dual Band 2.4/5GHz 802.11ac WiFi up to 867Mbps, with WiFi Go!, making it possible for you to access your PC fast and easily even if you are away from your home.
NFC and WLC
Finally, this is the only Asus Z97 motherboard that comes with a NFC Express 2 (Near Field Communication) and WLC (Wireless Charger) docks, making it possible for you to interact and recharge your mobile devices wirelessly.
Check out the rest of its features and specifications on the table below.
Asus Z97-Deluxe (NFC & WLC) Specifications
| Specifications | Z97-DELUXE(NFC & WLC) |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Socket 1150 for the 5th/New 4th/4th Generation Core™ i7/Core™ i5/Core™ i3/Pentium®/Celeron® Processors Supports Intel® 22 nm CPU Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 |
| Chipset | Intel® Z97 |
| Memory | 4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 3300(O.C.)/ 3200(O.C.)/ 3100(O.C.)/ 3000(O.C.)/ 2933(O.C.)/ 2800(O.C.)/ 2666(O.C.)/ 2600(O.C.)/ 2400(O.C.)/ 2200(O.C.)/ 2133(O.C.)/ 2000(O.C.)/ 1866(O.C.)/ 1600/1333 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory Dual Channel Memory Architecture Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) |
| Graphics | Integrated Graphics Processor- Intel® HD Graphics support Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DisplayPort /Mini DisplayPort ports - Supports HDMI with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz / 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz - Supports DisplayPort with max. resolution 4960 x 2160 @ 24 Hz / 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz - Supports Mini DisplayPort with max. resolution 4960 x 2160 @ 24 Hz / 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz Maximum shared memory of 512 MB Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D, Quick Sync Video, Clear Video HD Technology, Insider™ Supports up to 3 displays simultaneously DP 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports DP 1.2 monitor daisy chain up to 3 displays |
| Multi-GPU Support | Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology Supports AMD 3-Way CrossFireX™ Technology |
| Expansion Slots | 2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8) 1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (max at x4 mode) 4 x PCIe 2.0 x1 |
| Storage | Intel® Z97 chipset : 1 x SATA Express port, compatible with 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports 1 x M.2 Socket 3, , with M Key, type 2260/2280 storage devices support (both SATA & PCIE mode) 4 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), gray Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10 Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start Technology, Intel® Smart Connect Technology ASMedia® SATA Express controller : 1 x SATA Express port, ASMedia® PCIe SATA controller : 2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), black |
| LAN | Intel® I218V, 1 x Gigabit LAN, Dual interconnect between the Integrated Media Access Controller (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Intel® I211-AT, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s) Gigabit Intel® LAN Connection- 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) appliance |
| Wireless Data Network | Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Supports dual band frequency 2.4/5 GHz Support ASUS Wi-Fi Go! Utility |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth V4.0 |
| Audio | Realtek® ALC1150 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC featuring Crystal Sound 2 - Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel MIC Jack-retasking - High quality 112 dB SNR stereo playback output and 104 dB SNR recording input Audio Feature : - Absolute Pitch 192kHz/ 24-bit True BD Lossless Sound - DTS Ultra PC II - DTS Connect - Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel - BD Audio Layer Content Protection - Audio Shielding: Ensures precision analog/digital separation and greatly reduced multi-lateral interference - Dedicated audio PCB layers: Separate layers for left and right channels to guard the quality of the sensitive audio signals - Audio amplifier: Provides the highest-quality sound for headphone and speakers - Premium Japanese-made audio capacitors: Provide warm, natural and immersive sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity - Unique de-pop circuit: Reduces start-up popping noise to audio outputs - Top notch audio sensation delivers according to the audio configuration - EMI protection cover to prevent electrical noise to affect the amplifier quality |
| USB Ports | Intel® Z97 chipset : 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 port(s) (4 at back panel, blue) Intel® Z97 chipset : 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 port(s) (4 at back panel, , 4 at mid-board) ASMedia® USB 3.0 controller : 6 x USB port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 4 at mid-board) |
| Special Features | 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 : - ASUS DIGI+ VRM - 16 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 ASUS TPU : - Auto Tuning - GPU Boost - TPU switch ASUS EPU : - EPU - EPU switch ASUS Digital Power Design : - Industry leading Digital 16 Phase Power Design - Industry leading Digital 2 Phase DRAM Power Design - CPU Power Utility - DRAM Power Utility ASUS Wi-Fi GO! - Wi-Fi GO! Function: Cloud GO!, Remote Desktop, Remote Keyboard & Mouse, File Transfer - Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote app for portable smartphone/tablet, supporting iOS 7 & Android 4.0 systems ASUS Exclusive Features : - AI Suite 3 - Ai Charger+ - USB Charger+ - Anti-Surge - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface - USB 3.0 Boost - Disk Unlocker - Turbo LAN - Crystal Sound 2 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution : - Stylish Fanless Design Heat-pipe solution ASUS EZ DIY : - Precision Tweaker 2 - ASUS O.C. Tuner - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS EZ Flash 2 - ASUS USB BIOS Flashback - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode - Push Notice ASUS Q-Design : - ASUS Q-Shield - ASUS Q-Code - ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED) - ASUS Q-Slot - ASUS Q-DIMM - ASUS Q-Connector Special Memory O.C. Design Overclocking Protection : - ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall) Media Streamer Turbo App Fan Xpert 3 NFC EXPRESS 2 - NFC one-touch features: Video-to-go, Photo Express, Remote Desktop, Quick Launch, Windows 8 Login and Bluetooth Pairing |
| Operating System Support | Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 |
| Back I/O Ports | 1 x DisplayPort 1 x HDMI 2 x LAN (RJ45) port(s) 6 x USB 3.0 (blue) 4 x USB 2.0 1 x Optical S/PDIF out 6 x Audio jack(s) 1 x Mini DisplayPort(s) 1 x ASUS Wi-Fi GO! module (Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth v4.0 |
| Internal I/O Ports | 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 SATA Express connector: black, 1 x M.2 Socket 3 for M Key, type 2260/2280 devices 1 x TPM header 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s) 1 x CPU Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin) 1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin) 4 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (4 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 EZ XMP switch 1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP) 1 x System panel(s) (Q-Connector) 1 x DRCT header(s) 1 x MemOK! button(s) 1 x TPU switch(es) 1 x EPU switch(es) 1 x Power-on button(s) 1 x Reset button(s) 1 x Clear CMOS button(s) 1 x USB BIOS Flashback button(s) |
| Accessories | User's manual ASUS Q-Shield 6 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s) 1 x NFC EXPRESS 2 box with 2 extra USB 3.0 ports + NFC EXPRESS tag + ASUS NFC EXPRESS utility 1 x ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi moving antennas (Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compliant) 1 x external USB 3.0 cable for NFC EXPRESS 2 (120cm) 1 x Wireless Charger 1 x micro USB-to-USB cable for Wireless Charger (120cm) 1 x power adapter for Wireless Charger (5V DC, 2A, 10W) 1 x ThunderboltEX II/DUAL card 1 x ASUS TB header cable (linked from an ASUS motherboard's TB header to ThunderboltEX II/DUAL card's TB header) 1 x ASUS TB header convertor (9-pin to 5-pin) 1 x DisplayPort cable 1 x mini DisplayPort Cable 1 x SLI bridge(s) 1 x Q-connector(s) (2 in 1) |
| BIOS | 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.7, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.8, ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified log, F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shortcut functions, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information |
| Manageability | WfM 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE |
| Support Disc | Drivers ASUS Utilities EZ Update Anti-virus software (OEM version) |
| Form Factor | ATX Form Factor 12.0 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm ) |
Price and Availability
The Asus Z97-DELUXE (NFC & WLC) is now available for only $399.99. This motherboard is one fully featured motherboard and is also the most expensive Asus Z97 motherboard so far. If you think you don’t need some of the features in this motherboard, there is also the less featured Asus Z97-DELUXE for only $289.99, or the more affordable Asus Z97-PRO (WiFi AC) for only $219.99.
