EVGA has officially revealed their Z97 motherboard lineup that comprises of an E-ATX, ATX and a mini-ITX motherboard, all featuring the latest Intel Z97 chipset; the EVGA Z97 Classified, Z97 FTW and Z97 Stinger Core3D. In this article, let’s focus on the Z97 Classified first – the company’s flagship motherboard that is geared towards enthusiasts and overclockers. I’ll discuss the other two EVGA Z97 motherboards on a separate article. Check out the Z97 Classified’s features, specifications and price below.
EVGA Z97 Classified Features
The EVGA Z97 Classified features an LGA Socket 1150 and supports the current 4th Gen. Haswell, upcoming Haswell Refresh, Devil’s Canyon and 5th Gen. Broadwell processors. It’s based on Intel’s Z97 chipset and features an 8 Phase PWM. There are lots of easy access buttons on the board like; Power, Reset and Clear CMOS buttons, PCI-E Disable switches, and BIOS switch since it has a Triple BIOS support.
The Z97 Classified features an enthusiast layout supporting up to 4-way SLI and CrossfireX multiple graphics card setup. It also has onboard CPU Temp monitor display, EZ Voltage Read Points, comes with E-LEET X Tuning Utility and supports LucidLogix Virtu MVP 2.0. And yes, this board has an onboard mSATA/mPCI-e slot which is one of the highlights of a Z97-based motherboard.
The EVGA Z97 Classified also uses 300% more Gold content for a lower inductance and better power delivery. Its PCB has 8 layers for improved overclocking stability and cooling, and uses POSCAP capacitors. There are also two 8pin CPU power connectors (the other one is optional) that can deliver up to 600W of power, very useful specially when doing extreme overclocking. It also features a Creative Sound Core3D Quad-Core Audio processor + optical, but I noticed that there is no EMI shielding or the LED path that separates the audio component from the other components of the motherboard.
Most of the ports in the Z97 Classified are right angled, like the SATA ports, headers and 24-pin ATX power connector. There are 8 SATA 6 Gbps ports but it doesn’t have any SATA Express port. Check out the rest of its specifications below.
EVGA Z97 Classified (152-HR-E979-KR) Specifications
- Intel 4th and 5th Gen Socket 1150 Processors
- Intel Z97 Chipset
- 4x DIMM Dual-Channel DDR3 2666MHz+ (up to 32GB)
- 6x SATA 6Gbps (Z97 PCH) and 2x SATA 6Gbps (Marvell 9220)
- SLI/CrossFireX – 4-Way Support
- POSCAP/Solid State Capacitors
- EATX Form Factor
- 8 Layers PCB
- 4x Rear Panel USB 3.0 Ports
- 4x Rear Panel USB 2.0 Ports
- 2x Mini-DisplayPort
- 2x Intel Gigabit NIC Ethernet
- Creative Sound Core3D Quad-Core Audio Processor + Optical
- 2x USB 3.0 Headers
- 2x USB 2.0 Headers
Accessories:
- EVGA Driver Installation Disc
- Rear Case I/O Panel
- Rear Case I/O Cover
- 1x Probelt Cable
- 4x GPU Link Cables
- 4x SATA 6G Data Cables
- 2-Way SLI Bridge
- 3-Way SLI Bridge
- 4-Way SLI Bridge
- 2 Port USB 3.0 Bracket
- Manual
Price and Availability
As of to-date, the EVGA Z97 Classified 152-HR-E979-KR has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $379.99 and is available for pre-order. This product comes with a 3 year warranty as well. Expect that it will hit store shelves and popular online stores towards the end of the month.
UPDATE: The EVGA Z97 Classified motherboard (152-HR-E979-KR) is now available with a current retail price of $334.99.
You might also want to check out the EVGA Z97 FTW and EVGA Z97 Stinger Core3D motherboards.
