EVGA has officially revealed their latest motherboard lineup – the EVGA Z97 Classified, Z97 FTW and Z97 Stinger Core3D. In this article, let’s focus on the Z97 Stinger Core3D the company’s mini-ITX motherboard engineered with an ultra-compact form factor that still runs at full performance. Experience a GUI BIOS that is focused on functionality, new software interface for overclocking in the O.S., high quality components, premium Creative Core3D audio and more. I’ll discuss the Z97 Classified and Z97 FTW on a separate article. Meanwhile, check out the Z97 Stinger Core3D’s features, specifications and price below.
EVGA Z97 Stinger Core3D Features
The EVGA Z97 Stinger Core3D 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 a 6 Phase PWM. There are onboard buttons like Power, Reset and Clear CMOS buttons. It has a dimension of 170.18mm x 170.18mm, just slightly larger than a 140mm fan.
The Z97 Stinger Core3D has only one PCIE 3.0 x16 slot (like all mini-ITX motherboards do), but it also has onboard CPU Temp monitor display, E-LEET X Tuning Utility and supports LucidLogix Virtu MVP 2.0. This board has also an onboard mSATA/mPCI-e Slot slot.
The EVGA Z97 Stinger Core3D also uses 300% more Gold content for a lower inductance and better power delivery. It only has a 10 layer PCB (very slightly thicker than the 8-layered Classified), and also uses POSCAP capacitors. It has a 6 channel Creative Sound Core3D Quad-Core Audio Processor + optical, 4 SATA 6 Gbps ports and doesn’t have any SATA Express port. Check out the rest of its specifications below.
EVGA Z97 Stinger Core3D (111-HR-E972-KR) Specifications
- Intel 4th and 5th Gen Socket 1150 Processors
- Intel Z97 Chipset
- 2x DIMM Dual-Channel DDR3 2666MHz+ (up to 16GB)
- 4x SATA 6Gbps (Z97 PCH)
- 1x eSATA 3Gbps (Z97 PCH)
- 2-Way SLI Support + PhysX
- POSCAP/Solid State Capacitors
- mini-ITX Form Factor
- 10 Layers PCB
- 4x Rear Panel USB 3.0 Ports
- 4x Rear Panel USB 2.0 Ports
- 1x Mini-DisplayPort
- 1x Intel Gigabit Ethernet
- Creative Sound Core3D Quad-Core Audio Processor + Optical
- 1x USB 3.0 Headers
- 1x USB 2.0 Headers
Accessories:
- EVGA Driver Installation Disc
- Rear Case I/O Panel
- Rear Case I/O Cover
- 2x SATA 6G Data Cables
- Manual
Price and Availability
As of to-date, the EVGA Z97 Stinger Core3D 111-HR-E972-KR has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $199.99 but it is currently unavailable, hopefully towards the end of the month. 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 as well.
UPDATE: The EVGA Z97 Stinger Core motherboard (111-HR-E972-KR) is now available with a current retail price of $168.99 . Meanwhile the Stinger with WiFi model is also available for $209.99 only.
You might also want to check out the EVGA Z97 Classified and EVGA Z97 FTW motherboards.
