ASUS
Z97-WS
Best robust platform for demanding professional workstations.
The Intel Z97 chipset-based workstation motherboard features on-demand NVIDIA GeForce SLI and AMD CrossFireX technology, plus hassle-free troubleshooting features for minimized downtime. ASUS Z97-WS couples innovative thinking with premium components to deliver industry-leading power efficiency. Carefully engineered with Beat Thermal Chokes made of highly conductive and efficient gold-treated coating for minimal-loss power delivery and integrated Dr. MOS MOSFET that both saves space and reduces operating temperatures. For the latest workstation motherboard, ASUS introduce the industry's most durable 12K solid capacitors, and exclusive ASUS ProCool power connectors. Z97-WS is built to stay cool under pressure - and boosts performance, power efficiency and product longevity into extreme levels! Q-code logger is your one-touch troubleshooter that lets users easily check system status at any time. Plug a flash drive into adjacent USB port, press the motherboard's dedicated Q-code logger button and all ASUS Q-code event logs for the current live session will be copied to the drive even with the system off.
$129.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
179
/ 1222
#179 in Motherboards
Price vs Category Average
-61%
Below average
Who it's for
- Professionals requiring unwavering system stability for critical applications.
- Content creators and engineers needing significant processing power and I/O.
- Enthusiasts seeking stable performance and headroom for CPU tuning.
Who should skip it
- Users planning future CPU upgrades or building new high-end systems.
- Consumers needing the latest high-speed peripherals and storage options.
- Builders seeking readily available parts and comprehensive manufacturer warranties.
Performance breakdown
Multi-GPU Scalability
Four-way PCIe lanes provide massive bandwidth for professional graphics rendering setups.
Power Delivery Stability
Robust voltage regulation keeps high-end processors steady under heavy workstation loads.
Memory Capacity
Supports high-density RAM configurations essential for complex data-intensive computing tasks.
Build Durability
Industrial-grade components ensure long-term reliability in demanding 24/7 operating environments.
Expansion Flexibility
Abundant connectivity options accommodate extensive storage arrays and specialized peripheral hardware.
BIOS Interface
Comprehensive tuning tools offer deep control for advanced system optimization needs.
Know before you buy
The Z97-WS is a workstation-grade motherboard designed for professionals who need high reliability and multi-GPU support. It is built to handle intensive tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and complex simulations that require stable, 24/7 operation.
Yes, it features four PCIe 3.0 x16 slots and supports both NVIDIA 4-Way SLI and AMD CrossFireX. This makes it an excellent choice for users looking to build a multi-GPU workstation for heavy graphical workloads.
It uses the LGA 1150 socket, which supports 4th and 5th generation Intel Core processors. It is not compatible with modern Intel CPUs, so you will need to source a compatible Haswell or Broadwell-based processor.
This motherboard uses DDR3 memory. It supports up to 32GB of RAM across four DIMM slots, and it is compatible with non-ECC unbuffered memory modules.
Yes, it includes an M.2 slot for high-speed storage and multiple SATA 6Gb/s ports. It also supports RAID configurations, allowing you to optimize your storage for either speed or data redundancy.
While it can certainly run games, it is technically overkill for a standard gaming build. Its workstation features, such as specialized power delivery and server-grade testing, are better utilized in professional environments where system stability is the top priority.
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