Intel S1150 by stefan @ 2014-07-07
The first Z97 board from BIOSTAR takes part of the mainstream segment, but is packed with enough features to keep potential buyers happy while keeping the price to a minimum. Besides the Broadwell future compatibility, we have Dual GbE LAN with Link Aggregation support, one PCI-E M.2 connector which supports high-speed SSDs and the audio interface is isolated for providing minimum background noise.
At first we would like to thank BIOSTAR for offering their Hi-Fi Z97WE motherboard for testing and reviewing.
“In 1980, the IT industry was growing at a phenomenal rate. With wide experience in buying and selling electronic parts as well as researching on future demands for mainboards and add-on cards , the founder of BIOSTAR GROUP, established BIOSTAR MICROTECH INTERNATIONAL CORP in 1986.
In the early years, BIOSTAR concentrated on the manufacture of mainboards built for XT form factor. To maintain steady business growth, BIOSTAR managed to keep a large portion of its capital and manpower invested on the design and development of new products, which at the same time has enabled it to stay competitive in the rapid evolution of the computer industry.
BIOSTAR has enriched its competence in the design and manufacture of products such as add-on cards, multi-media and system products to develop the market and meet the demands of customers for more integrated solutions. In order to expand its capacity to meet customer demand globally, BIOSTAR was the first to establish a manufacturing facility in China in 1990. In 1998, its sales revenues exceeded US$130 million and it ranked 227th among the top 1000 enterprises in Taiwan. Furthermore, BIOSTAR obtained an ISO 9001 certification in 1999 and became a publicly listed company in the same year. BIOSTAR’s future has limitless possibilities.”
Intel Z97 chipset
The Intel® Z97 Express Chipset is a single-chipset design to support socket 1150 Intel® 4th generation Intel® Core™ processor-based platform. Provides excellent performance and increased bandwidth and stability. Intel® Z97 Express Chipset can also enable iGPU function, letting users enjoy the latest Intel® integrated graphic performance.The PC platform features improved adaptive performance that adds speed when you need it.When combined with advanced system responsiveness, the platform delivers the ultimate PC experience.
The 4th generation Intel® Core™ processors are based on 4th generation Intel® Core™ processor architecture, with the latest 22nm process to maximize the processor platform. Based on the new LGA 1150 socket, 4th generation Intel® Core™ processors with graphics with DX11.1 & OCL1.2 cores , the overall performance will meet your demand.
Audio+
Hi-Fi
A combination of exclusive hardware & software design including "ground-isolation circuit design","an independent audio power", and "a built=on-board amplifier", with all these hardware features gives you the best audio quality and performance. As for software, we offer you a free bundle utility "Multi-Channel Calibration" which normally you'll find in high level sound systems; this feature allows you to auto detect your location; with a user friendly interface, you can easily adjust the volume of every speakers to make a well balanced surround sound. And of course, the built-on-board amplifier always gives you a super powerful sound comparing to other motherboards.
Blu-ray Audio
Upgrading your Audio performance in the easiest way is choosing BIOSTAR ultimate Motherboard. It does support Blu-ray audio DRM (compatible driver/software) and provide the higher audio output of 24 bit/ 192KHz than the 16 bit/ 48KHz from the normal MB. You will experience the high quality sound effect with pure Blu-Ray Audio.
Hi-Fi Power
Audio power is an important factor in audio quality. Most AV equipment isolates the power supply for each analog and digital signal to gather high-quality sound reproduction. Equipped with BIOSTAR Hi-Fi Power technology, it will utilize audio components with independent power design for a significant reduction in electronic noise and superb sound quality.
Hi-Fi Ground
BIOSTAR Hi-Fi Ground ( Golden Line ) is noise-blocking multi-layer PCB design to isolates analog audio signals from digital sources. Unique PCB layout is ideal for exceptional clarity and high fidelity sound.
Hi-Fi 192/24
BIOSTAR Hi-Fi series motherboards have a sampling rate of 192kHz/24-bit which delivers a high quality audio through an analog connection to your home theater system, multi-channel speakers and high-end headphone. You can enjoy real Blu-ray grade high-definition sound that you’ve never experienced before.
Hi-Fi AMP
The built-in amplifier can drive major high-end headphones with over 100dB loads and offer wide band-width, low noise, high slew rate and low distortion audio source from front panel I/O. Gaming enthusiasts can enjoy a fuller range of dynamic sound with crisper details and less distortion.
Smart Ear
Smart EAR is a windows-based audio utility which allows you to easily adjust system volume. With its user-friendly GUI, you can also increase or decrease impedance setting (Low/High Gain) to optimize your headphone performance. You can easily enjoy high-quality and awesome sound.
Hi-Fi Resistor
Metal-oxide film resistors are made of metal oxides such as tin oxide. The electric characteristics are greater stability and reliability than regular metal film resistors when operating in an extremely broad working temperature range. This special component is used in applications with high endurance audio demands.
Hi-Fi Cap
BIOSTAR Hi-Fi series motherboards come with high quality ‘Non-Polarized Electrolysis Electric audio capacitors’ for each audio channel circuit. The customized audio capacitors deliver low noise, low distortion, and wide bandwidth to achieve the highest sound resolution and sound expansion. The critical component will ensure the most realistic sound effects to gaming enthusiasts.
Hi-Fi 110dB+
Embrace exceptional sound quality for the win with 110dB SNR and stylish and efficient EMI shield blocks electromagnetic interference to help provide cleaner audio. It has achieved a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 110dB, yielding almost loss-less audio form rear audio connectors.
Video+
4K2K , Next generation super high resolution images
The new 4K2K resolution enables high-definition image display with four times the resolution of full HD ,4K2K display is faithfully express bright, highly detailed content that fills the entire screen with lifelike images. Connectivity with PCs via a single HDMI cable for displaying 4K2K data.
DX11.1
Direct3D 11.1 enables Direct3D 10 APIs and Direct3D 11 APIs to use one underlying rendering device. And it allows developers to achieve a high speed, fully conformant software rasterizer.
ATI CrossFire X™ Technology
ATI CrossFireX™ is the ultimate multi-GPU performance gaming platform. With game-dominating power, ATI CrossFireX technology enables two or more discrete graphics processors to work together to improve system performance. It supports up to four ATI Radeon™ HD graphics cards, making it the most scalable gaming platform ever!
Integrated HDMI with HDCP
Onboard HDMI connector allows full video & audio support. It has industry-leading high definition video quality.
Speed+
PCIe M.2
The extremely data transfer rate can be up to 1000MB/s (PCIe x2) and also compatible with SATA interface M.2, up to 6Gb/s. It is specifically designed for higher performance SSD.
Dual GbE LAN
The primary advantage is the doubling of bandwidth which allows the network bandwidth of 1G to become that of 2G, and with two high-speed gigabit networks plus zero packet delay that provides super high data transmission efficiency. Another major advantage is "Load Balancing", it allows users to attach both network adapters to a single network. It will therefore support the aggregation "teaming" function by merging the two connections to support multiple aggregation modes. In addition, two Gigabit Ethernet lightning protection circuits reducing the probability of damage from lightning or other power surge. So if one connection is disabled the other connection will automatically kick in.
SmartSpeedLAN
SmartSpeedLAN is a free software application which monitors and manages your PC's network behavior. With user-friendly GUI, it allows you to select and prioritize different types of network traffic, including gaming, media streaming, communications or web surfing.You can also set any specific applications, choosing to prioritize or block accordingly. SmartSpeedLAN can feature automatic management options that use adaptive networking intelligence to ensure that you are getting the best online experience possible.
Charger Booster
Charger booster is the best and efficient charger solution for apple devices such as iPad, iPhone. Basically, Charger booster Technology is able to boost the charging time to be more efficiency and faster once any apple goods connecting to our Motherboard. With charger booster technology, you are able to charge your apple devices up to 42 % faster.
PCI-E Gen 3.0 Ready
PCI-E 3.0 is the next evolution of the ubiquitous and general-purpose PCI Express I/O standard. At 8GT/s bit rate, the interconnect performance bandwidth is doubled over PCI-E 2.0, while preserving compatibility with software and mechanical interfaces.
SATA 6Gb/s
SATAIII 6Gbps provides a higher bandwidth to retrieve and transfer HD media. With this super speed data transfer, SATAIII allows an incredible data boost which is 2x faster than the SATA 3G.
T-Overclocker
T-Overclocker presents a simple Windows-based system performance enhancement and utility management. It features several powerful yet easy to use tools such as overclocking for system performance enhancement, CPU and memory special enhancement, a smart-fan control for managing fan speed control of both CPU cooling fan, north-bridge chipset cooling fan, PC health for monitoring system status, and pre-set OC modes for easy OC.
Dual DDR3-2800+
It supports 2 or 4 DIMM Slots DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of DDR3 2800(O.C). The processor support 2 memory channels and setting the memory multiplier, allows selection of the channel speed. These clearly uplift the band width and boost the overall system performance.
Durable+
Moistureproof PCB
With the popularity of PC usage and working environment has getting deteriorating and moist(such as rural, coastal). The PCB will be oxidizing easily by damp or absorbed moisture. And then ionic migration or CAF(Conductive Anodic Filament) will be generated. Moisture-proof PCB meets high density and high reliability requirements for moisture proofing.
Low RdsOn P-Pak MOS
Low resistance design can significantly reduce the current out of the energy loss.
Low temperature, small size, excellent thermal conductivity.
10 Phase Power Phase Design
10-phase VRM design with high quality power components such as low RDS (on) Mosfet for lower temperature has the advantage to raise the overclocking ability.
100% Solid Caps
With armor-plated Biostar Technology, all capacitors are placed with 100% solid capacitors that have a lasting life cycle, durability and stability for crucial components.
Protection+
ESD Protection
ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) is the major factor to destroy PC by electrical overstress(EOS) condition, ESD occurred by PC users when touch any devices connect to PC, which may result in damage to motherboard or parts .ESD protection is designed to protect the motherboard and equipment from damage by EOS
USB Polyswitch
On board dedicated power fuse to help prevent USB port failure. It prevents USB Port overcurrent and safegurand your system and device lifespan.
BIOS Virus Protection
When enabled, the BIOS will protect the boot sector and partition table by halting the system and flashing a warning message whether there's an attempt to write to these areas.
OC / OV / OH Protection
All BIOSTAR special circuit design detects overvoltage conditions and prevents voltage surges from spreading in real time. It also actively cuts off the overvoltage supply to protect your system. Over current protection, avoid motherboard from damage when doing overclock or an unusual current import. Over heat protection, avoid motherboard & CPU from burning when exceeding the temperature limitation.
DIY+
UEFI BIOS
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is a brand new framework that provides a revolutionary interface. It is a modern clear and easy-to-use graphical user interface. The UEFI comes with a colorful easy-understand icons leads users into the setup layer directly.
Header Zone
Users can easily assemble their own computer, a simple-swap data discs and other accessories.
BIO-Remote 2
BIO-Remote2 Technology is featuring users a better Home Theater environment. Users who own either Android mobile or Apple goods are able to access and control your PC remotely; At this moment, you’re smart device became a intelligent and functional remote controller; more than that, BIO-Remote2 also includes both function of mouse pad and power point presentation mode. more...
BIO-Flasher
Update BIOS effortlessly from a USB flash disk before entering the OS.
BIO-Flasher is a convenient BIOS update tool. Just launch this tool and put the BIOS on USB pen driver before entering the OS. You can update your BIOS with only a few clicks without preparing an additional floppy disk or other complicated flash utility.
Rapid Switch 2
Engineered by BIOSTAR, the exquisite onboard switches allow you to easily shut down and restart your system.
Rapid Debug 3
Rapid Debug3 posts critical POST code information in a digital LED display. When system malfunction occurs, it auto-detects the device’s failure and translates the error codes on the digital LED. It also shows the CPU temperature on the same screen.
BIOSTAR has stepped into the new Intel generation by designing a brand new board with the Z97WE code name. The board was also presented at Computex 2014 and can be considered as taking part from the mainstream segment if we put it side-by-side with the latest high end board from the same company. The product comes shipped inside a medium-sized cardboard enclosure and the box art wants to highlight the audio capabilities:
On the back side of the box we will be able to spot a multitude of product features with a short explanation for each of them:
The board bundle is located on the top layer of the box, while the motherboard itself is placed on the bottom:
The Smart EAR Utility has an Usage Guidance leaflet and we will also receive one Installation Guide, while the supplied disk is filled with drivers and utilities:
A Velcro cable tie holds together four SATA3 cables:
The board is held inside an anti-static bag:
For this generation, BIOSTAR has decided to change the color scheme by using a black/golden/yellow assortment, as we have seen on some ECS golden boards. In our opinion, the black/blue color scheme which accompanied the previous generation was better since it matched the Intel logo colors quite well; despite this small inconvenience, the design of the board is well realized and we have enough space for fitting dual video card setups and we have enough space reserved between the first PCI-Express x16 slot and the CPU socket, for fitting large CPU heatsinks without any issue:
Between the VRM heatsinks we will get to find the 8-pin ATX power connector:
Progressing further down on the left side of the PCB, we will get to see the PTN335008S, which is an enhanced performance HDMI/DVI level shifter with active DDC buffer:
Between the VRM heatsink and the first PCI-Express x1 slot we will get to see one extra fan connector, along with a Fintek F7530BBD Hardware Monitor IC:
In the same area we will get to see the CMOS battery:
One of the small Realtek 8111G controllers is also placed here:
As with the Hi-Fi Z87X 3D, we are dealing with a ground-isolated circuit design but also a built-in audio amplifier for headphones with over 100dB loads. BIOSTAR has also used high-quality non-polarized electrolysis electric capacitors for each audio channel in order to deliver low-noise, low-distortion and wide bandwidth:
Protected by a metallic shield, we will find the Realtek ALC892 CODEC and not the newer ALC1150 model:
On the bottom side of the PCB, we have the F_AUDIO header, one system fan header, the CIR header, one COM header, the TPM header, two USB 2.0 headers, a secondary system fan header, but also a RESET and POWER buttons along with the F_Panel header:
Since the board is also equipped with two legacy PCI slots, it needs the ASM1083 x1 PCI-Express to 32-bit PCI Bridge in order to drive them:
Next to the dual-digit error code/temperature display, we will find one ITE IT8728F SuperIO chip:
Between the first PCI-Express x16 slot and the secondary PCI-Express x1 we will get to see the NGFF M.2 storage slot for fitting SSDs of this specific form factor. On the same line the secondary tiny Realtek controller is hiding:
The heatsink which covers the Z97 chipset is quite large and holds the BIOSTAR logo on top:
Nearby the UEFI chip, we will get to find the CMOS reset jumper:
The board is equipped by 6 SATA III ports, which are all driven by the chipset:
Near the USB 3.0 header we will get to see the 24-pin ATX power header:
In the top right corner we will be able to spot an additional 3-pin fan header:
This is not all! Two CPU fan ports are also available on the top side of the PCB, near the golden VRM heatsink:
The VRM heatsinks are not linked by any heatpipe and have a low height in order not to interfere with beefy air cooling systems:
The memory slots are also color-coded:
The GUI of the Z97WE from BIOSTAR is identical to the one we have found with the Z87X 3D; the main menus are represented with small icons on the bottom side of the screen, while some live monitoring data can be found on the left. Beginning with the Main menu, we will get to know some info like Compliancy/Project Code, Model Name, BIOS version and more; here we will be only able to adjust the time/date along with the system language:
The Advanced section is split into multiple sub-menus like PCI Subsystem Settings, ACPI Settings and more:
The PCI Subsystem Settings menu allows setting of the PCI Latency Timer, but also modifying various PCI Express Device Register Settings:
ACPI Settings menu contains the usual power management options:
For Trusted Computing, BIOSTAR has dedicated a separate menu:
Next we have the CPU Settings and Information menu which lets us know some details on the installed processor, while allowing us to modify specific settings like total of active processor cores, Intel VT and so on:
The SATA Configuration menu allows disabling the controller, setting the SATA Mode, or enabling the S.M.A.R.T. Self-Test:
Intel Rapid Start Technology can be enabled from the next menu:
USB Configuration Menu allows us to set the XHCI Mode, enable Legacy USB support, USB Mass Storage Driver Support, configure time-outs and more:
Smart Fan Control menu allows us to fine-tune the control curves but the manufacturer has also included one option for automatic calibration:
Super IO Configuration menu allows us to enable or disable the Serial Port and CIR Controller interfaces:
From the H/W Monitor menu we will be able to see plenty of stats like live temperatures, fan speeds or voltages:
Intel Smart Connect Technology also comes with a dedicated sub-menu:
Same thing goes with the Network Stack Configuration menu:
Going to the next Chipset menu, we will get to see two additional sections, PCH-IO Configuration but also System Agent Configuration:
PCH-IO Configuration allows enabling or disabling various on-board interfaces like LAN, Audio and more:
SA Configuration menu leaves us to select the primary display priority, enable or disable the IGP, but also select the PCI-E speeds:
Inside the Boot menu we have the usual options present:
From the Security menu we will be able to choose an administrator a user password or enable the Secure Boot menu:
O.N.E. is the section where we will spend most of our time fine-tuning the system; here we will get to see four additional sub-menus:
The CPU Configuration sub-menu allows us to select the CPU ratio, Internal PLL Overvoltage, Power Limits and more:
DRAM Configuration menu allows modifications of the RAM speed, timings and sub-timings:
The voltages can be carefully altered from the next menu:
From the Memory Insight menu we will be able to see the pre-programmed timings for each installed memory module:
Lastly, we have the Save & Exit menu, which also has the option to save the current settings to file or a specific profile slot:
CPU: Intel I5 4670K Retail
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14
Motherboard: Gigabyte G1.Sniper M5
RAM: GeIL Black Dragon 2x4GB DDR2133 (@1600)
Video: HIS 280X
Power Supply: Cooler Master 850W
SSD: OCZ Vector 150
Case: Cooler Master ATCS 840
We have obtained stability at the proposed 4.5GHz speed while setting the Override value in UEFI as 1.280V, which was reported inside the H/W sensor section as being 1.284V and 1.279V in CPU-Z:
Validation
We have then fired up AIDA64 utility, for revealing even more information regarding the motherboard, the CPU IMC and the Z97 chipset:
Motherboard
Haswell IMC
Z97 Chipset
For traffic shaping and optimization, BIOSTAR has included the SmartSpeedLAN online and also on the installation disk:
The Green Power Utility software enhances energy efficiency by disabling extra phases while CPU is under light load:
The more advanced T-Overclocker application delivers extra information regarding the installed CPU and memory, but also aids overclocking in Windows and is also equipped with a H/W Monitor:
Memory operation details and pre-programmed timings will only show for the populated slots:
The OC Tweaker section is split in two and allows us to modify most of the speed-related settings, which include the Base Clock, CPU Ratio or Ring Ratio:
In the Voltage tab we will be able to set the CPU VCCIN, DRAM Voltage, PCH Voltage and many more:
H/W Monitor section doubles the functionality inside the UEFI, by displaying the live voltages, fan speeds and temperatures:
For an easy UEFI BIOS update procedure, we can always use the included utility:
The Smart Ear utility will allow us to set the level of amplification, volume or mute:
By using a KingFast E-Drive 2.5'' SATAIII SLC 120GB SSD, we have performed ATTO runs in order to find the performance differences between the two motherboards:
In our RMAA test, the board scores average in the 16/44 test, while performing better at 24/96, however it is no match for the G1 Sniper M5 which is based on the Creative Sound Core 3D solution.
As the Hi-Fi Z87X 3D, the Z97WE is a pretty solid board, despite the fact that it is less equipped since it is mostly aimed at mainstream this time. We were surprised to see that the manufacturer has decided to switch the color scheme for a golden/black variant; this color scheme we have first spotted on ECS motherboards and the trend seems to propagate to other manufacturers as time passes.
Besides the compatibility with Broadwell processors, this board also comes with Dual GbE LAN with supports Link Aggregation, one PCI-E M.2 connector which supports high-speed SSDs or isolated PCB audio interface for minimal interferences. Four USB 3.0 ports are available in the back, but we can also consider the USB 3.0 header for two additional ones in case we have a newer case which supports this standard.
Two legacy PCI slots are present on the board for connecting older cards and BIOSTAR also saw fit to include a CIR header, along with a Serial Port Header and a TPM header; most gamers surely won’t have any benefit from those so we guess that they could have been discarded in order to accommodate other technologies.
The UEFI interface is identical to the one we have seen on the Z87 variant and while tuning the CPU voltages for overclocking we have managed to reproduce a bug which would set a higher value than the one we have dialed in, but hopefully this issue will be ironed out in a future UEFI version release.
Since the board is not packed with all bells and whistles like the high-end offerings from other manufacturers, BIOSTAR has managed to keep a low selling price, so we can find the board available online for about 122 Euros.
We would like to thank again to BIOSTAR for making this review possible!