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ASUS devices from the ROG Strix series appeared quite recently and rank below traditional ROG representatives like Maximus (if we talk about the Intel LGA 1151 platform). Conceptually, they are designed primarily for the category of enthusiasts who will not be content with regular boards (Prime series), but they also do not plan to overpay for overclocker models. For example, it is easy to put gamers into this category, which is clearly stated in the title. We have already reviewed the full-format version of the board based on the Intel H270 – ROG Strix H270F Gaming, next in line is the compact mini-ITX version.
Here we unsoldered two gigabit network adapters, installed a wireless network adapter, and you can find an external antenna in the kit. The AURA branded lighting, the SupremeFX class sound subsystem and a set of software for it are also in place. You can immediately attach a pair (!) of compact M.2 format devices to the board.
Let’s check how strong the CPU voltage stabilization system turned out to be here, and as a bonus, we will conduct a small study on overclocking the PC – we will lower the delays and evaluate the effect obtained from this by conducting a series of traditional simple tests.
| Model | ASUS ROG Strix H270I Gaming |
|---|---|
| Official product page on the Web | asus.com |
| Chipset | Intel H270 |
| Processor socket | Socket 1151 |
| Processors | Core i7, Core i5, Core i3, Pentium, Celeron (Skylake-S, Kaby Lake-S) |
| Memory | 2 DIMM DDR4 SDRAM 2133/2400, 32 GB maximum |
| PCI slots | 1 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 |
| M.2 | 2 x PCI Express 3.0 x4 (Key M, 2242/2260/2280) |
| Integrated video core (in the processor) | Intel HD 510/530/610/630 |
| Video connectors | DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI |
| Number of connected fans | 3x 4pin |
| PS/2 ports | – |
| The port is USB | 8 x 3.1 Gen1 (6 connectors on the rear panel, H270) |
| Serial ATA | 4 x SATA 6Gb/s (H270) |
| RAID | 0, 1, 5, 10 (HOURS, H270) |
| Built-in sound | SupremeFX (7.1, HDA): Codec — S1220 (Realtek ALC1220) Op Amp — Texas Instruments RC4580 и OPA1688 |
| S/PDIF | Optical (output) |
| Networking | Intel I219V (Gigabit Ethernet) Realtek 8111H (Gigabit Ethernet) Qualcomm Atheros QCNFA364A (Qualcomm Atheros QCA6174 (Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.1)) |
| COM | – |
| TPM | + |
| UEFI | AMI UEFI |
| Form factor | Mini-ITX |
| Dimensions, mm | 170 x 170 |
| Additional features | Lighting Control Center (ROG Aura lighting system including Aura RGB Strip Header), Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED), external Wi-Fi antenna included |
| Retail price, $ | 149 |
Packaging and equipment
The box with the board looks more like a package of cakes, but the image of the purchased product on the front panel will not confuse anything.
There is not much space at the back, so there is only the most important information – a collage of motherboard images and a small table with key characteristics.
Having opened the box, the buyer will first of all find a compartment with the board itself, and already under it there is a second one, where such a set was assembled:
- user manual, which illustrates and describes the UEFI sub-items in detail (in English);
- a set of stickers with various images of the ROG Strix series;
- disk with drivers and proprietary software;
- another set of ROG stickers for cables;
- remote Wi-Fi antenna with the possibility of fixing two positions, equipped with a stand with a built-in magnet;
- an adapter for convenient connection of ASUS Q-Connector case connectors;
- two SATA 6Gb / s cables, one of which has an L-shaped connector on one of the ends;
- extension cord for connecting LED strip;
- plug for the body, complete with a black sticker with the symbolic designation of all sockets. The reverse part is pasted over with noise-absorbing material;
- seven nylon ties;
- mounting screw and M.2 device stand — two sets;
- extension plate with screw for mounting type 2242 M.2 devices – two sets.
Appearance
ROG Strix H270I Gaming is not equipped with buttons, switches, and there is also no POST indicator. There is only an orange indicator that indicates the presence of power on the board, and four multi-colored LEDs from the Q-LED complex (above the upper corner of one of the slots for memory modules).
On the reverse side of the various components in abundance. The batteries that are soldered between the socket and memory modules will interfere most of all during assembly, there is a chance of incompatibility with reinforcing plates from the composition of cooling systems. The backlight consists of twelve RGB LEDs directed to the side, occupying the entire right side of the board.
Chipset cooler is combined, not only PCH, but also M.2 format device will be cooled by it.
In addition to a pair of compact M.2, there are four SATA sockets and one housing cable header for a pair of third-generation USB outputs. There is also a stand for LED strip.
Without the use of an M.2 adapter, the hub temperature was below 45°C during all tests.
Above the PCI-E x16 slot there is a contact group for resetting the settings, but it is rather difficult to imagine a scenario when it really becomes necessary to use it. There is also one block for the system cooler.
The sound codec is located under the screen, it will be assisted by a couple of different op-amp models. The transistor heatsink is unusually tall and quite close to the socket, which will definitely raise compatibility issues with tower coolers. So, our bench Cryorig R1 Ultimate could not be installed for two reasons: the incompatibility of the reinforcement plate with the elements on the back side of the board and the limitation on the height of the radiator. On the other hand, memory modules are also not far away, which are now almost all equipped with coolers (noticeably protruding). Therefore, for testing, I attracted a more compact version – Noctua NH-U12P.
The PWM controller is the same as that of the overall sister – ASP1400BT. There are four drivers on the back side, and a couple more on the front side. It turns out that 4 + 2 channels ensure the operation of the processor, or rather the computing cores and the graphics subsystem. Each includes only two elements manufactured by ON Semiconductor, models NTMFS4C06B and NTMFS4C09B. Closer to the memory sockets is a group of elements necessary for powering this subsystem, there are two more NTMFS4C09B here.
The cooler is unsightly, it is a small element of light-alloy profile. The entire contact area with transistors is covered with a gasket. However, according to the trace of the imprint (pictured above), one can state its insufficiency for full contact.
The back panel looks quite saturated, except that there is not enough symmetrical USB Type C and / or support for the latest generation – USB 3.1 Gen2. But for the latter, a third-party controller is needed, for which, most likely, there simply was not enough space on the surface. Perhaps someone could use the PS / 2 interface. However, as for a modern device, the set is quite justified.
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