ASUS Z97I-PLUS mini-ITX Motherboard Review

“Big things come in small packages” might be cliche, but it applies well to mini-ITX motherboards – especially those like ASUS’ Z97I-PLUS. Featuring 802.11ac wireless, an M.2 slot, a common-sense design, and a fantastic software package, this is one board well worth considering for that next ITX build.

Of all the different types of motherboards out there, it’s the mini-ITX ones that tend to pique my interest the most. I say this as someone who’s never built a proper mini-ITX PC, or even has a need for one. I just find it intriguing to see what vendors can pull off with such a restrictive form-factor.

In recent years, the mini-ITX form-factor has really exploded, and ASUS was right there at the beginning of it all. Each generation, these boards get better and better, and the Z97I-PLUS, which I’m looking at here, is a perfect example of just how far along we’ve come. This board might be small in stature, but it’s huge in function.

For the Intel Z97 chipset generation, ASUS offers two mainstream models, the H97I-PLUS, and Z97I-PLUS. The company also has an option available for gamers, called the Republic of Gamers Maximus VII Impact, although it hasn’t been released to market as of the time of writing. ASUS’ H97I-PLUS retails for about $110, while the Z97I-PLUS is priced at $160. The to-be released Maximus VII Impact should be priced at about $200 when it’s released, if previous-generation pricing holds true for this one.

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