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Software
The included software is consistent across Asus' Z97 ROG series motherboards (and so are our screenshots and analysis). Some of the boards support additional software tools by virtue of their enhanced feature set.
Asus' AI Suite 3 software is very good. A strong array of voltage, frequency, and power settings can be adjusted via the software. Fan settings can also be tweaked.
Mem TweakIt allows memory timings to be viewed and adjusted.
Asus is the only one of the ‘big four' motherboard vendors to include a UASP-activating software tool for users who aren't running Windows 8. USB 3.0 Boost is a useful piece of software that can help users gain instant benefits when using high-speed USB 3.0 devices.
A sizable RAMDisk can be formed to provide users with ultra fast storage. This is particularly convenient for those who own large capacity memory kits and simply do not know what to do with it when gaming.
Sonic Radar II is the second iteration of Asus' overlay that shows where enemy interaction is originating in games. I have to admit that I am not a fan of the software (I prefer to play the ‘old-fashioned' way), although it can be helpful to novices who are trying not to get schooled when learning the ropes of a new shooter.
GameFirst III is Asus' network-controlling software that, in essence, is a competitor to Killer's Network Manager suite. The software allows Asus to opt for an Intel I218-V NIC without losing the software functionality that Killer's competing part offers.
KeyBot can be used to assign macros and shortcuts to a gaming keyboard. As Asus jokingly outlined at the company's press event, a one-touch solution for blanking the screen and muting the sound can be useful to gamers who are disturbed when undergoing their “me time”.
