Asus Z170-A vs Asus Z170 Pro Gaming

[wetheducks]

What are the differences and which is better/ has more features?

 

[oddaaron00]

1st: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-z170a
2nd: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-z170progaming

Their most important specs are the same, except the Pro Gaming model can use DDR4-3000 RAM. Peripheral-wise, I've made this table:

CONNECTOR / Z170 Pro Gaming / Z170-A
USB 2.0 / 2 / 2
USB 3.0 / 5 / 3
PS/2 / 1 / 1
DisplayPort / 1 / 1
HDMI / 1 / 1
VGA / 1 / 1
DVI / 1 / 1
Ethernet / 1 / 1
Audio Jacks / 1 (Set) / 1 (Set)
SPDIF / 1 / 1
Unknown Connector (MiniDP?) / 1 / 1

 

[wetheducks]

Thanks for the table! Which motherboard wouldyou recommend (FYI, I won't be using RAM at 3000 mhz so that doesn't need to be factored in)

 

[oddaaron00]

I'd probably recommend the Z170-A because it has almost all the features of the Pro Gaming model. Although, if you're using many peripherals, the extra USB 3.0 will be helpful to you. But it all depends. If you're using it for gaming, go for the Pro Gaming model (as it's enhanced for gaming). If not, there's no real point.

TL;DR
If you're using it for gaming: Asus Z170 Pro Gaming
If not: Asus Z170-A
I'd recommend the Asus Z170 Pro Gaming.

 

[wetheducks]

Thanks! I've already gone for the Z170-A, mainly because it fits my black and white theme. I will be gaming but I doubt it will be much worse than the Pro Gaming, will it? Anyways, I appreciate your help!

 

[jeffrey1215]

I am considering to buy the Asus Z170 A Mobo, but still reading reviews.

Thanks! I've already gone for the Z170-A, mainly because it fits my black and white theme. I will be gaming but I doubt it will be much worse than the Pro Gaming, will it? Anyways, I appreciate your help!

 

[guadalajara296]

do any of you know if the Z170 gaming pro can boot from S2 card slot or connected via Asus Hyper Kit Expansion Card to intel 750 ssd ?

 

[PCGUIDE]

I'd probably recommend the Z170-A because it has almost all the features of the Pro Gaming model. Although, if you're using many peripherals, the extra USB 3.0 will be helpful to you. But it all depends. If you're using it for gaming, go for the Pro Gaming model (as it's enhanced for gaming). If not, there's no real point.

TL;DR
If you're using it for gaming: Asus Z170 Pro Gaming
If not: Asus Z170-A
I'd recommend the Asus Z170 Pro Gaming.

Except various youtubers including linus tech tips have proven that the motherboard doesn't matter when it comes to gaming.

Really you're going to have to make a decision between specs.

The z170 pro is gunna have better onboard audio and better power delivery support to the processor and better overclocking support (8 phase power). On the other hand, the pro/aura is going to support better tools for gaming (witch you can get through overwolf) and built in RGB LED's.

Personally the choice for me is clear, the z170-a has more features at no cut to gaming performance and even a little cheaper than the pro/aura. If you really want RGB LED lighting I suggest getting the NZXT Hue or Hue+ Depending on how much you want to spend. I hope you review this solution to your decision.