The Asus H170 Pro Gaming motherboard offers stable performance and reliable connectivity for gaming and daily tasks. Its straightforward BIOS makes customization easy, even for beginners.
The ASUS H170 Pro Gaming Motherboard is a reliable, feature-packed board with solid performance, Turbo LAN, and customizable RGB lighting, ideal for mid-range gaming builds.
In this article, we discussed the features and performance of the ASUS H170 Pro Gaming Motherboard, highlighting its RAM capacity, storage options, and gaming suitability. We also explored its value, upgrades, and overall suitability for gamers on a budget. 
Introduction to Asus Gaming Motherboard
The ASUS H170 Pro Gaming Motherboard is a versatile and reliable option for gamers looking to build a solid mid-range PC. Designed for Intel’s 6th and 7th Gen processors, it offers impressive performance and stability.
With features like Turbo LAN for optimized gaming network traffic and customizable RGB lighting, it provides great value for the price. Whether you’re a casual gamer or building a powerful rig, the ASUS H170 Pro Gaming Motherboard is a strong choice.
What Cpus Are Compatible With H170?
The ASUS H170 Pro Gaming Motherboard uses the Intel H170 chipset, which is designed to support Intel’s 6th (Skylake) and 7th (Kaby Lake) generation processors. Below is a detailed breakdown of the CPUs that are compatible with this motherboard.
1. Intel 6th Gen CPUs (Skylake):
The Intel Skylake processors were the first to support the LGA 1151 socket and introduced improvements in power efficiency and performance over previous generations. Some of the most popular Skylake CPUs compatible with the ASUS H170 Pro Gaming Motherboard include:
- Intel Core i7-6700K (four cores, eight threads, with a base clock speed of 4.0 GHz)
- Intel Core i7-6700 (Quad-core, 8 threads, 3.4 GHz base clock)
- Intel Core i5-6600K (base clock speed of 3.5 GHz, quad-core, six threads)
- Intel Core i5-6600 (Quad-core, 6 threads, 3.3 GHz base clock)
- Intel Core i3-6100 (base clock speed of 3.7 GHz, dual-core, four threads)
- Intel Pentium G4400 (Dual-core, 2 threads, 3.3 GHz base clock)
Note that K-series processors (like the i7-6700K and i5-6600K) are technically overclockable, but since the H170 chipset doesn’t support overclocking, they will operate at their base speeds on the H170 motherboard.
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2. Intel 7th Gen CPUs (Kaby Lake):
The Intel Kaby Lake processors were released after Skylake, and while they are built on the same 14nm architecture, they offer slightly improved performance and power efficiency. The ASUS H170 Pro Gaming Motherboard fully supports 7th Gen Intel CPUs, which include:
- The Intel Core i7-7700K has four cores, eight threads, and a basic clock speed of 4.2 GHz.
- Intel Core i7-7700 (Quad-core, 8 threads, 3.6 GHz base clock)
- Intel Core i5-7600K (base clock speed of 3.8 GHz, quad-core, six threads)
- Intel Pentium G4600 (base clock speed of 3.6 GHz, dual-core, four threads)
- Intel Core i3-7300 (Dual-core, 4 threads, 4.0 GHz base clock)
- Intel Pentium G4600 (Dual-core, 4 threads, 3.6 GHz base clock)
Just like the Skylake processors, Kaby Lake K-series processors (such as the i7-7700K and i5-7600K) are overclockable, but again, the H170 chipset does not support overclocking, so these CPUs will run at their base frequencies.
3. Key Features Affecting CPU Compatibility:
The ASUS H170 Pro Gaming Motherboard is built around the LGA 1151 socket, which is compatible with both Skylake and Kaby Lake CPUs.
- Chipset Limitation: The H170 chipset does not support CPU overclocking, so even if you pair a “K” series CPU (which is designed for overclocking) with the motherboard, you will not be able to unlock the CPU’s full potential in terms of clock speeds.
- BIOS Update: Depending on when your ASUS H170 Pro Gaming Motherboard was manufactured, you may need to update the BIOS to ensure compatibility with newer 7th Gen CPUs (such as the i7-7700K). It’s always a good idea to check the ASUS support page for the latest BIOS updates for your specific motherboard model.
- No 8th Gen or Later CPUs: The H170 chipset does not support 8th Gen Intel processors (Coffee Lake) and beyond. These processors require a 300-series chipset (e.g., Z370, B360) and a LGA 1151 v2 socket, which is slightly different from the 6th/7th Gen LGA 1151 socket.
4. CPU Compatibility Summary:
- Intel 6th Gen (Skylake) CPUs, including i7, i5, i3, and Pentium processors.
- Intel 7th Gen (Kaby Lake) CPUs, including i7, i5, i3, and Pentium processors.
- LGA 1151 Socket.
- Non-overclockable CPUs, as the H170 chipset does not support overclocking.
5. CPU Upgrade Path:
If you plan to upgrade your CPU in the future, the ASUS H170 Pro Gaming Motherboard will allow you to use any compatible Intel 6th or 7th Gen processor. However, if you’re considering upgrading to an 8th Gen or later CPU, you will need a motherboard with a 300-series chipset and a different socket.
What Is The Spec Of The H170 Pro Motherboard?
The ASUS H170 Pro Gaming Motherboard supports Intel 6th and 7th Gen processors, including Core i7, i5, i3, and Pentium, using the LGA 1151 socket. It allows for up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM at 2133 MHz, making it capable of handling gaming and heavy tasks with ease.
1. Storage and Expansion Options:
The motherboard offers multiple storage options, including SATA ports for hard drives and SSDs, as well as an M.2 slot for faster storage solutions. It also provides various expansion slots to connect additional components like graphics or sound cards.
2. Networking and Audio:
The motherboard provides reliable networking for smooth online gaming and file transfers. Its audio system delivers clear and immersive sound, enhancing overall user experience.
3. Connectivity and Design:
The motherboard includes multiple USB ports, Ethernet connectivity, and expansion slots for versatile device support. Its layout is clean and organized, making installation straightforward.
How Much Ram Does Asus H170 Pro Support?
The ASUS H170 Pro supports a maximum of 64GB of DDR4 RAM. It features four memory slots that can accommodate RAM modules running at a speed of 2133 MHz. This capacity allows for smooth multitasking and performance across various applications.
Users can easily upgrade their system by adding compatible RAM modules over time. The motherboard’s design ensures stability and efficient memory management for different computing needs.
What Asus Motherboard Is Good For Gaming?
When choosing a gaming motherboard, focus on performance, reliability, and room for future upgrades to ensure smooth gameplay. Look for models with robust processing support, ample connectivity, and features tailored to your gaming setup. Balancing these aspects with your budget will help you find the right fit for your needs.
1. ASUS ROG Strix Series:
The ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers) Strix motherboards are some of the best options for gaming enthusiasts. These boards are known for their robust build quality, advanced features, and overclocking potential.
They come with high-end components, Wi-Fi 6, PCIe 4.0 support (on newer models), RGB lighting, and premium audio for immersive gaming experiences. Popular models in the ROG Strix lineup include:
- ASUS ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming WiFi: A top-tier motherboard for Intel’s 10th and 11th Gen processors with excellent overclocking support, Wi-Fi 6, and powerful cooling options.
- ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming (Wi-Fi 6): A great option for AMD gamers with support for PCIe 4.0, robust power delivery, and an upgraded networking suite for lag-free gaming.
2. ASUS TUF Gaming Series:
The ASUS TUF Gaming motherboards are designed to offer military-grade durability while still providing strong performance for gamers. These boards are ideal for those who need a more affordable gaming motherboard but still want solid build quality and dependable performance. Some notable models include:
- ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus (Wi-Fi 6): A great budget-friendly motherboard for AMD Ryzen users, offering excellent reliability, Wi-Fi 6, and a solid feature set.
- ASUS TUF Gaming Z490-Plus (Wi-Fi): A durable option for Intel 10th Gen CPUs, offering good performance, connectivity options, and thermal solutions.
3. ASUS Prime Series:
The Prime series focuses on delivering dependable performance with essential features for various tasks. It’s designed to support stable operation and efficient compatibility with different components.
4. ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Hero:
The Crosshair VIII Hero supports high-performance processors and offers advanced cooling options for demanding tasks. Its design ensures efficient power delivery and stable performance under load. The board also includes extensive connectivity for gaming peripherals and devices.
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Asus H170 Pro Gaming Ram & Ssd Upgrades
The ASUS H170 Pro Gaming Motherboard can handle up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, with speeds of up to 2133 MHz. While it doesn’t support overclocking, adding 16GB or 32GB of RAM in a dual-channel setup will boost performance for gaming and multitasking. For faster load times, upgrading to an SSD is highly beneficial, and opting for an M.2 NVMe drive will further improve speed for heavy workloads and gaming.
Asus H170 Pro Gaming Motherboard Price
The price of the ASUS H170 Pro Gaming Motherboard generally falls within the mid-range, offering solid performance without breaking the bank. It provides a good balance of features for gamers and enthusiasts on a budget, with support for a wide range of processors and expansion options. While it may not have all the advanced features of higher-end boards, it delivers great value for those looking for reliable performance at a reasonable cost.
FAQ’s
1. What motherboard do pro gamers use?
Pro gamers typically use high-end motherboards that offer fast processing power, excellent stability, and plenty of upgrade options. These boards often support the latest CPUs, have high-speed memory support, and provide smooth connectivity for peripherals.
2. H170 ATX Motherboards H170 PRO GAMING ASUS LGA1151 DDR4 DisplayPort HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.1?
The ASUS H170 Pro Gaming motherboard offers a solid range of features, including DDR4 support, DisplayPort, HDMI, and fast USB 3.1 ports, all designed to enhance your gaming and multitasking experience.
3. Is the Asus H170 PRO GAMING ATX LGA1151 Motherboard a stable board?
Yes, the ASUS H170 PRO GAMING motherboard offers stable performance, providing reliable power delivery and solid connectivity for gaming and everyday tasks.
4. Which ASUS mode is best for gaming?
The ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers) series is often considered the best for gaming, offering top-tier performance, advanced cooling solutions, and features tailored to enhance the gaming experience.
5. Is ASUS really good for gaming?
Yes, ASUS is well-regarded in the gaming community for offering reliable, high-performance motherboards that support the latest technologies and provide excellent gaming experiences.
Conclusion:
The ASUS H170 Pro Gaming Motherboard strikes a great balance between affordability and solid performance, making it an excellent choice for gamers and casual users alike. With reliable features, ample upgrade options, and stable connectivity, it delivers a smooth experience without going over budget. It’s a dependable option for building a capable gaming rig.
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