IO Connectivity
IO performance is stable and comparable to other platforms. Of course, one of the Hi-Fi Z97Z7’s better features especially for power users or enthusiasts who need maximum bandwidth is the M.2 PCIe port. It moves a lot of data quickly.
Media Transcoding – H.264 GraySky 5.0.1
BIOS tuning in regards to CPU and memory typically assist transcoding the most. The Biostar Hi-Fi Z97Z7 keeps up relatively well with the rest of the boards despite a little slower turbo action.
Audio Performance
To the naked ear, the Biostar Hi-Fi Z97Z7 motherboard produces relatively clean audio. It’s clearer than it is louder in some respects. However, any noise isn’t noticeable and signal leakage wasn’t evident. Voices and higher frequencies could be heard during the gaming benchmarks which is important if you want to pwn your opponents.
Final Thoughts
This is honestly the first time I’ve officially lab tested one of Biostar’s mainstream motherboards. Like any motherboard that comes through the lab, it had to measure up in stability, quality and performance. Beating after beating, the shy looking Biostar Hi-Fi Z97Z7 kept up. The back lit Hi-Fi audio LED tracing kind of adds an enthusiast’s touch. It’s also quite handy being able to see the CPU temperature displayed on the little LED indicator.
The main things Biostar could improve upon are the easy to use UEFI BIOS which needs just a little touching up to make sure users can update their BIOS confidently, blinking Reset LED button which would be better if lit all the time and rather meager accessories bundle. Another SATA cable and/or even 3-4pin fan wire extension would make it useful. As for the Reset button, it’s unclear if that’s intentional or a glitch after consulting the manuals.
While the Biostar Hi-Fi Z97Z7 motherboard isn’t quite the fastest performer or highest overclocker, it still a comparable performing platform given its $130-140 price range. As far as affordable Intel motherbords go, the Biostar Hi-Fi Z97Z7 is worth its cost given its features and price.