ASUS PRIME Z370-A Running Great On Linux

For those looking at assembling a new system around Intel's 8th Gen Core "Coffee Lake" CPUs, the motherboard I've been conducting most of my Linux tests from has been the ASUS PRIME Z370-A. A few weeks of use with this motherboard, I'm happy with this Intel Z370 motherboard.

The PRIME Z370-A is what's been used this month as part of our Core i3 8100 and Core i5 8400 and Core i7 8700K Linux testing, UHD Graphics 630 Linux analysis, and as well with a 7-way Linux distribution comparison for the new Coffee Lake / Z370 hardware.

The ASUS PRIME Z370-A offers dual M.2 slots, USB 3.1 Gen 2 and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, Intel Optane memory support, DisplayPort / DVI / HDMI display outputs, DDR4-4000 support in OC mode, and much more:

CPU

Intel Socket 1151 for 8th Generation Core Processors
Supports Intel 14 nm CPU
Supports Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0

Chipset
Intel Z370

Memory
4 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR4 4000(O.C.)/3866(O.C.)/3733(O.C.)/3600(O.C.)/3466(O.C.)/3400(O.C.)/3333(O.C.)/3300(O.C.)/3200(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666(O.C.)/2400(O.C.)/2133 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel Memory Architecture
Supports Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)

Graphics
Intel HD Graphics support
Supports HDMI 1.4b with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz / 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz
Supports DVI-D with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz
Supports DisplayPort with max. resolution 4096 x 2304 @ 60 Hz
Supports up to 3 displays simultaneously

Multi-GPU Support
Supports NVIDIA 2-Way SLI Technology
Supports AMD 3-Way CrossFireX Technology

Expansion Slots
2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8)
1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (max at x4 mode)
4 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1

Storage
1 x M.2 Socket 3, , with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (SATA mode & X4 PCIE mode)
1 x M.2 Socket 3, , with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (PCIE mode only)
6 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), gray
Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
Intel Rapid Storage Technology supports
Supports Intel Smart Response Technology
Intel Optane Memory Ready

LAN
Intel I219V, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s)
ASUS Turbo LAN Utility
ASUS LAN Guard

Audio
Realtek S1220A 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC featuring Crystal Sound 3

USB Ports
ASMedia USB 3.1 Gen 2 controller :
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 port(s) (1 at back panel, teal blue, Type-A, Support 3A power output)
ASMedia USB 3.1 Gen 2 controller :
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 port(s) (1 at back panel, USB Type-CTM, Support 3A power output)
Intel Z370 Chipset :
6 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s) (2 at back panel, 4 at mid-board)
Intel Z370 Chipset :
6 x USB 2.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, , 4 at mid-board)

Form Factor
ATX Form Factor
12.0 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm )

Included with the ASUS PRIME Z370-A is the user's manual, the I/O shield, three SATA cables, M.2 screw, driver DVD, SLI bridge, and Q-connectors for easy front panel setup. Basically the usual accessories included that you would expect to find from a sub-$200 motherboard.