I have, as some forum readers will know, been waiting for a TUF board product sample for some time. The entire TUF line-up comes with one of the industry's longest warranties for board products, which had me think that these boards were perhaps something special, and my ideas on what these boards offered really were confirmed when I got the ASUS GRYPHON Z87. As the base of a long-term build with a modest overclock, the ASUS GRYPHON Z87 is very nearly the ultimate solution for those looking for a TUF product in the mATX form factor. Paired with the GRYPHON ARMOR, its built-in thermal-management features and the software make for a robust platform that is sure to provide any user with exactly what they require. From its lower power consumption to the excellent overclocking results I achieved, the ASUS GRYPHON Z87 never disappointed.

I am a bit nonplussed by the ARMOR as a separate purchase, but having seen numerous comments of users on various sites denouncing ASUS's Thermal Armor, I completely understand why ASUS took that route. However, having the complete package in my hands, assembled and tested, has proven to me that the GRYPHON ARMOR kit is a worthy addition most users should not overlook. But this product is new and ASUS wants to make sure all users can embrace it without qualms, so for that I have to accept things as they are, although my own opinion differs here. If you were to ask me whether I would change anything about the ASUS GRYPHON Z87, my answer would be short. There is simply nothing here I would change. If you are looking for a well-built and over-engineered platform for your new Haswell chip, and aren't looking for the highest overclocks but still want to get reasonable overclocked performance, the ASUS GRYPHON Z87 is the board for you.