t-break: Tech @ Its Fastest » Motherboards

Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H Review

Taimoor Hafeez — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:43:13 +0000

With the Ivy Bridge processor launch out of the way, we have a chance to get back to concentrating on some of the simpler things in life. Like a motherboard. I have already covered Gigabyte’s mainstream Z77 board in the Ivy Bridge motherboards roundup article, with the GA-Z77-UD5H coming out as the top dog. Today we’ll be looking at the younger sibling, the GA-Z77-D3H.

The Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H is an entry-level motherboard that ticks most of the checkboxes required for a modern gaming rig. Being based on the latest Z77 chipset we get the benefit of USB 3.0 ports, PCIe 3.0 and Lucid Virtu MVP performance. Oh and all compatible memory sticks will boot up with 1600MHz, not forced down 1333MHz like with Sandy Bridge CPUs.

Additionally we also get some Intel specific features newly introduced for the Ivy Bridge platform, the Intel Smart Connect feature which updates your feeds (emails, Twitter, FB, etc.) automatically even when the PC is in Sleep mode. Intel Rapid Start Technology allows your PC to return back to desktop within seconds when coming out of Hibernation mode; something that’s moot if you have a SSD, though.

Speaking of SSD, the GA-Z77-D3H also comes with an mSATA port, allowing you to plug in a small capacity drive so that Intel Smart Response Technology can use it to cache your frequently used programs from your normal hard drive. Gigabyte has gone one step further, with their ‘EZ Smart Response’ software which basically allows you to bypass all the cumbersome activation of ISRT in BIOS and reinstalling Windows under RAID. The software does it all for you with a few button clicks.

Another cool thing that comes from the Ivy Bridge processors is the ability to support three displays simultaneously using the integrated GPU (Intel HD 4000). This is done via the VGA, DVI and HDMI port on the back.

Intel Ivy Bridge Motherboard Roundup

Taimoor Hafeez — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:52:56 +0000

Ivy Bridge

Welcome to the 22nm era as Intel swings in the “Tock” phase of their yearly CPU upgrades. Today marks the introduction of the long awaited Ivy Bridge platform which is basically running the Sandy Bridge architecture on a 22nm process.

While basic operations on Ivy Bridge remain similar to Sandy Bridge, let’s look at some of the features that differentiate the new processors from last year’s models. Well, first thing’s first, the 22nm process, shrunken down from Sandy Bridge’s 32nm, provides a cooler processor that requires lesser power.

We see this factor shine during the overclocking process as our Sandy Bridge i7-2600K processor would run stable at an overclock of 4.7GHz @ 1.45v, whereas on some of the motherboards tested, the i7-3770K ran perfectly fine on as low as 1.3v with a 4.7GHz overclock.

Next up is the much touted Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics processor which promises performance increase from the HD 3000 by up to 50% in some cases. Of course, HD 4000 also brings DX11 support which helps with faster QuickSync performance in addition.

Lastly there are some core level changes that improve upon the Sandy Bridge architecture by allowing (overclocked) memory speeds of up to 2800MHz.

Intel Z77

The Ivy Bridge processors are launched in conjunction with Intel’s new Z77 chipset; also an improvement over last year’s Z68 chipset. I have discussed about the Z77 chipset in our review of the MSI Z77A-GD55 motherboard. However, let’s have a quick look at some of the new features.

Not only can you overclock the CPU and memory, but the GPU as well. 2x SATA 3 ports are supported natively, as is Intel’s Smart Response Technology; certain motherboards have mSATA slots for micro-SSD expansion. Up to 4xUSB 3.0 ports are supports in addition to 10xUSB 2.0 ports. Lastly we have native PCIe 3.0 slots, ranging from 2 to 3 depending on the motherboard manufacturer.

So without further ado, let’s look at the contestants in today’s Ivy Bridge motherboard roundup.

MSI Z77A-GD55 Motherboard Review

Taimoor Hafeez — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:59:32 +0000

Z77 Chipset

The MSI Z77A-GD55 marks the introduction of the first Intel Z77 based motherboard we will be reviewing in the coming months. The Z77 chipsets are actually made for the upcoming Intel Ivy Bridge CPUs, but the socket remains the same as Sandy Bridge, i.e. LGA 1155.

The Z77 chipset is quite literally the next-generation upgrade to the Z68 chipset released last year for Sandy Bridge CPUs. On the Z77 you can overclock your processor, memory as well as integrated GPU just like the Z68. Similarly the chipset supports the same number of SATA 2 and SATA 3 ports (4 and 2 respectively). Intel’s Smart Response Technology which uses SSD caching is also present on the Z77 chipset.

The real upgrades come in the form of USB 3.0 support. Where Z68 supported up to 14x USB 2.0 ports, Z77 has them divided by 10x USB 2.0 and 4x USB 3.0 ports. But this is an irrelevant upgrade as most motherboard manufacturers have been supporting USB 3.0 on Intel boards using Marvell controllers over the past two years.

Packaging

That said, the major advantage every PC enthusiast is looking forward to in Z77 motherboards is PCIe 3.0 expansion slots, an upgrade last seen only on Sandy Bridge-E X79 motherboards. With PCIe 3.0 the bandwidth of graphics card literally doubles that of PCIe 2.0 slots; at least in theory.

So let’s see what comes along with this shiny new motherboard from MSI. Since this is the GD55 version of the Z77A chipset, most of the extra accessories is reserved for some of their higher-end models, like the GD65. What we get are 4x SATA cables, an SLI bridge, a rear I/O panel, drivers CD and installation guide books.

ASUS Rampage IV Gene Review

Taimoor Hafeez — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:30:21 +0000

As soon as Intel launched the new Sandy Bridge-E processors, you knew ASUS would bring out the big guns for the X79 platform. And sure enough, both the Rampage IV Formula and Rampage IV Extreme were one of the best performing motherboards we have tested.

Of course, not everyone wants to have a massive tower for their gaming rig, but for the power hungry user who wants high-end performance in a small package, ASUS has the Rampage IV Gene mATX motherboard.

Looking at the features list and the basic layout, the Rampage IV Gene looks like a cut down version of the Rampage IV Formula. Included with the Rampage IV Gene are similar accessories as well.

First off we have the ROG sticker and the door hanger, followed by the instruction manuals and drivers and utilities CD. A very handy sticker chart is also available for you to label all your cables inside the case. Then there are six SATA cables, one ROG Connect cable, an SLI bridge, and a set of Q-connectors. And bringing it home is the rear I/O panel cover.

ASUS launches ROG Rampage IV GENE X79 mATX gaming board

Serge — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:55:19 +0000

Press Release:

Rampage IV GENE continues the legacy of Republic of Gamers motherboards by delivering gamers with enhanced performance that places a premium on fidelity and speed. SupremeFX III™ EMI-shielded audio guarantees better in-game sound, Intel® Ethernet LAN and ROG GameFirst technology boost online multiplayer performance, while ROG Extreme Engine Digi+ II digital voltage regulation promotes improved overclocking. The board further uses Black Metallic capacitors and NexFET™ Power Block MOSFETs for added durability and heat resistance. Unlike budget micro ATX boards, it supports 2-way NVIDIA® SLI™ and AMD CrossFireX™.

SupremeFX III™ audio
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) remains a detriment to quality sound, causing distortion and loss unless properly mitigated. Rampage IV GENE uses a custom PCB “red line” layout which physically isolates SupremeFX III™ hardware from the rest of the motherboard to eliminate interference and generate clearer, more precise, and deeper audio. Better sound helps competitive gamers with improved positioning and spatial awareness, in addition to promoting greater immersion. SupremeFX III™ comes with its own steel shield, a 1500uF capacitor for stable audio power delivery, plus gold-plated audio jacks. The setup has been tested to 110dB SNR, ensuring lossless performance. EAX® Advanced HD 5.0, Creative® Alchemy, and THX® TruStudio™ PRO are all fully supported. Rampage IV GENE comes bundled with a Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi MB2 suite, providing the finest game audio of any micro ATX board, with realistic sound effect reproduction, lifelike music, and theater-grade movie sound.

Lag-resistant online gaming and multi-GPU support
Intel® Ethernet reduces CPU utilization by as much as 35% when processing online activity compared to systems using standard LAN, which combats latency and boosts packet transmission. Better network performance presents an edge for gamers, with the overwhelming importance of global online multiplayer gaming requiring faster connections for a smooth and competitive experience. ROG-exclusive GameFirst contributes to achieving this goal, working as a connection supervisor to prioritize bandwidth availability and ensure games receive sufficient resources, even when downloading occurs in the background. To further accommodate gamers, Rampage IV GENE supports PCI Express 3.0 and 2-way SLI™/CrossFireX™ for increased future proofing and flexibility.

Greater overclocking through improved endurance and stability
Rampage IV GENE ships with the exclusive ROG Extreme Engine Digi+ II design, consisting of digital voltage regulators for refined tuning and higher power efficiency. Gamers can adjust voltages in more precise increments, which aids in overclocking. Supporting this, Black Metallic capacitors and NexFET™ Power Block MOSFETs easily surpass the capabilities of generic parts. They resist heat better, last up to five times longer, and can take up to 20% higher temperatures than generic components, culminating in a highly durable and long lasting board that reduces the likelihood of instability even when running high intensity applications.

First X79 board officially certified by the USB-IF
In addition to its many advantages, the Rampage IV GENE has also secured the honor of being the first Intel® X79-based motherboard formally authorized and certified USB 3.0-ready by the USB Implementers Forum. Certification speaks of the extensive testing and compatibility assurance ASUS puts into every board from early development to shipping. Always committed to advancing technology and giving consumers the best performance possible, ASUS has gone further and self-developed USB 3.0 Boost to accelerate data speeds beyond reference requirements. The multi-mode design of USB 3.0 Boost increases device connectivity for both the traditional BOT protocol and the newer UASP, and its inclusion on ROG boards offers gamers even better value than before.

Complete range of X79 gaming boards
The release of Rampage IV GENE follows the previous launch of Rampage IV Extreme and Rampage IV Formula Intel® Socket LGA 2011/X79 Express Chipset-based models. The three maintain ROG leadership in the gaming and overclocking motherboard segments, providing consumers with superior performance and the finest quality in a vibrant PC gaming scene where technical excellence is critical.

Price and Availability: TBA

MSI Big Bang XPower II Review

Taimoor Hafeez — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:29:16 +0000

The original MSI Big Bang Marshal made quite a stir at the Tbreak office last year, and now with the new XPower II version, history is set to repeat itself.

Carrying the Big Bang moniker, the new XPower II motherboard is quite obviously an ATX sized monstrosity, but the packaging seems deceptively mid-sized. The glossy gold and black color scheme looks really nice, without looking overly flashy. It somehow reminds me of the design aesthetics of Deus Ex: Human Revolution.

Given that a lot of attention has been paid to the design of the XPower II, the case has a flap which allows you to get a glimpse of the motherboard itself. All around it are lists of features that make the XPower II such a special board.

Opening up, you’ll notice a ton of manuals, cables and accessories. First off there are two quick start and installation guides. Then there’s an overclocking guide along with a ‘Certificate of Quality and Stability’. There is another overclocking record sheet, perhaps on this motherboard itself, which shows the highest overclocking results achieved by MSI’s own engineers. I believe this sheet was just given along with the review samples.

Moving along, we have a front bracket which has two USB 3.0 ports and a back panel eSATA bracket. Then there are eight SATA cables, three SLI cables for a 4-way SLI setup and a CrossFireX cable. Finally, there are the V-Check point connectors for reading voltage of various components.

Gigabyte GA-X79-UD7 Review

Taimoor Hafeez — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:32:50 +0000

When last I looked at one of Gigabyte’s high-end motherboards, it was found wanting. It was good, but for the price it wasn’t as great as some of its closest competitors. Today I’ll be looking at the G1.Assassin 2’s distant cousin, the GA-X79-UD7. This is Gigabyte’s mainstream entry on the higher-end scale for the latest Sandy Bridge-E platform.

Looking at the packaging, it seems that Gigabyte decided to go with some very subtle. The whole package is just white, with shades of grey. On the back are the features and a picture of the motherboard itself, wherein you’ll see the black and orange color scheme.

Opening it up we notice a host of accessories. First of there are 4X SATA cables, a 4-way, 3-way and 2-way SLI bridges along with a CrossFireX bridge. There’s a USB 3.0 3.5”bracket with 2 ports to be hooked up upfront or at the back.

Apart from the I/O panel, there’s a Bluetooth + WiFi adapter with two antennae. Closing off we have the eSATA bracket. All of these combined with a 3 or 4-way SLI could result in a completely jam packed rear panel of your desktop casing.

ASUS Rampage IV Extreme Review

Taimoor Hafeez — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:37:15 +0000

The Republic of Gamers series of products has been the star of ASUS’s lineup for a long time, with the Extreme series motherboards highlighting the technological push ASUS represents within the PC industry. Today I’ll be looking at the Rampage IV Extreme, the highest-end motherboard ASUS makes for the new LGA2011 Sandy Bridge-E platform.

The packaging is in line with previous ROG motherboards, which means it’s completely washed in red. There’s a see through flap on the top for you to admire the board before putting it in your case.

Inside you have a ton of accessories bundled with the motherboard. You have the standard set of manuals and the drivers DVD. 4x SATA cables, the ROG Connect cable, the ROG probe cables and the Q-connectors. Then you have a CrossFireX bridge, an SLI, 3-way SLI and quad-SLI bridges packed in. Moving along we have the X-Socket LGA1366 backplate for socket 1366 coolers. Last, but not least, is the ASUS OC Key with its cable for connecting to the motherboard.

Herein I’d like to bring you guys back to the last two features. Firstly there’s the X-Socket backplate which you can replace with the one already on the Rampage IV Extreme. This backplate will allow you to connect a socket LGA1366 based CPU cooler if you have one. The idea is that people upgrading their systems from the old Intel Extreme series processors won’t have to go ahead with the hassle of replacing their expensive cooling solution. Especially since Intel doesn’t provide a stock heatsink with the new Sandy Bridge-E processors!

Next up is the new OC Key adapter. Basically the OC Key allows you to overclock and change system setting through BIOS via another monitor, or on as a graphical overlay on the same monitor. Think of it like the ASUS ROG Connect feature. But where the ROG Connect requires another PC/ laptop/ iOS or Android based smartphone/ tablet, the OC Key doesn’t require any outside computing. There’s a small processor inside the OC Key itself that takes care of the interface between your Rampage IV Extreme running the system, and you being able to control every aspect of it in real-time on the same/separate screen. Ultimately, there’s not much purpose to this than cheating benchmarks by tweaking the system in real-time so that your enthusiastic overclock doesn’t BSOD the system.

Intel DX79SI Motherboard Review

Taimoor Hafeez — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:23:00 +0000

You’d be surprised to know that not a whole lot of people know Intel makes motherboards. The brand name is synonymous for processors of all kinds, and in recent years, some very high quality SSDs. But ask someone about an Intel motherboard and they’ll look at you confused.

Well, they do, and today I’ll be looking at their latest high-end DX79SI motherboard designed for the enthusiast community. Price at around $280, the DX79SI is not out to compete with the likes of ASUS RoG series or Gigabyte’s G1 series of motherboards. Instead, it’s content with providing you with a strong platform on which to work, but probably not exceed expectations.

The packaging itself is appropriate, with the Extreme Series skull on the top, underneath which is a see-through packaging to admire the motherboard itself. Inside you’ll find the usual manuals and CD, along with 4x SATA cables, one 2-way and one 3-way SLI bridge and a Bluetooth/WiFi module (not included in our test board). Oh, and a slim Extreme Series mouse pad.

Gigabyte G1.Assassin 2 Motherboard Review

Taimoor Hafeez — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:53:15 +0000

Two weeks back I included the Gigabyte G1.Assassin 2 as part of the Intel X79 motherboards roundup, wherein the performance of this beastly motherboard left much to be desired; especially where overclocking was concerned. However, with the newly revised BIOS (ver. F5) I thought I’ll give this high-end board another. Not to mention the price alone, which merits an in-depth analysis of the features.

The G1.Assassin 2 comes in a huge box with most of the features of the motherboard presented on the back. There’s no see-through panel, so you’ll to make do with the picture on the back. Inside the motherboard comes in a separate box, with the rest of the cables, accessories and booklets in another box.

Packed inside are some G1.Assassin 2 stickers, 4 SATA cables, an SLI and a CrossFireX bridge, a 3-way SLI bridge, a USB 3.0 panel, and the Bluetooth 4.0 plus WiFi PCI adapter with two antennae. It’s pretty much standard stuff, but I was expecting maybe a bit more for the price. Then again, everything that makes the G1.Assassin 2 such a high-end motherboard is already tacked on the board itself.