Overview and testing of the ASUS P8Z77-M system board. Overview of the motherboard ASUS P8Z77-M Pro ASUS P8Z77-M: expansion slots
The motherboard under consideration in this review is a representative of the average price range and is intended for assembling productive and reliable working or home PCs with a wide range of tasks. The motherboard is made in the MATX form factor and is based on the Intel Z77 Express system logic set, thanks to the latter, it provides the ability to overclock the processor with a unlocked multiplier. Let's go directly to the review of the motherboard and carefully its capabilities.
Asus P8Z77-M motherboard specification:
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Manufacturer |
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Intel Z77 Express. |
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Processor connector |
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Supported processors |
Intel Core i7 / Core i5 / Core i3 second and third generations |
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Memory used |
DDR3 2400 (O.C.) / 2200 (O.C.) / 2133 (O.C.) / 1866 (O.C.) /1800(O.C.) / 1600/1333 / 1066 MHz |
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Memory support |
4 x DDR3 DIMM two-channel architecture up to 32 GB |
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Expansion slots |
1 x PCI Express X16 3.0 / 2.0 |
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Disk subsystem |
Intel H77 chipset supports: |
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Sound subsystem |
Realtek ALC887, 8-channel High-definition Audio codec with optical output S / PDIF |
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Support LAN |
Gigabit Network Controller REALTEK 8111F |
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24-pin ATX Power Connector |
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Connectors for fans |
1 x for processor cooler |
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External ports I / O |
1 x PS / 2 |
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Internal ports I / O |
2 x SATA 6.0 Gbit / s 1 x com |
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64 MB Flash Rom, UEFI AMI BIOS, PNP, DMI2.0, WFM 2.0, ACPI V2.0A, SM BIOS 2.5, |
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Branded technologies |
ASUS QUIET THERMAL SOLUTION |
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Equipment |
Instruction and guidance sATA 6 Gbps cable / s sATA 3 Gbps cable / s |
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Form factor Dimensions, mm. |
matx |
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Products webpage |
Fresh BIOS and Driver Version can be downloaded from support pages |
ASUS P8Z77-M motherboard packaging has a habitual design in a dark color scheme. On the front of the package, the name of the motherboard is given, and the lower part is occupied by the pictograms indicating the technologies used.
The reverse side of the box is more informative. Here you can see the photo of the motherboard and its specification, as well as a description of the most interesting, from the point of view of the marketing department, technology.
The ASUS P8Z77-M motherboard is sufficient for assembling the system. In a box with a motherboard, you can find:
DVD disk with software and drivers;
english manual in English and brief installation instructions;
two plume Serial ATA 6.0 Gb / s;
aSUS Q-Connector set;
cap to the back housing panel.
The ASUS P8Z77-M motherboard is made in MATX form factor, and has 244 x 244 mm dimensions. The layout is made quite competently, all connectors are in the available locations. The exception is only some crowned USB 3.0, ATX and SATA connectors. But if you follow a certain sequence of connection, then special inconveniences such a location of the connects will not cause. The positive point is that the slots for RAM are devoid of latches from the bottom side, it will greatly facilitate the replacement or addition of RAM modules when the video adapter is installed. On the board, 8 mounting holes were made, while the lower right corner was left without a hole, which is the cause of its "sagging", so to the ports being here you need to connect carefully.
The cooling system is passive and includes two stylized radiator: one removes heat from the heating elements of the processor power converter, and the second is cooled by PCH Intel Z77 Express. During testing on the radiator, a temperature of 42.2 ° C was recorded, which is a typical indicator among such boards.
The ASUS P8Z77-M motherboard disk subsystem is implemented exclusively for the Intel Z77 Express system logic set. On the board you can find four SATA ports 3 Gb / C and two SATA ports 6 Gb / c. There is support for arrays RAID levels 0, 1, 5 and 10.
In addition to the ports displayed on the interface panel, the following connection pads are present on the motherboard:
3 x USB 2.0 (up to 6 additional ports);
1 x USB 3.0 (up to 2 additional ports);
Total ASUS P8Z77-M motherboard contains ten USB 2.0 ports and four USB 3.0 ports, which is enough to connect different devices.
To install the extension boards on the motherboard there are four connectors:
1 x PCI Express X16 3.0 / 2.0;
1 x PCI Express X16 2.0 (x4);
1 x PCI Express X1;
It is allowed to install two video adapters in AMD CROSSFIRX mode, but due to the low-bandwidth of the second PEG connector, it will not be the most rational solution. We note the presence of a PCI connector that can still be useful for the installation of outdated extension boards.
On the motherboard under consideration, four 240-pin DIMM connectors of a two-channel architecture for working with the memory of the DDR3 standard are installed. The maximum total memory can reach 32 GB when installing four Modules with a capacity of 8 GB. The maximum frequency of RAM is 2400 MHz in overclocking mode. To organize memory operation in two-channel mode, you must fill the connectors of the same color.
As with most Maternations ASUS, the Memok! "Button is located near the memory slots, which will be useful if there are errors in the operation of the system memory.
The processor supply voltage converter is made according to the phase 4 + 1 + 1 scheme. One phase is used to power the "system agent" and video drives, and the remaining four to power the processor cores. As a PWM controller traditionally uses the CHIL SEMICONDUCTOR CORP company, the ASP1102 microchip. Cooling the power node is improved by using a stylized radiator with a fairly large fin. The processor is powered through an EPS12V 8-pin connector, which is designed for a larger current than the usual 4-pin ATX12V connector.
ASMEDIA ASM1442 microcircuit is responsible for switching the HDMI video outputs and DVI.
The sound subsystem of the motherboard is based on the 8-channel audio of the REALTEK ALC887, and the RealTek 8111F gigabit network controller is used to connect to the local network. Such controllers set most of the manufacturers of motherboards, which ensures the absence of any drivers.
Since in the Intel Z77 Express system logic set, there is no support for the PCI bus, then for its implementation, the manufacturer added the PCI Express to PCI bridge. The role of such a bridge is the Asmedia ASM1083 microcircuit.
The NuVoton NCT67790 microcircuit controls the PS / 2 and COM ports, the operation of system fans and ensures temperature monitoring.
The following ports are displayed on the ASUS P8Z77-M motherboard interface panel:
1 x PS / 2 for a mouse or keyboard;
optical S / PDIF;
rJ45 connector for network connections;
three audio connections 3.5 mm.
Attention is drawn to the presence of the most common monitor connection connectors, there is both analog D-sub and two types of digital video outputs. But the presence of only three audio connections can deliver some inconvenience when connecting multichannel acoustics.
The Motherboard ASUS P8Z77-M has four connectors for connecting fans. One four-pin connector is designed to connect a processor fan, and the rest - to connect body fans.
UEFI BIOS.
On the Motherboard ASUS P8Z77-M, as in many other solutions based on Intel 7X Express system logic, UEFI is used as a preloader with a graphical interface.
Going to the "AI TWEAKER" section with settings for overclocking and optimizing the system, you can mark a sufficiently long list of options responsible for the frequency, supply voltage, and even the mode of operation of the processor power converter, and this is despite the fact that ASUS P8Z77-M is not positioned as The solution intended for overclocking.
The settings necessary for overclocking are tabulated:
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Parameter |
Menu name |
Range |
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Processor technologies |
C1E, Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor, Virtualization Technology, |
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System Tire Frequency |
Block / Pcie Frequency |
80 - 300 MHz |
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RAM frequency |
800, 1067, 1334, 1601, 1868, 2135, 2402 |
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Delay RAM |
DRAM TIMING CONTROL |
Cas Latency, Ras to Cas, Ras Pre, Ras Act, Command Mode, Ras to Ras, Ref, Cycle, Dram Refresh, Write Recovery, Read to Pre, Four Act Win, Write to Read, Cke Minimum, Cas Write, RTL ( CHA), RTL (CHB), TWRDR, TRWDR, TRWSR, TRR, TRRSR, TWW (DD), TWW (DR), TWWSR |
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Power limit with long acceleration |
Long Duration Power Limit |
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Duration of long acceleration |
Long Duration Maintained. |
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Power limit with short-term acceleration |
Short Duration Power Limit |
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The main current |
PRIMARY PLANE CURRENT LIMIT |
0.125 - 1023,875 in |
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Secondary current limit |
SECONDARY PLANE CURRENT LIMIT |
0.125 - 1023,875 in |
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Fixed Power Scheme Frequency |
CPU Fixed Frequency |
200 - 350 kHz |
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CPU supply voltage |
CPU MANUAL Voltage. |
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Voltage on memory modules, in |
1,185 - 2,135 V |
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0.61 - 1.560 V |
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Tension on the North Bridge |
0.8 - 1.685 V |
The frequency multiplier allows you to set the frequency from 800 MHz to 2400 MHz.
Configure timings (delays) and secondings (secondary delays) of RAM and the "manual" method in the "DRAM TIMINGCONTROL" section.
There is also a separate monitoring section in which you can follow:
motherboard temperature and processor;
speed of rotation of processor and body fans;
voltage on the core of the processor;
voltage on the power lines + 12V, + 5V and + 3.3V.
The section is very informative, does not take out only the power supply voltage readings.
In addition, in this section, you can enable the automatic control function of the CPU Q-FAN CONTROL processor cooler and body fans that have different intensity modes.
Separately, we note the ability to select the Russian language in the language settings.
Utilities
The acceleration of the system and changing the supply voltage of various components can be performed using the ASUS TURBOV EVO utility.
An interesting feature characteristic, mainly for the motherboard ASUS, is the ability to set up the mode of operation of the processor power stabilizer.
Opportunities
The overclocking capabilities were tested using the Intel Core i5-2500K processor with a unlocked multiplier.
When using the automatic acceleration function, a fairly good result was achieved - 4.3 GHz.
In manual mode, the result was somewhat higher, and amounted to 4.4 GHz.
As you can see, despite the modest dimensions, ASUS P8Z77-M motherboard is quite capable of revealing the CPU potential with an unlocked multiplier.
Testing
To check the capabilities of motherboards, the following equipment was used:
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CPU |
Intel Core i5-2500K (LGA1155, 3.3 GHz, L3 6 MB) |
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Scythe Kama Angle Rev.B |
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|
RAM |
2x DDR3-2000 1024 MB Kingston Hyperx KHX16000D3T1K3 / 3GX |
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Video card |
MSI R4850-2D1G-OC (Radeon HD 4850, 1 GB GDDR3, PCIE 2.0) |
|
HDD |
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS, 500 GB, SATA-300, NCQ |
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Optical drive |
ASUS DRW-1814BLT SATA |
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Power Supply |
SEASONIC SS-650JT Active PFC (650 W, 120 mm Fan) |
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Codegen M603 Miditower (2 x 120 mm fan on blow / blowing) |
Test results:
The level of performance of the ASUS P8Z77-M motherboard is the same as other solutions, which speaks of a high level of fee and good BIOS optimization.
Testing of the sound path based on the codec REALTEK ALC892
General results (RightMark Audio Analyzer)
16-bit, 44,1 KHz
The audio-system has received an average rating "very good". This means that it will allow to get enough good sound quality without purchasing a discrete sound card.
conclusions
The motherboard is a balanced solution made in MATX format, which is characterized by competent layout of elements and high quality manufacturing. Recommend this fee can users who want to get a topical motherboard based on the senior system logic set and equipped with all the necessary modern user connectors that will work long and stable. In this case, there is a desire to minimize the space occupied by the system unit, as well as experiment with acceleration. As for the cost of the product, then at the time of writing the review, it amounted to about 100 USD, which is fully justified, and the motherboard is well deserved getting a medal for an excellent price / possibilities ratio.
Alexander KornienkoExpress the company's gratitudeMTI , Official Product DistributorASUS , for the motherboard provided for testing.
Express the gratitude to the company Intel , Kingston , MSI and SEASONIC. For the equipment provided for test stand.
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ASUS P8Z77-M Pro - Motherboard for the LGA1155 platform, based on the chipset Intel Z77 and made in the form factor matx. Compact, functional and relatively inexpensive device with the possibility of fine setting parameters. These are precisely the criteria for which users pay more attention when choosing a basis for a new system. Let's see if the test will be able to emphasize all the listed items, and not just some of them.
MATX form factor board is made in the characteristics for the ASUS P8 line devices, while the device turned out to be pretty distround. It would seem that the usual combination of black, blue and white colors is used, but on a small piece of textolite, the color palette of the elements is replaced quite actively, and this is noting it at first glance at the device.
The power subsystem has eight phases (6 + 2). To adjust the power stabilizer parameters, the Digi + VRM controller is used (ASP1105). In this case, to accelerate heat removal, VRM elements are equipped with radiators. Low profile coolers are painted in blue, while for visual contrast, one segment in the central part has the natural color of aluminum. Chipset microcircuit is also covered with a compact blue radiator.
For additional power supply, an EATX12V pin connector is used, traditionally located at the top edge closer to the interface panel.
ASUS P8Z77-M PRO is equipped with four slots for memory modules, the total volume of which can be increasing up to 32 GB. High-speed indicators of the DDR3 used are more dependent on the capabilities of the processor used. In the case of MATX form factor, memory module connectors with single-sided locks are great. According to the layout, the video card in the top slot PCI-E x16 will not interfere with the installation of RAM planes.
In general, the ASUS P8Z77-M Pro layout is very successful. Questions may arise except for climbing large processor coolers. After installing Thermalright Archon Rev.a, the first PCI-E X16 slot turns out to be unavailable - the dimensions of the radiator unit do not allow you to set the video card into the upper connector. However, the specified cooler model is one of the most dimensional in its class, the scope of its radiator "wings" reaches 155 mm. Its trouble-free installation is possible not on each full-length model, what to say when it comes to compact MATX, where the first slot is allotted for PCI-E x16, and not PCI-E X1. Anyway, to this nuance should pay attention.
A set of expansion slots will not call academic. The manufacturer abandoned the morally obsolete PCI in favor of more speed PCI Express. Four slots are placed on PCB: three full-format PCI-E X16, as well as one miniature PCI-E X1. The upper slot, painted in blue, is preferable when using one video card. In this case, it receives all 16 tire lines and works in the highest possible mode. If the graphic adapters of steam, the second slot (white) is also activated, and the configuration of the links looks like x8 + x8. When using the Ivy Bridge family processor, both slots can operate in PCI Express 3.0 mode. The last "long-length" black in any case matches the PCI Express 2.0 specification and receives 4 dedicated bus lines.
The manufacturer focuses on the capabilities of the board to work in multidaptern configurations. Even the presence of SLI-bridge in the SLI-bridge kit, which comes far from all models that support bonds with two video cards on the chips from NVIDIA is supplied. CrossFirex configurations are also allowed, but the adapters required for such systems are usually supplied with graphics adapters.
The location of the slots also suggests that the developers wanted to facilitate the life of the bold and passionate people who will use a couple of video cards. They are located in such a sequence that two adapters with two-block coolers will be installed without problems. Of course, in this case, install additional extension maps will no longer succeed, but access to items at the bottom edge PCB will remain open.
On the lower edge of the board, the main controls are concentrated, as well as functional connectors. There is a connector for the output of the audio connections to the front wall of the case, the TPU and EPU brand technologies activation tubes. There is also a large LED indicator, the "warm tube light" of which can already be observed on the ASUS boards when applying duty voltage from BP. Also nearby are three internal connections for six USB 2.0 ports, a system panel for connecting control keys and indicators, as well as jumper to reset the CMOS-memory settings. The bottom edge is placed and the activation button USB BIOS FlashBack - flashing technology flash microcircuits from a USB drive, which is implemented at the hardware level. Another additional level of protection is to use a replaceable panel for a flash chip that allows you to replace it if necessary.
From the curious nuances of the layout, note the placement of the COM port connector in the corner of the circuit board, next to the memory slots. At the right edge, not far from the main power connector, there is a connector for connecting a TPM module. Feel Pro-silent roots, you need to match.
We did not expect to see some abundance of specialized tools for overclocking on the board, and in this regard, ASUS P8Z77-M Pro did not become a revelation. With some stretch to those can be attributed Memok!which may be useful if difficulty will occur with the initial start after installing a new memory set. The function allows you to go through the coarse "wipe" using the timings with which the bar will be guaranteed to work.
The technological feature of the device is four independent channels to adjust the revolutions of the fans. One for processor and three more corps. All connectors are four-pin, allowing to change revolutions with PWM, and all have support Q-Fan Control C specified profiles and the possibility of rather fine adjustment of the algorithm.
The disk subsystem is implemented by the Intel Z77 chipset with SATA 6 GB / C channels and four SATA 3 GB / C. Interface connectors are oriented parallel to the plane of the printed circuit board, therefore a long video card, although it will cause some difficulties when connecting cables in a compact package will still make such a configuration possible.
Expands the capabilities of connecting drives Additional controller ASMEDIA ASM1061.Thanks to which the rear panel of the board is implemented a pair of ESATA connectors with a capacity of 6 GB / c. For a number of tasks, this interface is indispensable, despite the fact that after widespread USB 3.0, the range of drives with ESATA is pretty too much.
As for the USB 3.0 directly, then on the ASUS P8Z77-M Pro to four ports that the Intel Z77 provides a couple more adds a controller ASMEDIA ASM1042.. In this case, we note that the chipset ports are located on a pair on the interface panel and on the PCB (one internal connector into two ports). Two options are posted on the interface panel.
The audio system is based on the HDA codec. REALTEK ALC892. Verified eight-channel solution with expected sound quality. The network controller also applies a common solution - REALTEK 8111F.
The interface panel is equipped very well. Universal PS / 2, USB 2.0 pair, four USB 3.0 ports and Ethernet socket. The interface kit complements the ESATA steam, which can be useful in the presence of a quick external storage. To connect the display devices, an analog VGA is provided, as well as a pair of digital video outputs - DVI-D and HDMI.
Connections of an acoustic system of any configuration simplifies the panel with six audio connections. In addition, an optical output of S / PDIF is provided for connecting acoustics.
Contents of delivery
The delivery package includes a user manual, several brochures with a description of the nuances of a number of branded technologies, 4 SATA cables, a flexible SLI-bridge and a cap on the rear wall of the housing. The Q-Connector panels will greatly facilitate the connection of the power button, dynamics and status indicators.
UEFI
About UEFI from ASUS, we have repeatedly spoken. The shell is convenient to use, logically structured, has useful tips to configure various parameters. ASUS P8Z77-M PRO fully inherits the advantages of the corporate shell.
The processor supply voltage can be enhanced "only" to 1.92 V (ultimately not recommended without a glass of liquid nitrogen). The same limit is limited to voltage on memory modules. The proposed features are unlikely to raise on overclocking records, but there are more than enough for good system forcing.
To configure a number of ASUS parameters, offers to use a software kit. AI Suite II.which includes several useful applications.
Acceleration
Following the path of least resistance, we started accelerating the system from the TURBOV EVO function. In the basic version (quick overclocking mode) after rebooting the PC, the Core i7-3770K test processor accelerated to 4223 MHz (41 × 103 MHz). The 20% frequency increase is a good start.
Having started to go to the groove sometimes it is already difficult to stop, especially when the button with the inscription "Extreme acceleration" is a few dozen desktop pixels from the basic acceleration key. Having succumbed to temptation, we received 4635 MHz (45 × 103 MHz).
It should be noted that the autoless function actively uses the advantage of the chip with a unlocked multiplier. Such a spur would not be possible without increasing the processor supply voltage, which was automatically increased to 1.245 V. In such a mode, without an efficient air cooler, it would not be possible to do.
In manual control mode, after increasing the CPU supply voltage to 1.25 in the clock frequency of the processor, it was possible to increase to 4.8 GHz. If we talk about the acceleration of the system tire, the board allowed to increase it to 108.5 MHz. The test set of DDR3-2133 memory modules worked without special difficulties worked at 2,200 MHz.
Under the opened stand and processor cooler of the tower type, radiators, fixed on the elements of MOSFET, were heated up to 52-54 degrees under load. The temperature of the chipset cooler after long work increased to 46-48 C.
RESULTS
ASUS P8Z77-M Pro Interesting for those who are not ready to be content with the budget "small age." The fee is made kindly, has a good power supply and a decent technological arsenal. This is exactly what you expect from the device with a price tag at $ 145.
The manufacturer tried not to compromise in favor of various categories of users, but rather he intended to withstand a certain balance that the model would fall into the field of vision of buyers who make a rational choice. In this case, the experience of developers is very important, otherwise a very simply product may be "either fish nor meat." ASUS P8Z77-M Pro managed to avoid this fate. The fee has its own face and is an attractive option for those who collect a productive system in the MATX building, but the possibilities of the cult in this form factor ASUS Maximus V Gene seem to be clearly redundant, and overpay for unused functions of great desire.
Liked
Good equipment and functionality
High-quality power subsystem
Wide opportunities for the organization of the cooling system
Support SLI and CrossFirex modes
Did not like
- Hardly ever
Testing device provided by MTI, www.distri.mti.ua
Test Stand Configuration
| CPU | Intel Core [Email Protected], 5 GHz. | Intel, www.intel.ua. |
| Cooler | Thermalright Archon Rev.a. | "1-Inkom", www.1-incom.com.ua |
| RAM | Team Xtreem TXD38192M2133HC92M2133HC9KDC-L (2 × 4 GB DDR3-2133) | DC-LINK, www.dclink.com.ua |
| Storage device | Intel SSD 520 (SSDSC2CW240A3, 240 GB) | Intel, www.intel.ua. |
| Power Supply | THERMALTAKE TOUGHPOWER GRAND TPG-1200M (1200 W) | Thermaltake, www.thermaltakeusa.com. |
| Chipset cooling | Radiator | |
| Cooling VRM. | Radiator | |
| Built-in video | integrated into the Intel processor | |
| PCI | — | |
| PCI Express X4. | — | |
| PCI Express X1. | 1 | |
| Schedule. interface | 2xpci-E x16 3.0 (x16, x8 + x8) + 1xpci-E x16 2.0 (x4) | |
| Dimm. | 4xddr3 | |
| IDE (Parallel ATA) (chipset / add. Controller) | — | |
| Serial ATA (chipset / add. Controller) | 4/- | |
| SATA Revision 3.0 (chipset / add. Controller) | 2/- | |
| Main power connectors | 24+8 | |
| Additional food | — | |
| Fan. | 4 | |
| S / PDIF. | + (output) | |
| Wizobodek | REALTEK ALC892 (7.1) | |
| Ethernet | REALTEK 8111F (GBE) | |
| SATA. | — | |
| SATA Revision 3.0 | ASMEDIA ASM1061. | |
| PATA | — | |
| IEEE 1394 (FireWire) | — | |
| USB 3.0. | ASMEDIA 1042. | |
| Lan. | 1 | |
| esata Rev. 2.0 | — | |
| esata Rev. 3.0 | 2 | |
| Audio. | 6 | |
| S / PDIF-OUT (COAXIAL / OPTICAL) | -/+ | |
| Thunderbolt. | — | |
| Outputs for monitor | 1хd-sub, 1xdvi-d and 1xhdmi | |
| USB 1.1 / 2.0 | 2/3 (6 ports) / - | |
| USB 3.0. | 4/1 (2 ports) / - | |
| IEEE 1394 (FireWire) | — | |
| Com. | -/1/- | |
| Game / Midi. | — | |
| LPT. | — | |
| IDE | — | |
| SATA interface / nutrition, devices | 4/- | |
| Form factor | microatx, 244х244 mm | |
| Support for two or more video cards | LucidLogix Virtu MVP, AMD Quad-GPU Crossfirex / 3-Way Crossfirex and Nvidia Quad-GPU SLI | |
| RAID support | 0, 1, 5, 10, Intel Smart Response Technology, Intel Rapid Start Technology and Intel Smart Connect Technology | |
| Wi-Fi adapter | — | |
| UEFI support | + | |
| miscellanea | Intelligent second-generation chips with Digi + power system (6-phase for CPU, 2-Phase for IGPU); One PS / 2 port for keyboard or mouse; TPM connector module; Included Bridge SLI |
ASUS P8Z77-M to date is a maternal compact size, which has a set of all necessary functions. The basis of this solution is a somewhat outdated platform based on the LGA 1155 socket.
However, its capabilities will be quite enough to create a compact productive computer system. For whom this product was intended.
ASUS P8Z77-M: Technical Features
First of all, it should be noted that this motherboard is great for those cases when it is necessary to assemble the system in one compact building that demonstrates the maximum level of performance. The reliability of such a computer will not cause any complaints. The Motherboard ASUS P8Z77-M is made in a miniature format "Michate". However, it uses the most functional set of system logic. This allows you to carry out the most flexible setting of all parameters. All elements installed on the board have only passive cooling. However, it is possible to install four coolers in such a computing system. One of them is intended directly for mounting into a central processor device, and three others - for installation on the case. For this reason, no problems with cooling during acceleration in this situation should occur.
ASUS P8Z77-M: Desktop
Completed Motherboard ASUS P8Z77-M as follows. In a box with a device, the user will be able to detect the motherboard itself, cords for connecting SATA drives, a metal plug for the rear panel of the system unit, drivers with drivers and software. That all should be quite enough to build a personal computer. In this case, there is no need to buy some additional elements.
ASUS P8Z77-M: Location of components on the printed circuit board
ASUS P8Z77-M has overall dimensions 244 by 244 mm. If we consider the appearance of this component, we can conclude that there are three passive cooling systems on the basis of aluminum radiators on the board. Two of these systems are used to drive out redundant heat from the power supply system of the central processor device. The third cooling system is used to cool the southern bridge of the system logic set. The processor connector is removed in the center of the top of the board. On the left and on top of it are located previously referred to the cooling systems of the processor power elements. On the right side, the slots are displayed to install RAM schedule. Further in this direction there is a power supply connector. A little lower over the socket there are expansion slots that can be used to install additional external controllers and graphics adapters. On the right side of the expansion slots, ports are displayed to install SATA drives. With the installation of any component of this kind, there should be no problems, since the expansion and RAM slots are located correctly.
ASUS P8Z77-M: chipset
As you can guess from the name, the Motherboard ASUS P8Z77-M is built on the basis of an advanced set of system logic designed for the LGA 1155-Z77 computing platform. This product consists of all of the same chip, namely from the southern bridge, which is responsible for processing information from the ports of connecting drives and expansion slots. In this case, the northern bridge, which could be found in earlier products of this company, was moved to the CPU. The North Bridge provides interaction with RAM and peripheral devices.
ASUS P8Z77-M: Socket and Semiconductor Chips
As noted earlier, the Motherboard ASUS P8Z77-M is equipped with a LGA 1155 socket. In this processor jack, you can install Core 2nd and 3rd generation chips. As a result, the Core i7, Core i5, Core i3, Celeron and Pentium sieps can be installed in the socket, which relate to the generations of semiconductor crystals. With the fact that the set of system logic in this case is z77, it will optimally use the CPU with a unlocked multiplier. At the end of the designation, such devices have the letter "K". This will make it possible to maximize the potential of the computer system.
ASUS P8Z77-M: Interface Set
The ASUS P8Z77-M motherboard is equipped with the following ports for connecting external devices: one PS / 2 port for connecting the keyboard and manipulator-mouse, six USB ports, four of which have a 3.0 and two 2.0 specification. Graphic ports on the motherboard are represented by HDMI, DVI and D-SUB ports. When connected to these monitor ports, only a graphic adapter integrated into the central processor device will be used during operation. For connecting external drives, two ESATA ports are provided on the board. The ASUS P8Z77-M also has a set of inputs and audio outputs.
ASUS P8Z77-M: expansion slots
It is worth noting that the ASUS P8Z77-M Pro has a fairly large set of expansion slots. In the review of the technical specifications of this expansion, you can notice the complete lack of the PCI connector. However, this standard today can be considered morally obsolete. Such fees today remain basically only after the outdated computer system is upgraded and transferred to a new PC when updating. In this situation, it will still be better to use a full-length ATICS card with this connector. However, it should be understood that the presence of this component in the PC can significantly reduce the level of speed. So in the absence of such an expansion slot there is nothing terrible. In practice, it can be replaced by a similar USB adapter. On this computer component there is four slots for RAM. All DDR3 standards are supported. The maximum amount of RAM, which can address this system board model is 32 GB. On the ASUS P8Z77-M Pro motherboard, there is only one PCI Express 1x connector to install an additional internal controller in the PC. To install graphic adapters in this case, three PCI Express 16X slots are set immediately. At the same time you can make a choice. If you install an advanced video card in the first slot, then the 1x controller will not be installed in the PCI-Express slot. It is worth noting that the miniature sizes of the motherboard in this case impose certain limitations.
ASUS P8Z77-M Pro: BIOS
In BIOS, this computer accessory includes many different parameters. This allows you to make a flexible setting of the computer system in the process of overclocking the central processor device. Ultimately, this allows you to get a solid performance increase. There are on this board and UEFI. This is a special program component with similar functionality, however, in contrast to the BIOS, its interface is Russified.
ASUS P8Z77-M Pro: Reviews
The ASUS P8Z77-M Pro board turned out to be a practically impeccable solution. It has truly excellent characteristics and a large set of interfaces. It is also worth noting that the fee turned out quite miniature. At the same time, the cost for the computer component of this level was very democratic. The disadvantage of only one: when installing a powerful graphics accelerator in a slot, an additional controller will not be installed in the PCI-Express 1x slot. However, the level of functionality of this system board is quite high, therefore the absence of such an opportunity in this case is not critical.
ASUS P8Z77-M Pro: cost and relevance
In the middle of last year, the ASUS P8Z77-M Pro motherboard could be purchased at a price of 110 dollars. Today to meet such motherboards are quite problematic. With this, their cost can range from 50 to 100 dollars. Everything will depend on what state is the device. There is no particular sense to buy such a fee to create a new computing system. However, there are also more recent and advanced platforms from this manufacturer, which today is recommended to pay attention when assembling a new PC.
Preface
Most enthusiasts, self-collecting computers, are negligurated with MICROATX form factor motherboards. Full-size ATX boards usually provide not only more opportunities, but also more freedom. They have a convenient design, with a sudden necessity, it is easy to change the system configuration, to add something or removed. When assembling the MicroatX-board base system, it almost inevitably have to deal with problems. The large processor cooling system may interfere with installing a discrete video card or high memory modules, the video card can block the memory connections and block the SATA ports, the connector for expansion cards is not enough, it is often necessary to limit themselves to compromise. The decrease in the dimensions of MicroATX-boards almost inevitably leads to inconvenience, but the size of the size is not so much compared with ATX payments, the system unit is completely large. A noticeable difference compared with MINI-ITX form factor boards, which are even more limited in size, but all their shortcomings with more than reaches the tempting opportunity to assemble the system in a compact or even miniature building.However, all these difficulties arise only when we are trying to add opportunities to the system using video cards and other extension cards, but their use is not always mandatory, because modern processors and logic sets have a fairly rich set of technical specifications. The discrete video card is a necessary component of the game computer, however, the resource-intensive games are not always included in the sphere of the interests of computer users. Sometimes you need a powerful system with high computing capabilities, but not for games, but to calculate and process data. At the same time, for entertainment, it is quite possible to afford to play, but not in the latest versions of shooters and simulators, but in the so-called casual games. These undemanding to the graphics subsystem of the game were very widespread thanks to smartphones and tablets, so that they also go without the slightest difficulties in the processor the graphics integrated into the processor. As a result, when a powerful system is needed, but there is no need for a discrete video card and other extension cards, all the disadvantages of microatx boards disappear. For the assembly, we only need to install the processor, its cooling system and memory, and all the rest will provide us with the motherboard. There are no minuses, but it remains dignity in the form of a lower price compared to equal to the possibilities of a full-size ATX-board.
Looking at the MicroatX fee on the other hand and inspired by the prospecting prospects, we decided to check in practice our theoretical arguments. Is the microatx-card system assembly without a discrete video card be easy and trouble-free? Will there be small boards as convenient in the setting and will we achieve the same results of the acceleration of the processor and memory, as on full-size boards? To clarify all the details, we took two ordinary microatx fees based on the Intel Z77 Express logic, the two most popular companies - ASUS P8Z77-M and GIGABYTE GA-Z77M-D3H. These are younger models in the rules, in the range of both manufacturers there are microatx boards of a higher class, but the list of their technical characteristics is about the same, the price is close, so that these boards are ideal not only for our purposes, but also for comparison.
Packaging and equipment
Boxes in which the ASUS P8Z77-M motherboards are supplied and GIGABYTE GA-Z77M-D3H, look both familiar and easily recognizable, their design is traditionally for both manufacturers. On the front side, we see the name of the board and logos of the technologies used. On the reverse you can find an image of the model, a list of basic technical specifications and a brief information about some of the selected features and opportunities.
Everything is very similar, but it can be noted that the thickness of the box with the ASUS board is significantly less standard. This is due to the special way of packaging components from the younger models of Asustek motherboards. The partitioning card and accessories of the cardboard sheet is longer than usual, its edge turns on top of the board and in this peculiar envelope are relatively thick SATA cables. The remaining components and documentation do not occupy a lot of space and are located at the bottom, under the board. Such an original packaging method allows to significantly reduce the thickness of the box, reduce costs, reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Sets of accompanying components are sufficiently hotly and include all the most necessary, without special excesses. For example, the list of incoming ASUS P8Z77-M accessories is as follows:
two Serial ATA cables with metal strings, one of them is specifically designed to connect SATA 6 Gb / s devices (differs by white inserts on connectors);
aSUS Q-Connector Adapter Set, which includes modules to simplify the connection of buttons and the front panel indicators of the system unit and USB 2.0 connector;
user's manual;
brochure "Exclusive Boot Features" with the Fast Boot Guide, ASUS Boot Setting, "Direct Bios Access" and "Windows 8 BIOS Boot Settings";
DVD with software and drivers;
sticker "Powered by ASUS" on the system unit.
The list of accessories attached to the Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H card is still more modest, it was not possible to detect even the traditional sticker with the Gigabyte logo on the system unit:
two serial ATA cables with metal strings, one with two straight connectors, in the second one of the M-shaped connections, both cables are specifically designed to connect SATA 6 Gb / s devices;
plug to the rear panel (I / O Shield);
user's manual;
brochure with brief assembly instructions in several languages;
Software DVDs and drivers.
Design and features
We have chosen ASUS P8Z77-M motherboards and Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H, since their list of technical characteristics is almost the same, but it is quite natural that there are a number of differences between them. For example, the form factor of both microatx boards, but two located nearby photos allow you to notice the difference in size - the Gigabyte fee is less. The dimensions of the Asustek board make up the maximum allowed 244x244 mm standard, and the size of the Gigabyte 244x220 mm fee.
In the area of \u200b\u200bsupporting processors and memory differences between fees is not observed. Four connectors for DDR3 modules are able to fit up to 32 GB of RAM, and the list of compatible processors includes not only all variations of LGA1155 desktop processors, but even the Intel Xeon E3 server processors. Part of the heating elements of the Digi + digital power converter of the ASUS P8Z77-M board are covered with an additional radiator, and there is no such radiator on the Gigabyte board. However, this difference does not matter much, because the heating is not too large, but the radiator on the Asustek board covers not all heat components. All radiators on boards are attached with the help of spring-loaded latches. Both boards cost without additional USB 3.0 or SATA controllers 6 GB / s, they use the capabilities originally embedded in the Intel Z77 Express logic chip. For drives, two SATA 6 Gb / s ports (white connectors) and four SATA 3 Gbps (blue connectors) are intended for drives. Two USB 3.0 ports are on the back of the boards, and one internal connector allows you to withdraw two more ports. The same and a set of connections for expansion cards, only their mutual location differs. Both boards are equipped with PCI Express 3.0 / 2.0 x16 connector, which uses PCI-E processor lines. Another PCI Express 2.0 x16 connector, but at the maximum speed x4, is based on the PCI-E lines, which provides a set of logic. In addition, there is one PCI EXPRESS 2.0 X1 connector and one PCI.
ASUS P8Z77-MGIGABYTE GA-Z77M-D3H
Almost the same on the boards, the list of connectors derived on the rear panel. For the Asustek fee, it looks like this:
universal PS / 2 connector for connecting the keyboard or mouse;
four USB 2.0 ports, and six more can be connected to three internal connectors on the board;
video outputs D-sub, DVI-D and HDMI;
two USB 3.0 ports (blue connectors), like one internal connector that allows you to output two additional USB 3.0 ports, appeared thanks to the capabilities of the Intel Z77 Express logic set;
local network connector (network adapter is built on a Gigabit RealTek RTL8111F controller);
optical S / PDIF, as well as three analog sound connections, the work of which provides the eight-channel codec of the REALTEK ALC887.
ASUS P8Z77-M
On the Gigabyte board, the list of connector is almost the same, only their location and element base differs. In particular, the ATHEROS AR8161 gigabit network controller is used to access the network, and the audio system is based on the eight-channel HD codec VIA VT2021. And you can also see that the elements on the back panel of the ASUSTEK board are located a little more compact, thanks to which the optical S / PDIF is placed, which is missing on the Gigabyte board.
Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H
As in many other Asustek fees, the ASUS P8Z77-M uses the convenient wide "Q-slot" latches on the connectors for video cards and one-sided latches "Q-DIMM" on connectors for memory modules. Unlike the senior models, the on, reboot and "Clear CMOS" buttons are missing, but there is a "USB BIOS Flashback" button, designed to enable the sameware update technology and there is a "Memok!" Button, which allows the board to start successfully even if there are problems with RAM. From the Q-LED LED system, which helps track the source of problems when starting, only one "DRAM LED" remained on the board, which complements the "Standby Power LED" LEDs and BIOS Flashback LED. On the board there is only one connector for connecting processor fans, in addition to it there are three more connectors for body fans, all connectors are four-contact. In this case, all system connectors are able to reduce the speed of rotation of the fans, even with a three-contact connection, but the processor connector of this ability is deprived, it can only control four-contact fans. The board is equipped with an internal connector for outputting a sequential COM port, that's just it is quite uncomfortable, in the right upper part of the board, slightly above the 24-pin power connector.
On the Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H board, conventional latches are used on connectors for video cards and for memory modules, and four-contact connections for connecting fans only three, including processor. The characteristic feature of Gigabyte boards is this model equipped with two BIOS chips. In this case, Dualbios technology is implemented in such a way that the user works only with one of them, and the second is not used and serves as a backup. In addition, it can be noted that the fee is made using the "Ultra Durable 4 Classic" technology, which includes almost all the possibilities inherent in this technology without the Classic console: protection against high temperatures, from voltage drops, electrostatic protection and protection against high humidity, There are only copper conductors of double thickness. As with the Asustek board, there is a serial COM port, but it is located traditionally, it is much more convenient - downstairs, not far from the left lower corner of the board. Moreover, there was a place next to him even for a parallel LPT port, which almost disappeared from modern motherboards.
Traditionally, the exemplary executed scheme makes it possible to notice that in addition to the Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H board, the GA-H77M-D3H and GA-Z77M-D3H-MVP boards are characterized by the same design. We consider the Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H Rev motherboard. 1.1, and you can meet this audit model 1.0. It looks in almost the same way, it has the same set of features, and from noticeable differences you can detect only a four-contact, and not an eight-contact power connector of the ATX12V processor.
For convenience of comparison, the list of all the basic technical characteristics of motherboards we reduced into a single table:
BIOS features
In practice, in almost all previous reviews of the Motherboards of Asustek and Gigabyte companies, we considered the possibilities of their BIOS Setup - ASUS EFI BIOS and Gigabyte 3D BIOS. We noted that in general both options have a complete set of parameters required for configuring and overclocking, but the implementation is different and each has its advantages and disadvantages. The more interesting will be directly, the forehead will compare both approaches in the forehead, if you need a traditional consistent BIOS capabilities, it is easy to find it in almost any previous article on Asustek and Gigabyte system boards.By default, at the entrance to the BIOS of the Motherboards of the ASUSTEK company, the EZ MODE mode meets, which performs basically information functions, since almost nothing allows you to configure. You can only find out the basic characteristics of the system, familiarize yourself with some monitoring parameters, choose an economical or productive mode of operation and set the order of polling of loading devices by simply dragging them by the mouse.
The 3D MODE mode, which is offered by default on Gigabyte boards, is much more useful and functional. Taking advantage of icons in the bottom row, you can download the optimal set of parameters, set the correct date and time, after which in most cases you can already quietly start working. If some special requirements are presented to the system or a correction of any values \u200b\u200bis necessary, then the setting can be continued. In this mode, we see a stylized image of a motherboard on which key areas are cyclically highlighted, as if inviting them to climb on them with the mouse. Thus, the novice user is prompted to go to setting up the processor, memory, power system, etc. The Advanced Mode mode has a large number of settings, although it is impossible not to recognize that in some cases the use of a visually visual mode of "3D MODE" will be more convenient.
On Asustek's boards, you can switch from the "EZ MODE" mode to the "Advanced Mode" mode using the "F7" mode, you can use the "F3" key, which allows you to quickly move to one of the most frequently used BIOS sections And, by the way, it works in all other partitions BIOS, but it will be much more convenient if the "Advanced Mode" mode is started in the settings. In this case, the familiar section "Main" will appear first before our eyes. It reports basic information about the system, allows you to specify the current date and time, it is possible to change the BIOS interface language, including Russian. In the SECURITY subsection, you can set user and administrator access passwords.
Gigabyte's boards change the 3D MODE mode on Advanced Mode again is designed as luck. First of all, because nothing needs to be specifically changed or memorized. If you set up the settings and saved the changes in the 3D Mode mode, the same mode will meet you at the next input in the BIOS, if the last saving was performed in the Advanced Mode mode, then you will return to this mode next time. In addition, when switching to Advanced Mode mode, we immediately fall into the section "M.i.t." (MB Intelligent Tweaker), which focuses all parameters related to overclocking and fine performance configuration, which is very convenient. A similar possibility is only at ASUSTEK boards, which relate to the ROG series (Republic of Gamers). At these boards, at the entrance to the BIOS, we immediately fall into the "Extreme Tweaker" section, in which there is a majority of parameters designed to configure and overclock the parameters, and for some reason the Ultimate Force series is deprived of such a convenience.
Analogue of the "Main" section on Gigabyte boards is a section called "System". Here we learn basic information about the system, on the ATA Port Information page, we get acquainted with the list of connected drives, we can change the date, time and language of the BIOS interface.
The bulk of the necessary options for overclocking options focuses on Asustek's boards in a very large section "AI TWEAKER". The main window of the section allows you to change frequencies, multipliers and voltages, and initially you see far from a complete list of parameters, since all of them are set automatically. But as soon as you go to the manual setting, many previously hidden options appear. Part of the parameters is traditionally submitted to individual subsections to excessively not clutch the main. The OC TUNER parameter only looks like a subsection, in fact, with its help, the system is accelerated in automatic mode.
Section "M.i.t." (MB Intelligent Tweaker), which focuses all parameters related to overclocking and finely configuring performance at Gigabyte boards, divided into several pages, unlike the single section "AI TWEAKER" of ASUSTEK boards. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, the assessment will be subjective and depends mainly on personal preferences. At the Asustek boards, it is very convenient to move to the "AI Tweaker" section, changing the values \u200b\u200band periodically peeping into the subsections. On the Gigabyte boards to configure more actions, you need to constantly jump from one subsection to another. At the same time, the contents of most subsections are placed on one screen, all parameters in front of the eyes are missing scroll bar.
Start screen of the section "M.i.t." Only opens the list of subsections and issues basic information about the system.
Next, a purely information subsection "M.i.t. Current Status "reporting the current parameters of the system, its analogue of the ASUSTEK boards is missing. It is difficult to attribute it to the disadvantages, because the need for a similar subsection is small, to look here are infrequently, mainly only in order to take a picture for the next review.
In the Advanced Frequency Settings subsection, we control frequencies and multipliers, and a number of information parameters will allow you to be aware of the results of the changes made.
Settings related to processor technologies, a detailed change in the processor multiplication ratio and energy-saving modes, are transferred to a separate page "Advanced CPU Core Features".
Asustek's boards are not exactly the same page, but all these features are available. The parameters for a detailed change in the multiplication of the processor appear in the "AI TWEAKER" section when you go to configuration manually. In the CPU Power Management subsection, you can independently specify the values \u200b\u200bof the options affecting the parameters of the "Intel Turbo Boost" technology, however, as on the Gigabyte boards, it is not necessary to do this, since the boards are independently adjusted to the acceleration parameters specified by you.
However, with the search for parameters related to processor energy-saving technologies, on Asustek boards, it will have to be thoroughly tinked by the "AI Tweaker" section for some reason they are not included. You need to go to the Advanced section, go to the "CPU Configuration" subsection, followed by a separate page "CPU Power Management Configuration". It is not easy and inconvenient, however, for some reason, this layout of the parameters is preserved for a long time.
The Advanced Memory Settings subsection on Gigabyte boards provides the ability to configure the operation of the memory subsystem.
Managing numerous memory timings is rendered on separate pages. Timings can be installed simultaneously for two memory channels or for each individual.
Asustek's boards have a change in memory timings, too, has been submitted to a separate page to excessively not clutter the main section "AI TWEAKER". The number of parameters is very large, but it is quite convenient to use the capabilities of this subsection. You see all the timings that are set by the board for each of the two memory channels. You can only change a few of them, for example, only the main, leaving for the remaining default values.
At the beginning of this chapter, we brought a snapshot of the upper part of the very large section "Ai Tweaker", now it's time to familiarize yourself with the rest of its capabilities. The lower part of the section is given to work with voltages, and to control the current voltage values, you do not need to go to the monitoring section, they are immediately indicated, next to each of the parameters that allow you to change these voltages, which is very convenient. Voltages can be defined both above and below the nominal.
It is impossible not to notice a large number of options relating mainly to power and power consumption that appeared due to the digital system of "Digi +". Directly in the BIOS can be controlled by branded energy-saving technologies, allowing you to change the number of active processor power phases depending on the level of loading it. The technology to counteract the voltage drop on the processor under the load "CPU Load-Line Calibration" can not be easily enabled or disconnected, but also to dose the degree of opposition.
On Gigabyte fees to work with voltages, the Advanced Voltage Settings subsection is used, depending on the board model, all its parameters are separated by three or even four separate pages. On the 3D POWER CONTROL page, you can usually find the parameters that appeared thanks to the 3D Power technology. Directly in the BIOS, you can select the mode of operation of the processor power converter, you can flexibly dose the degree of counteraction to the voltage drop on the processor under load and change a number of other options. Voltages in various processor areas are changing on the CPU Core Voltage Control page. The voltage on the processor can be fixed at the desired level or only add a certain value to the nominal one. Voltages can not only be increased, but also reduced relative to the nominal, which can also be useful in some cases. For example, it may be needed to operate the processor at frequencies below regular or to support low-voltage memory modules.
However, everything applies to other Gigabyte fees, since it turned out that in the subsection with mockery in this case, the title "Advanced Voltage Settings" of the Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H fee is one-only parameter designed to change the stress in memory, and which -Lo other possibilities are absent.
It is necessary to recall that about a dozen years ago and earlier, the practice of limiting the possibilities of the BIOS for boards of initial levels was widespread and was widely used, the younger fees were significantly cut into capabilities to change frequencies and stresses. In this regard, enthusiasts even practiced the firmware for the younger BIOS fees from senior models, which sometimes allowed to circumvent these restrictions, but not always, but it almost always had a negative impact on the stability of the fee. It is the company Gigabyte broke the current practice, for all cards of the series simultaneously began to produce almost the same BIOS versions with equal capabilities. Gradually, other manufacturers also ceased to cut the possibilities of younger models. Now it seems to be a normal state of affairs, but at that time it was a breakthrough, which has been attracted to the company's products a lot of new supporters, because the Gigabyte fees were reasonably considered unsuitable for enthusiasts. Nostalgically remembering the Gigabyte breakdown period, the sadder to see today on the example of the Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H fee, which the company returns to the previous practice of restrictions and prohibitions.
After the huge partition "AI TWEAKER" on the Asustek boards, the Advanced section follows. It is divided into many subsections, the content of which is obvious and understandable by their names.
Gigabyte uses the opposite approach. While section "M.i.t." It was broken into many subsections, the section "Peripherals" is one, and therefore pretty great. It allows you to manage the operation of peripheral devices and additional charge controllers. Here are included and configured to set technology logic set, such as Intel Rapid Start and Intel Smart Connect.
In the "Power Management" section there is a regular set of parameters related to the launch of the board and power supply. Partition features are approximately similar to the "APM" subsection section "Advanced" on Asustek boards.
The Monitor section on the ASUS cards reports the current values \u200b\u200bof temperature, voltages and the speed of rotation of the fans. For all fans, including processor and three enclosures, you can select the preset rotation speed adjustment modes from a regular dialing: "Standard", "Silent" or "Turbo", or choose the appropriate parameters in manual mode. At the same time, all system connectors are able to reduce the speed of rotation of the fans, even with a three-contact connection, but for the processor fan, unfortunately, control is supported only with a four-contact connection.
Analogue of the "Monitor" section on the Gigabyte boards is the "PC Health Status" section of the "M.I.t." section, which also reports data on current voltages, temperatures and speed of fan rotation. We can choose one of the two pre-installed fan adjustment modes - "Normal" or "Silent", or choose the appropriate parameters in manual mode. A distinctive feature of the Gigabyte boards is the ability to adjust the speed of rotation of the processor fan with a three-contact connection, except for them, only ASRock fees are different. Unfortunately, the Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H board does not apply to the GIGABYTE board, since there is no "CPU Fan Control Mode" parameter, which allows you to choose the adjustment method. And indeed, the test showed that only the first system connector can reduce the speed of rotation of the three-contact fan.
In the "BOOT" section on Asustek's boards, we select the parameters that will be applied at the start of the system. Here, by the way, you need to change the start mode "EZ MODE" to "Advanced Mode". The default "Fast Boot" parameter allows the packets in the simplified mode to pass the starting procedure, so that the transition to the operating system is loaded very quickly.
In the Gigabyte BIOS Features section, we will specify the order of the loading device, turn off the output of the picture when starting, manage other parameters and technologies, such as virtualization technologies, assign access passwords. A similar parameter "Fast Boot" options are still not already observed, but this is a temporary phenomenon, since a similar parameter is already tested in the current BIOS beta versions, so after a while you can expect its appearance.
The built-in utility for updating the ASUS EZ Flash 2 firmware is one of the most convenient and functional programs of this kind. As one of the advantages, you can note the support of reading from sections formatted in the NTFS system, that is, it is not necessary to use a USB storage with the firmware to be updated, can be read directly from HDD. Such a feature is still possessed by asustek and Intel fees. Unfortunately, the ability to save the current version of the firmware before the update was generally liquidated.
On the Gigabyte boards, the built-in utility for updating the "Q-Flash" firmware is called when you click on the same button or the hot key "F8". It has become a little more convenient, now information about the current and flash version of the BIOS is now reported, although with drives formatted in NTFS, it still does not work, and the current firmware is now saved only in the root section of the drive, and not where the user needs .
ASUS boards allow you to save and quickly download eight full BIOS settings profiles. Each profile can be brief, reminiscent of its contents. Until now, the error is not fixed in which the profiles are not remembered to disable the output of the starting picture, but returned lost with the transition to EFI BIOS the ability to exchange profiles. Recently, profiles can again be kept on external media and download from them.
Gigabyte boards also allow you to save or upload eight different settings profiles, each can be given a name for its contents, returned the ability to save profiles on external media and download from them. A unique feature of the company's boards is the ability to automatically memorize the current profile with successful passage of the starting procedure, even the number of successful starts is saved. Thus, it is subsequently possible to return to the use of a workable profile, although it has not been specifically preserved by a user.
As well as on the boards of some other manufacturers, for example, Micro Star, who first implemented this opportunity, in the ASUSTEK BIOS boards, we can familiarize yourself with information covered in SPD memory modules, including XMP profiles (Extreme Memory Profile). There are no such functionality with such functionality, however, it is only a formal advantage, because information about memory timings is shown to us in the same section, and they change completely in another, so in practice this opportunity will be quite uncomfortable.
As before, when you press the "F9" key in any of the BIOS sections or when the GIGABYTE boards start, a system of system information appears.
If you abstract from the features of the motherboard reviewed in this review and consider the "ASUS EFI BIOS" and "Gigabyte 3D BIOS" as a whole, then both options have a complete set of parameters required for setting up and overclocking the system, but ASUSTEK BIOS is still a bit richer Useful features. For example, directly to the BIOS, without installing any programs, you can increase productivity using the "Asus MultiCore Enhancement" parameter or comprehensively dispersed the system "OC TUNER" function. Additional efficiency can be achieved if you include the EPU Power Saving Mode branded technology, and you can independently choose the level of savings, and you can leave it at the discretion of the board. Of course, Bios Gigabyte boards also have their advantages. A somewhat simplified, but visually visually visual mode "3D MODE", which is offered by default on Gigabyte boards, is much more useful and functional than a primitive page "EZ MODE" on the ASUS boards. Changing the start mode "3D MODE" on "Advanced Mode" is much more convenient and does not require any additional actions from the user. The function of automatically memorizing the profiles of settings in the case of a successful start of the system is generally unique, it was not possible to repeat none of other manufacturers of motherboards. Useful is the preserved ability to adjust the speed of rotation of the three-contact processor fan.
We listed only the main advantages of ASUS EFI BIOS and Gigabyte 3D BIOS, and the differences and conditionally useful functions they have much more. However, it is only a total estimate of the two options for implementing the UEFI BIOS as a whole, and in our particular case it turned out that the GIGABYTE GA-Z77M-D3H board of the Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H fee is simply income with ASUS P8Z77-M. Gigabyte deprived this fee to manage any voltages, with the exception of stress in memory. And even inherent in other models the advantage in the ability to adjust the speed of rotation of the three-contact processor fan in this board is missing.
Configuration of the test system
All experiments were carried out on the test system, including the following set of components:
Motherboards:
ASUS P8Z77-M Rev. 1.01 (LGA1155, Intel Z77 Express, BIOS version 1908);
Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H REV. 1.1 (LGA1155, Intel Z77 Express, BIOS F13 version);
Processor - Intel Core i5-3570K (3.6-3.8 GHz, 4 kernels, Ivy Bridge Rev. E1, 22 Nm, 77 W, 1.05 V, LGA1155);
Memory - 2 x 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM CORSAIR VENGEANCE CMZ16GX3M4X1866C9R, (1866 MHz, 9-10-9-27, supply voltage 1.5 V);
Integrated graphics - Intel HD Graphics 4000;
Disk subsystem -Crucial M4 SSD (CT256M4SSD2, 256 GB, SATA 6 Gb / s);
Cooling system - Scythe Mugen 3 Revision B (SCMG-3100);
Thermalcase - Arctic MX-2;
Power supply - ENHANCE EPS-1280GA, 800 W;
The case is an open test stand based on the Antec Skeleton housing.
Microsoft Windows 8 Enterprise 64 Bit (Microsoft Windows, Version 6.2, Build 9200) was used as the operating system (Microsoft Windows, Version 6.2, Build 9200), the driver for the Intel Chipset Device Software chip 9.4.0.1017, the video card driver - Intel HD Graphics Driver 15.31.3.64.3071 (9.18. 10.3071).
Features of work and acceleration
Asus P8Z77-M and Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H and Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H and GIGABYTE GA-Z77M-D3H and GIGABYTE GA-Z77M-D3H has passed simply and without difficulty, alone because we initially decided to refuse to use any expansion cards, including discrete video cards. However, even such a fairly large cooling system, as a processor cooler Scythe Mugen 3, would not interfere with the installation on the board of an external video card.On the starting picture, which the ASUS P8Z77-M board shows when loading, only the well-known "DEL" key is removed, and there are no other prompts about active buttons.
Slightly better the situation will look if you disconnect the output of the starting picture in the BIOS, or remember that this can be done by the Tab key. As the starting procedure passes, the board will display a lot of useful information about the name of the model, the BIOS version, the name of the processor, the volume and frequency of memory. However, instead of the actual frequency of the processor, it will always be reported to you with a nominal frequency, even without taking into account the default TURBO technologies.
However, modern boards are started so quickly that it is difficult not only to see the information displayed on the screen as the starting procedure passes, but sometimes you do not have time to press the key to enter the BIOS. To automatically enter the BIOS from the Microsoft Windows operating system, you can use the "ASUS Boot Setting" utility, which has already been told in the review of the ASUS P8Z77-V LK board. We took rid of themselves from difficulties at the setup stage, simply disabled in the "BOOT" BIOS SETUP option "Fast Boot", which is enabled by default.
All Intel processor energy-saving technologies work on the board initially, without the need for additional activation, and in addition to them, you can include on the BIOS branded technology "EPU POWER SAVING MODE". For the processor, it was also ensured by a really nominal mode of operation, according to its official specifications, although it is easy to use the ASUS MULTICORE ENHANCEMENT function, which at any level of load will increase the processor multiplication factor to the maximum value provided for by the Intel Turbo Boost technology only for single-threaded load . To achieve more significant results, you can use the OC TUNER parameter, which allows you to comprehensively dispersed the system in automatic mode. For example, in our case, the base frequency was raised to 102 MHz, and the processor multiplication coefficient is increased to x41. Thus, the processor's operating frequency was raised to about 4.2 GHz, at the same time up to 1300 MHz, the frequency of the integrated graphics core was increased, and the memory frequency rose to 1900 MHz.
It is commendable that none of the important components of the system remained forgotten when using automatic overclocking, but the best results can be achieved only when selecting the most optimal parameter values \u200b\u200bin manual mode. Unfortunately, the fee could not provide performance at a maximum of 4.6 GHz with a frequency processor instance. As a result, it was necessary to limit the acceleration of the processor to 4.5 GHz, and at the same time increased to 1866 MHz memory frequency and its timings adjusted.
It is necessary to remind you that we always overclock the system so that it can be fully used in long-term mode. No opportunities or additional controllers of the motherboard are disconnected, the functionality of the processor energy-saving technologies of Intel is fully maintained, which reduces the multiplication of the processor and the voltage supplied to it that disconnect unnecessary blocks and translating the processor into economical modes in the absence of a load.
Unlike its rival, the Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H motherboard, when starting, demonstrates the starting picture, at the bottom of which is reminded the full list of active "hot" keys. Log in to BIOS by pressing the "DEL" key; The "F9" key will show a window with system information, the same as when you press this button in the BIOS; "F12" will display a start menu for an extraordinary selection of the download source; Using the "End" key, you can run the built-in utility to update the Q-Flash firmware.
Among the keys it is not accidentally missing "Tab", which traditionally serves to remove the picture. Picture output can be turned off in the BIOS settings, but this step is useless. The fact is that, unlike the platforms of most other manufacturers, the Gigabyte boards are not displayed at all any information about the passage of the starting procedure. The only thing that can be seen is the logo of AMI, since its code is based on the BIOS.
Like a rival, in default mode, the board provided the nominal mode of operation of the processor and memory, the functionality of all processor energy-saving Intel technologies, and with the frequency of the integrated graphics core in Gigabyte, they decided to smear. In the absence of load, the frequency decreased to 350 MHz, as it should be assumed for Intel HD Graphics 4000, but under load rises to 1200, and not 1150 MHz. Moreover, it is impossible to detect it in the BIOS, the Processor Graphics Clock information parameter reports that the frequency is the nominal 1150 MHz, but this is not true.
The difference is insignificant, but still it turns out that the nominal mode of operation of the system fee does not fully. When measurement measurements, we manually set the standard frequency of the graphics core to correct the comparison with the Asustek board.
In BIOS, Gigabyte boards there are no parameters for automatic acceleration of the processor, this task is traditionally shifted on the "Easy Tune6" utility. However, it will not help accelerate on the GIGABYTE GA-Z77M-D3H board, even the corresponding Quick Boost tab disappeared from the program window. It is clear that all this is due to the fact that the fee is catastrophically limited to changing the voltages, only the ability to change the stress in memory is left. This means that the acceleration of the processor to its maximum 4.6 GHz on this model cannot be achieved in principle, since the stability of such a frequency can be provided only by increasing the voltage. But to overclock the processor up to 4.5 GHz without increasing the voltage, we successfully practiced such a method during Micro-Star motherboard tests. The fact is that MSI cards cannot change the voltages in the "Offset" mode, only adding or taking some value from the nominal. The voltages can only be fixed on constant values, and therefore any change in voltage leads to the disconnection of the processor energy-saving Intel technologies, even in the absence of a load on the processor, the voltage does not decrease, but remains on a given value. Only Micro-Star and EVGA fees are different than the negative feature, there are no such lack of any other manufacturers.
However, we found a way to disperse on MSI boards, without losing the performance of Intel processor energy-saving technologies. Voltages can not be touched, but you can enable the "Load-Line Calibration" function that prevents the voltage drop on the processor under load. Dosing the degree of counteraction, you can select a suitable value in which the processor will confidently work at 4.5 GHz. Unfortunately, for the GIGABYTE GA-Z77M-D3H board, and this method turned out to be inapplicable, because of its BIOS all parameters related to voltage change, even the 3D Power Control page, where it was possible to choose the mode of operation of the processor power converter, flexibly Dosing the degree of countering voltage drop on the processor under load and change a number of other options. As a result, it was necessary to overclock under the rated voltage of the processor, and when it strongly sends under load. We, perhaps, even lucky that in such difficult conditions, the processor was capable of working steadily at a relatively high frequency of 4.4 GHz.
At the same time, we raised the frequency of memory of memory to 1866 MHz and adjusted its timings. And, of course, the functionality of the processor energy-saving technologies of Intel was completely preserved.
When the task is to increase the performance of the system, then acceleration must be complex, covering all components and all aspects affecting the speed. It would be quite possible to add an increase in the frequency integrated in the graphics kernel integrated into the processor to accelerate the processor and memory. Theoretically, from 1150 MHz, the frequency of Intel HD Graphics 4000 could be raised to approximately 1300 MHz, but we will not get any significant increase in games from such a minor overclocking. Integrated graphics are too weak for resource games, acceleration is unable to qualitatively change the situation, and with undemanding games it successfully copes without any acceleration. Therefore, we did not overclock the built-in schedule, because nothing but an increase in power consumption does not bring such overclocking.
Comparison of productivity
We traditionally carry out the motherboard comparison in two modes: when the system works in nominal conditions and when overclocking the processor and memory. The first option is interesting from the point of view, which allows you to find out how well motherboards work with default parameters. It is known that a significant part of the users is not engaged in a fine system setting, they only install optimal parameters in BIOS and no longer change anything. So we carry out a check, almost in no way intervening in the default values \u200b\u200bspecified by default, only for the GIGABYTE GA-Z77M-D3H fee I had to lead to the nominal frequency of operation integrated into the Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics core processor. The results in diagrams are sorted as productivity decreases .In the Cinebench 11.5 program, we are five times spending processor tests and average the results obtained.
The Fritz Chess Benchmark utility is used in tests for a long time and has proven itself well. It gives well repetitive results, performance is well scaled depending on the number of computing streams used.
Test X264 FHD BENCHMARK V1.0.1 (64bit) allows you to assess the performance of the system compared to the results available in the database. The average results of five passes are presented in the diagram.
Measuring Performance in Adobe Photoshop CS6 We carry out using your own test, which is a creative recycled Retouch Artists Photoshop Speed \u200b\u200bTest, which includes typical processing of four 24 megapixel images made by a digital camera.
In the data archiving test, a single gigabyte file is packaged using LZMA2 algorithms, the remaining compression parameters remain in default values.
As in the compression test, the faster the calculation of the 16 million signs of the number of pi will be performed, the better. This is the only test where the number of processor nuclei does not play any role, the load is single-flow.
The following diagram uses only the results of processor tests of 3DMark Fire Strike. This characteristic is the result of the work of a special physical test that simulates the behavior of a complex gaming system with a large number of objects. At the same time it turned out that this test sufficiently checks the stability of the disinterested processor.
Intel HD Graphics 4000 integrated in the processor is unable to cope with the load that the Fire Strike test is created from the new 3DMark. Therefore, to evaluate the performance and possibility of comparison with the graphic solutions of this level, we used the CLOUD GATE test from this package.
The integrated Hitman Absolution The test was very convenient. It can be launched from the game, from the starting utility (launcher) and even from the command line. To get at least minimally acceptable results for the game, the settings had to be reduced to the lowest and use not the highest resolution.
Batman: Arkham City game also readily responds to changing the frequency of the processor and memory. We conduct a fivefold repetition of the built-in performance test game at the lowest quality settings and average the results obtained.
We have repeatedly noted that related fees working in the same conditions show an approximately equal level of performance. The data obtained during operation in nominal mode fully confirm this rule, the difference between the boards is minimal and in any test does not exceed even one percent. I would like to additionally comment on only the last two results in games. Before starting tests, we did not know how to do it better. Whether to remove the game tests in general, because it was obvious that integrated graphics for them are too weak, whether to replace these games to the simpler and less demanding. To our surprise, it turned out that, for example, in such a game like Batman: Arkham City, it is quite possible to play in the processor graphic, although, of course, you need to upgrade quality settings and reduce permission. However, these measures are not universal, it all depends on the specific game and for the Hitman Absolution of the same actions turned out to be not enough for a comfortable gaming process. In general, as a result, we decided to leave these two tests, as a good illustration of the possibilities of the integrated graphics core processor. It is impossible to achieve good results in the resource-intensive games from it, but not always, although not always.
When operating systems in the nominal mode, they functioned in equal terms, and therefore the difference in the results turned out to be negligible. Obviously, when you accelerate the ASUS P8Z77-M board, there will be an advantage over Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H, because it dispersed the processor to 4.5 GHz, and on the Gigabyte board because of its trimmed capabilities, we were forced to stop at 4.4 GHz.
The results were predictable. The test system collected on the basis of the Motherboard ASUS P8Z77-M demonstrates the advantage in the range from one and a half to two and a half percent in computing tasks. But in game tests, where everything is leveled by the limited features of the integrated graphics core, the difference almost disappears and due to measurement errors, the Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H board can even be easily alerting a rival.
Measurement of power consumption
Measuring power consumption is carried out using the EXTECH POWER ANALYZER 380803. The device is turned on in front of the computer power supply, that is, measures the consumption of the entire system "from the outlet", with the exception of the monitor, but including losses in the power supply itself. When measuring consumption, the system is inactive, we are waiting for a complete cessation of post-leader and lack of contacts to the drive. Power consumption for single-threaded load on the processor is measured in the course of tests for the calculation rate of the PI number, with a multi-threaded performance during the performance measurements in the Fritz Chess Benchmark program, and we refused to load the comprehensive loading of the processor and the video system. When using a powerful discrete video card, its work significantly increases the total energy consumption of the system and this additional factor must necessarily take into account. But when working built into the processor, the schedule was different. Modern games rarely use a large number of processor cores, more often limited by one or two. Therefore, consumption in games, despite the inclusion of integrated graphics, it turned out to be lower than when the processor is fully loaded, although, of course, higher than with single-threaded load. Results in diagrams are sorted as consumption grows.
In both boards initially, the processor energy-saving Intel technologies, which reduce the processor multiplication coefficient and the voltage supplied to it in the absence of a load. However, at rest Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H looks preferable, as it consumes less than its rival. However, when the load appears, the situation changes to the opposite direct, the ASUS P8Z77-M fee is more economical. In addition, it is necessary to recall that at the boards of the company Asustek additional savings not only alone, but also under load, it can be achieved if you include the EPU Power Saving Mode branded technology, and in BIOS GIGABYTE boards, such functionality is not Present.
Now compare the power consumption of systems during acceleration with increasing processor and memory frequencies.
Now the Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H board is noticeably more economical in any modes, but this is not worthy, and the consequence of its lack of. The capabilities of the acceleration board are essentially limited to the absence of voltage change abilities, they had to accelerate without enhancing them, because the final result was worse. The ASUS P8Z77-M consumes only because it managed to achieve higher frequencies of the processor, and the increased productivity reaches and justifies higher energy consumption.
Afterword
Before starting tests, we were interested in whether the assembly of the MicroatX-board system really does without a discrete video card will be easy and trouble-free? Will there be small boards as convenient in the setting and will we achieve the same results of overclocking the processor and memory, as on full-size models? If you keep in mind the Motherboard ASUS P8Z77-M, then we will receive a positive answer to both of these questions. The assembly turned out to be elementary, without a powerful external video card, the energy consumption of the system is attractively small both alone and under load, while we get exactly the same computational abilities as on full-size boards. Of course, all these advantages will be significantly significant when resource-intensive games are not included in the scope of the priority interests of the user. However, nothing prevents you from installing a discrete video card in the system, having lost economy, but adding performance in graphic tasks.Initially, we believed that the small motherboards of the initial level ASUS P8Z77-M and GIGABYTE GA-Z77M-D3H were almost the same, but it turned out that we were mistaken. The Gigabyte fee is a little poorer, the equipment, but the list of technical characteristics is exactly the same as the Asustek fee, the nomenclature of the controllers used is only different, just the possibilities of two boards differ significantly. First of all, the differences are due to the fact that the GIGABYTE GA-Z77M-D3H board is deprived of the ability to change the voltages, which limits the acceleration of the processor or its graphic kernel, and the ASUS P8Z77-M board does not differ in the setting or acceleration from other models of the company. However, this is not the only difference as Asustek provides many additional features. It is easy to improve the performance, using the "ASUS MULTICORE ENHANCEMENT" function, and the OC TUNER parameter will help the starting user in the integrated acceleration of the system. The technology "USB BIOS FlashBack" eliminates possible incompatibility, allowing you to update the firmware even without complete system assembly. There is a button "Memok!", Allowing the board to successfully start even if there are problems with RAM. The technology "EPU POWER SAVING MODE" will help reduce the power consumption of the system, and the Gigabyte fee has nothing like that.
As a result, the Maternal ASUS P8Z77-M card looks preferable to any point of view, the choice of Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H card can be made only by ignorance and from lack of information. It can be justified only when you are exactly sure that overclocking opportunities will never be interested, you will never need any additional abilities, and the price difference between two boards is essential. However, even in this case, this model will not become the optimal option. To purchase, the Gigabyte GA-H77M-D3H is probably suitable for you, which is based on the Intel H77 Express logic, and therefore it is even cheaper, but at the same time it has the same design and the same set of technical characteristics.
Our readers could already be convinced by the example of the Gigabyte G1.Sniper M3 motherboard that the functionality is not greatly dependent on the dimensions. On the contrary, there is an opportunity to assemble a system of more compact sizes, while not limiting itself in anything. So, goes into the past myth that MATX boards are always budget solutions for office printing machines. Now almost every manufacturer has one or more small models in the line, which are no longer inferior to full-format ATX solutions.
Until recently, large boards had an advantage in supporting multigraphic technologies, such as SLI and CrossFire. The first to erase the line between the two standards (MATX and ATX) in terms of functionality of the beginning of the company ASUS, having released several gamerian models in the Special Rog (Republic of Gamers) with the GENE console.
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