Intel recently releases its newest chipset Z68 the latest additional to their lineup after a total recall of the P67 and H67 chipset. This chipset is intended to support the 2nd generation Sandy Bridge processors. But the question is, what's new with Z68 chipset and its advantages over the P67 and H67? That's what you're going to discover as you read on.
Confusion With The P67 And H67 Motherboards
Many people get confused with intel's idea from releasing the P67 and H67 chipset. Consumers just can't fully utilize the kind of advantage with the K version processors. Why buying a K version with HD Graphics 3000 while you can't do overclocking with the H67 board. On the other hand, using a P67 board gives you the freedom to overclock but doesn't support the IGP.
The release of the Z68 chipset finally solved these problems, because you can now enjoy both features of intel's K version processors. The Z68 combines both features of the P67 overclocking capabilities and the H67 support for the IGP HD Graphics in a single chipset. Not only that, the Z68 also provides more advance technology features that make this one a powerful chipset like the LucidLogix Virtu.
LucidLogix Virtu Supports The Z68
The Lucid Virtu supports the Z68 in which the IGP can perfectly combine with the discrete GPU or even multiple GPU's. The main purpose of Lucid Virtu is to fully utilize the IGP transcoding features in which you don't need to switch cables from the discrete GPU and no additional hardware is required.
Another advantage of this is to save you power and heat dissipation when the 3D games and high end graphics is not in used. In this case it minimizes its power consumption, slowing the fan speed and less heat. The discrete GPU's will automatically put into idle mode when performing basic operations.
This kind of technology tremendously improves your gaming and media experience. The integrated IGP of the Sandy Bridge processors are truly unbeatable when it comes to Video Transcoding applications. Choosing a Z68 motherboard is really worthy with almost the same price compare to P67 motherboards.
1. ASUS Maximus IV Extreme-Z Review - Extremely The Best Z68 Motherboard
If you're looking for the best of the best Z68 motherboard that will take you to a new level of gaming experience to the extreme, look no further because the ASUS Maximus IV Extreme-Z is perfectly right for you.
The Maximus IV Extreme-Z belongs to the ruthless ROG family therefore, we're expecting the best motherboard here just like what his big brother did, the Maximus III and Rampage III Extreme.
This board is almost the same as the Maximus IV Extreme except for the chipset. The Maximus IV Extreme-Z has the advantage of using the Z68 chipset, because, it has the power to use the integrated GPU of Sandy Bridge processors. Combining the iGPU with the discrete GPU using the LucidVirtu is truly unparalleled in video applications, especially the QuickSync features of Sandy Bridge processors.
The Maximus IV Extreme uses only the P67 chipset, as we all know that has the power to overclock the unlock version processor. With the Maximus IV Extreme-Z, they make it even easier for us to tweak that really bring us joy for lots of possibilities.
The Looks
As we take a look at the Maximus IV Extreme-Z it is exactly the same as the Maximus IV Extreme. From the color, PCB layout, to I/O back panel and ports there is no difference between these two.
This board has an extended ATX form factor with a dimension of 12 inch x 10.6 inch. A combination of black and red has always been the theme color. The ROG logo is noticeable on the top of the heatsink that clearly identifies them.
All SATA ports are in right angle position on the edge of the board for easy access, 4x SATA 3Gb/s in black and 4x SATA 6Gb/s in red. All DIMM slot are properly placed that prevents it from distracting the GPU when installed, a combination of black and red is also noticeable here.
All PCI-E slots are in red color. The first 2 PCI-E slots are well spaced for proper air ventilation when 2 GPU are installed, but the next 2 are closer in distance. The ATX power connector is also in great place on the side of the board for easy access and neat wiring.
Generous amounts of USB port at the back panel are available to make it sure that you never run out of port. CMOS clear buttons, a ROG connect and an RC Bluetooth switches is also provided at the back panel for easy access. Overall, the ASUS Maximus IV Extreme-Z has a very nice design and a great looking motherboard.
Specs
Supports Intel Socket 1155 Core i7/ i5/i3 Sandy Bridge Processors
Intel P67 Express Chipset
4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600/1333
Supports NVIDIA 3-Way SLI and CrossFireX Technology
4x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8 or x8, x16, x16), 1x PCIe 2.0 x4, 1x PCIe 2.0 x1
4x SATA 6Gb/s ports, 4x SATA 3Gb/s ports, Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
2 x eSATA 3Gb/s port
2 x Gigabit LAN Controller
RC Bluetooth On/Off Switch
9x USB 2.0 ports, 10x USB 3.0 port(s)
Realtek ALC 889 8-Channel HD Audio CODEC
Features
The Maximus IV Extreme-Z is packed with the best features that you ever wanted in gaming rig that ASUS can offer. This board is built with the Z68 chipset so that you can take the advantage of its overclocking capabilities using the unlock version as well as the QuickSync for Transcoding applications of Sandy Bridge processor.
Some of the best features of this motherboard can offer are the EFI BIOS that replaces the traditional keyboard controlled to make it easier to navigate using a graphical user interface. It provides an 8 CPU power design and 3 in memory power design. This feature provides power efficiency to the CPU and memory that maximized its usage with minimal power loss.
The Al Suite II is user friendly software for easy overclocking. The MemOK! function is to enable to boot the motherboard even if there is a memory compatibility issues. A Bluetooth receiver is also provided for faster interface.
The best thing about this board is the support for both SLI and CrossfireX that allow us to have freedom to choose our own multi GPU.
Some of the best ROG extreme features are the CPU-Z, USB BIOS Flashback, ROG Direct, GPU.DIMM Post. The CPU-Z is a customized version only for ROG that reports your CPU related information. The USB BIOS Flashback is the easiest way to save your BIOS settings on a flash drive for a worry free anytime it crashes. The ROG Direct lets you monitor and tweak your voltage and frequency in real time using your iPhone or iPad. The GPU.DIMM post can easily check your memory and graphics card status in BIOS whenever a component failure arises.
This also includes The ROG bundle software, a 3DmarkVantage is a standard PC gaming benchmark design for Windows Vista and DirectX10. A Kaspersky antivirus is also provided to keep you safe from any malicious software programs.
The Lucid Virtu would be the main advantage of the Maximus IV Extreme-Z over the Maximus IV Extreme. This special software combines the integrated GPU of Sandy Bridge processors and the discrete GPU, with the support of DirectX 11 3D to further enhance when you're playing 3D games. With this kind of technology, you can now enjoy both the transcoding and the 3D games without the need of switching between GPU's.
Testing the Maximus IV Extreme-Z
The Maximus IV Extreme-Z was tested using the unlock Core i7 2600K. Setting the multiplier at 46 and keeping the BaseCLK at 100MHz, a 4.6GHz is easily achieved with a stock speed of only 3.4GHz. It was clearly noticeable a big leap of 1.2GHz on top of its 3.4GHz stock frequency.
It shows great improvement in frame rate at overclock speed in various games. Compare with the Maximus III and Rampage III which is also a top competitor, As a result, it doesn't show much impressive but quite good enough to take the lead.
Bottom Line
As we already seen that, there is no big difference between these two Extreme motherboards except for the chipset being used. I think ASUS pull out the same board and install a different chip to make it simple as well as less pain in designing a separate board.
But whatever it is, they have done a great job for those who don't need the QuickSync and for those who are in need, will get the same great board. The Maximus IV Extreme-Z is well deserved as an enthusiast and gamers stuff, everything you need is in here. A generous amount of ports are provided from USB 3.0, SATA 6Gb/s to firewire are well design for future standard, even for 2-3 years of use you'll never left out in technology.
We already know that all ROG motherboard are pricey because of its unbeatable performance and loaded with features. This is one thing that makes them exceptional compare with other boards. The Maximus IV Extreme-Z is $33 above the price of Maximus IV Extreme at this point of time but, a big advantage over the QuickSync for Transcoding applications. If you want to enjoy both worlds and a budget would not be a major concern here, I suggest you go for it! Click Here to get it at its Lowest Price!
2. ASUS Maximus IV GENE-Z Review - The Best Z68 ROG Motherboard With Lower Price
If you're one of those hard core gamers and looking for the best Z68 motherboard with lower price alternative for your computer rig, you're on the right place. The ASUS Maximus Gene-Z is the perfect answer to your needs. This board belongs to the ruthless ROG family; made for those enthusiasts who always hungry for speed.
Even though it comes in a small micro ATX form factor, you can be sure of it, because it will definitely deliver to goodness in you. The Maximus IV Gene-Z is a high end entry line motherboard from ASUS, we're expecting that it will be full of overclocking headroom.
The Looks
The Maximus IV Gene-Z has a traditional looks of a ROG motherboard, with a combination of red and black so that they can be easily distinguish the difference of a high end board. The ROG logo can be seen on the top of Z68 chipset heatsink. Those heatsinks are in great shape, well design to withstand heat during overclock, this is what the board is design for.
This board comes in a micro ATX form factor with 9.6in x 9.6in dimensions, a compact size that doesn't consume much of your space. Despite of its cute size, it has a good PCB layout. The two PCI-E x16 slot are well spaced for proper air ventilation when using two GPU's. All 4 DIMM's are also in black and red color combinations which I think a bit crowded when you installed a longer GPU's, as it will touch the edge of the slot.
All SATA port is in right angle position for easy access, 2 SATA 6GB/s in red and 4 SATA 3GB/s in black. The ATX power connector is located on the edge of the board for neat wirings that doesn't cause any distractions.
At the back I/O port, a single PS/2 mouse/KB port is provided. 8x USB 2.0 and 2x USB 3.0 are available to make sure you'll never run out of ports. CMOS clear is also located on the back I/O panel for your convenient without the need for opening the case. 1x LAN port, 8x audio port, 2x eSATA and an optical S/PDIF output are also available. The thing that I like the most here is the availability of the HDMI port; this is perfect if you want to connect it to your HDTV.
Specs
Supports Intel Socket 1155 Core i7/ i5/i3 Sandy Bridge Processors
Intel Z68 Express Chipset
4x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600/1333
Supports NVIDIA 3-Way SLI and CrossFireX Technology
2x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8), 1x PCIe 2.0 x1
2x SATA 6Gb/s ports, 4x SATA 3Gb/s ports, Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
2x eSATA 3Gb/s port
2x Gigabit LAN Controller
12x USB 2.0 ports, 4x USB 3.0 ports
SupremeFX X-Fi 2 8-Channel HD Audio CODEC
Features
The Maximus IVGene-Z is packed with the best features that you ever wanted in a gaming rig. This board is built with the Z68 chipset so that you can take the advantage of its overclocking capabilities using the unlock version of Sandy Bridge processor, at the same time the QuickSync features of the Sandy Bridge processors, this is perfect for Transcoding applications.
The latest technology with the Z68 chipset that features in this board is the ability to combine the iGPU and the discrete GPU's using the LucidLogix Virtu. In this case, you can take the full advantage of the QuickSync for faster video conversion. Another great thing here is that, it can automatically switches from heavy 3D games usage to a simple office applications while putting your discrete GPU into idle. This can save you power at the same time you don't need an additional hardware.
Some of the best features of this motherboard can offer are the EFI BIOS that replaces the traditional keyboard controlled to make it easier to navigate using a graphical user interface. It provides an 8 CPU power design, 2 phase in memory power design and 4 phase in iGPU. This feature provides power efficiency to the CPU and memory that maximized its usage with minimal power loss.
The best thing about this board is the support for both SLI and CrossfireX that allow us to have freedom to choose our own multi GPU. The HDMI port is also provided for your HTPC applications, back up with the SupremeFX X-Fi 2 HD Audio, a great advantage over the Maximus IV Extreme version.
Some of the best ROG extreme features are the CPU-Z, ROG Connect, GPU.DIMM Post and the ROG CPU Level Up. The CPU-Z is a customized version only for ROG that reports your CPU related information. The ROG Connect lets you monitor and tweak your voltage and frequency in real time using your notebook. The GPU.DIMM post can easily check your memory and graphics card status in BIOS whenever a component failure arises. The ROG CPU Level Up is an instant OC, by simply choosing your processor you want to overclock and the board will do the rest.
This also includes The ROG bundle software's; a 3DmarkVantage is a standard PC gaming benchmark design for Windows Vista and DirectX10. A Kaspersky antivirus is also provided to keep you safe from any malicious software programs.
Testing the Maximus IVGene-Z
The ASUS Maximus IVGene-Z was tested using the Core i5-2500K processor, 8GB memory, GTX570 GPU using windows 7 64-bit. By changing some few BIOS settings 4.6GHz is easily achieved. A quick jump of 1.3GHz is added with the stock clock speed of 3.3GHz using the 2500K. With new UEFI EZ BIOS, overclocking with Maximus IV Gene-Z can get with minimal effort. Enthusiast will surely love this, even the novice will do.
To push it even further, 4.9GHz is achievable but not quite stable, I think a bigger cooling system will require for this. We decided to settle down for 4.8GHz to get a stable speed. With this clock, we gained a healthy 1.5GHz on top of the 2500K 3.3GHz processor. Using the bundled software exclusive for ROG CPU-Z, you can easily check these speeds.
These gains in speed really add in its performance considerably in various applications, especially in games, for sure hard core gamers will be joyful for it. Although we don't achieve the 5GHz speed limit, I think using the 2600K and a high end water cooling system will do. The main attraction here is, how easily can be done the overclocking with the Gene-Z, this will make everyone happy to have it.
Conclusion
The ASUS Maximus IVGene-Z is well design for enthusiast and gamers like you, an excellent stuff for overclockers. In addition to that, the capacity to overclock the memory and the iGPU is considerably good factor to this board. Some people may be thinking that Gene-Z is the low end version of the Extreme, but it is not. It proves that, this board is worthy to belong to the ROG family. Admittedly, there are some few changes that take off with the Gene-Z compare with the Extreme version, but some additional features taking its advantage.
The Gene-Z is design for your future needs; it fully supports all hard drives with more than 2TB capacity. The UEFI EZ BIOS is a fun way to do CMOS settings and tweaking compare with traditional keyboard controlled. It can handle up to 32GB of memory with max frequency of 2200MHz.
The support for both SLI and CrossfireX, eSATA, a generous number of USB 3.0/2.0 ports is a big plus for this board. This is unstoppable when it comes to overclocking, the best part of this board. The addition of HDMI port combined with the SupremeFX X-Fi 2 HD Audio is perfect for your HTPC applications.
The Lucid Virtu support is great, the latest technology that combines the iGPU and your discrete GPU in a single output. This will automate your high end 3D to 2D depending on your applications to further saves you energy. You can take full advantage of the QuickSync for your Transcoding applications, we all know that, this is unbeatable when it comes to video conversion. This is how great the Z68 chipset is all about.
The Maximus IV Gene-Z is limited to two PCI-E slot and two SATA 6GB/s due to its compact design, but if you don't need more than that, this board is definitely your perfect choice. There's so much we can take with the ASUS Maximus IVGene-Z at a very low price point, this is unbelievable until you'll see it. With all of these, we can see how amazingly ASUS creates the latest entry to its lineup. Click Here to get it at its Lowest Price!
3. ASUS P8Z68-V PRO - What Makes It The Best Z-68 Motherboard?
If you're planning to build a top of the line computer for your gaming rigs or even for your video editing applications, the ASUS P8Z68-V PRO is worth to consider. As you already know, the Z68 chipset has the power of both the P67 overclocking capabilities and the H67 supports for the integrated Graphics. The ASUS P8Z68-V PRO is made of this powerful chipset. But, what makes the P8Z68-V PRO the best Z68 motherboard? Let's find out.
The Looks
The P8Z68-V PRO has a traditional ASUS looks with the combinations of black, blue and white colors that makes it very appealing to anyone's eye, with almost identical with the P8P67 Pro motherboard. The 3 PCI-E slots are well spaced for proper air breathing. The 4 DIMM slots are well position to prevent it from touching in case a big long GPU was installed.
The 24/8 pin ATX power connectors and the 8 SATA ports are installed in right angle are all well placed for easy access and neat wiring. All heatsinks are all in great shape to withstand any heat during stress tests and has very stylish looks which is also one of the ASUS Fanless features that reduce the noise.
Specs
The P8Z68-V PRO supports the latest Sandy Bridge processor in socket LGA1155 for Core i7/Core i5/Core i3. It has 4 DIMM's slot that supports dual channel DDR3 up to 32GB at 2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600(O.C.)/1333/1066MHz memory module.
It has three PCI-E slot that runs at single 16X configuration or dual at 8X/8X, the third (black) is at 4X and 1x PCI-E 1X slot. It also provides 2x PCI and 2x PCI-E 1X slots. It has 2x SATA 6GB/s and 4x SATA 3GB/s connectors that supports SATA RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and 1 eSATA 3GB/s.
It can accommodate up to 12x USB 2.0 and 4x USB 3.0 ports to make sure you never runs out of USB ports. It also has 2x Realtek LAN port and 8-chanel High Definition audio port DTS surround sensation with S/PDIF out support. A Bluetooth and 2x 1934a firewire support is a big factor for this motherboard.
For integrated Graphics Processor an HDMI output with max resolution of 1920×1200, DVI output with max resolution of 1920×1200 and RGB output with max resolution of 2048×1536@75Hz a max shared memory of 1748 MB.
Features
The P8Z68-V PRO is packed with the best features with state of the art technology that ASUS can offer. This board is built with the Z68 chipset so that you can take the advantage of its overclocking capabilities using the unlock version as well as the QuickSync features of the IGP in all Sandy Bridge processors.
Some of the best features of this motherboard can offer are the EFI BIOS, that replaces the traditional keyboard controlled, to make it easier to navigate using a graphical user interface.
It provides a 14+2 DIGI + VRM which is a precision digital voltage regulator that replaces the old analog version. This feature provides power efficiency to the CPU that maximized its usage with minimal power loss. The hyper Duo feature creates a hybrid storage drive by combining the HDD and SSD.
The Al Suite II is user friendly software for easy overclocking for DIGI+VRM, EPU, TurboV, BT Go, and fan speed. The ASUS DP2 is a dual intelligent processor which integrated on the motherboard that provides the EPU and TPU including the DIGI+VRM.
The TPU (Turbo Processing Unit) is a precise voltage control and advanced monitoring through Auto Tuning and TurboV. The EPU (Energy Processing Unit) reduces the power drain to provide more efficiency. The MemOK function is to enable to boot the motherboard even if there is a memory compatibility issues.
The BT Go! is an onboard Bluetooth receiver for faster interface.
The best thing about this board is the support for both SLI and CrossfireX that allow us to have freedom to choose our own multi GPU. This board is also equipped with GPU Boost that accelerates the integrated GPU for excellent graphics performance.
Testing The ASUS P8Z68-V PRO
The ASUS P8Z68-V PRO was tested using the Core i7 2600K processor. The 2600K has a stock frequency of 3.4GHz with 100MHz BCLK and a multiplier of 34. The good thing about the unlock version of Sandy Bridge processor is that you can easily do your overclocking by simply increasing its multiplier. But the bad thing is, not much in its Base CLK you'll be lucky if you go further than 105MHz. Because, that's what the Sandy Bridge processors are made of.
Setting the multiplier at 47 and a BaseCLK at 100MHz we get a stable 4.7GHz and crashed at x48 therefore not possible at 4.8GHz. We want to push it further by increasing the BCLK with the best possible at 103.5 and lowering the multiplier at 46 we get a stable 4.761GHz. An increased of 1.31GHz or 40% on top of 3.4GHz stock speed. These increased can relatively observe on its overall benchmark performance especially in any 3D games.
Overclocking the IGP at 1800MHz which surpasses the 1350MHz, an increase that can be made at 50MHz per steps. After doing some overclocking at the IGP the results were not so amazing because it doesn't show much improvement in its performance. Even it doesn't show much improvement at overclocked speed its Quick Sync feature on the Sandy Bridge processor is still unbeatable when it comes to transcoding applications.
Conclusion
Test result shows that the ASUS P8Z68-V PRO is undoubtedly a great performing motherboard with the Z68 chipset. It not only combines the features of the P67 and H67 chipset but has more advance technology to offer. This amazing technology uses the LucidLogix Virtu that combines the IGP and the discrete GP; especially the intelligent switching between these two from low power applications to highly graphics situations using 3D games.
The Z68 chipset has finally released that many people are long awaited due to the limitations of the P67 and H67. And now that it's here we clearly seen the big advantage this chip has. Just like the P8P67 Pro you can do the same overclocking with this board to push it more to the limit using the Unlock version processor. This is something that most gamers and enthusiast are very happy to have. In the case of the IGP, it doesn't show much any improvement at overclocked speed, but still, you can enjoy its unparalleled performance that no other GPU can match in its trancoding performance.
With the same price as the P67 Sabertooth and a cheaper price than the P8P67 Deluxe this one is really worthy of being your top choice, considering all the advantages it has. If you really want to enjoy both worlds of QuickSync and Overclocking with Sandy Bridge processor the ASUS P8Z68-V PRO is for you. Click Here to get it at the Lowest Price!
4. ASUS the P8Z68-V
If you're looking for lower price alternative for the best Z68 motherboard from ASUS the P8Z68-V is worth to consider. This board is almost the same as the P8Z68-V PRO version but has a lower price.
Both of them are good looking motherboard. The PCB design, colors including their back panel I/O are identical. But wait, how about their performance and features? Yes, they're all the same. Some few specs from the ASUS P8Z68-V are removed for simple reasons, to cut their price and became more affordable.
What Makes the P8Z68-V differ from P8Z68-V PRO?
There are 3 main differences between these two motherboards. First, The ASUS P8Z68-V doesn't have a Marvel SATA 6Gb/s controller that supports an additional 2x 6Gb/sSATA ports. In short, the P8Z68-V PRO has 4x SATA 6Gb/s while the P8Z68-V has only 2. Second, the P8Z68-V PRO has a VIA 6308P controller for 2x IEEE 1394a ports and the P8Z68-V don't have it. Third is the DTS surround sensation which I think important when you're watching movies.
Bottom Line
After we have seen the difference between these two great performing boards we come up into conclusion. If the lacks of the P8Z68-V doesn't have any usage to your applications, this would definitely your best choice. The inclusion of the video output such as the DVI and HDMI is a big plus for both motherboards. In this case you can save more money from buying a discrete GPU card and maximize the usage of the QuickSync features for transcoding applications as well as its overclocking capabilities for both the IGP and CPU. This is the main advantage of this board over the GA-Z68X-UD4-B3.
The price difference between these two is $15 at the time I'm writing this article. This amount can be saved or can be added to spend it for your additional memory sticks. You can now enjoy the same greatness with the ASUS P8Z68-V motherboard this time with the lower price. Click Here to get it at the Lowest Price!
5.Gigabyte GA-Z68-UD4-B3
After the release of intel Z68 chipset recently, many computer enthusiast catches their attention towards this amazing chipset. After the success of the GA-X58A-UD3R and GA-890GPA-UD3H, Gigabyte has developed another best Z68 motherboard using this chip.
The GA-Z68-UD4-B3 has the combined capabilities of the P67 overclocking capabilities and the H67 Trancoding applications that you can now enjoy both worlds. Not only that, the Z68 chipset has includes many features to offer with its advanced technology like combining the IGP with any discrete GPU of your choice.
The GA-Z68-UD4-B3 belongs to the Ultra Durable series motherboards that are loaded with toughness features to ensure its longer life span to get the most out of it. If you haven't try yet any of the Gigabyte motherboard now is your chance to get the GA-Z68-UD4-B3 at its lowest price! Let's take a look at it.
The Looks
The GA-Z68-UD4-B3 motherboard is a good looking motherboard that comes in a black color with a combination of gray in its heatsink. It caches your attention easily by just by looking at this board and it feels like it can cranck up the speed.
The heatsink has a pretty descent size that can handle heat at overclocked conditions. The two PCI-E slots are spaced properly in case you'll need to use it in SLI or CrossfireX configuration to have enough air passage. The 4 DIMM slots are well placed so that it never touches the GPU card when installed.
The 8 SATA ports are mounted in right angle position for fast access and neat wiring as well as the 24/8 pin ATX power connector are also in a nice place. Back panel provides a healthy dose of ports in nice color code combination for you to easily identify each port. Overall, a very nice design and cool looks for great performing board. But the question is, does it really performs well? You'll find out later as you read on.
Specs
Supports Core i7/Core i5/ Core i3 processors
Intel Z68 Express Chipset
Support Dual channel memory architecture for DDR3 2133/1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz
High Definition Audio Realtek 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel Dolby Home Theater with S/PDIF Out
1 x RJ45 LAN Realtek RTL8111E chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
1 x PCI Express x16 slot @ x16, 1 x PCI Express x16 slot @ x8, 2 x PCI Express x1 slots and 2 x PCI slots
Supports both ATI CrossFireX and NVIDIA SLI technology
4x SATA 6Gb/s, 4x SATA 3Gb/s and 2x eSATA 6Gb/s connectors
14x USB 2.0/1.1 and 4x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
2x IEEE 1394a ports
Features
New features for the GA-Z68-UD4-B3 is the touch BIOS in which you can control the BIOS settings with your fingers just like your iPhone. This is only applicable with a touch screen monitors and this is only available from their new Z68 motherboards. Another new features only from a Z68 motherboard from Gigabyte is the SSD they claiming it as 4X faster than the HDD-only system.
Other features from their previous board designs are the maximum power delivery that delivers more power to the CPU with the new VRM design. The 12 phase power design idea is to reduce heat by spreading the load into 12 power phases for more stable and cooler. It also delivers fast response during the CPU loading variations.
Dual CPU power technology allows 1 set of power phase to rest while the other is active. In result, only half the amount of work by each power phase thus increases the motherboard durability and reliability.
The integration of the Driver MOSFETs on a single IC that can achieved higher power transfer and faster switching frequency for more efficiency. The 108dB Signal-to-Noise ratio (SNR) playback ensuring a quality HD audio by further reducing the noise to deliver high performance multi channel output.
The Gigabyte dualBIOS supports more than 3TeraByte of hard disk drive space without the need of partitioning for more data storage. This features also provides a main backup for incase the main BIOS has crashed it automatically quick recovers all data's. It provides two physical ROM BIOS install in the motherboard itself.
The Turbo XHD provides an easy way to boost your HDD performance up to 4X by automatically detecting your hard drive to setup into RAID 0 configurations. The On/Off charge technology allows you to charge your iPad and iPhone even if the PC is in standby or off mode. Dynamic energy saver 2 reduces your power consumption while optimizes the efficiency of your system. This board is also equipped with an Over Voltage Control IC, for extreme overclocking that protects the CPU and memory.
Like what I said before the GA-Z68-UD4-B3 belongs to the Ultra Durable 3 series motherboards. That's why this board is made to last for years. What makes this board tough? The design of this board is twice the copper size for both the power and ground layers of the PCB. In this case it improves the signal quality and lowers the electromagnetic interference that provides better system stability which is great for overclocking. It also lowers the impedance by 50% that lowers the component temperature. It also uses solid Japanese caps and Ferrite core chokes for longer life span.
The best part of this board is the support for both the SLI and CrossfireX multi GPU configurations for you to have freedom to choose your best GPU weapon. Some other features are the Smart 6 for smart PC system management those are the Smart QuickBoot, Smart QuickBoost, Smart Recovery 2, Smart DualBIOS, Smart Recorder and Smart Time Lock that maximize your computing experience.
Testing The GA-Z68-UD4-B3
The GA-Z68-UD4-B3 was tested using the 2500K processor and GTX 460 GPU. With the release of the Sandy Bridge K version processor, you just can't increase the BCLK further than 100MHz unlike the previous unlock processors you can go more than 200MHZ. What we can do in here is to increase the multiplier and a bit of its voltage. Setting the multiplier at x45 and staying the BCLK at 100MHz we got a stable at 4.5GHz. We want to find out more if we can push it harder if we increase the BCLK at 103MHz resulting at 4.635GHz.
An additional of 1.335GHz from the stock frequency of 3.3GHz shows a tremendous increased in its performance and smoothness in frame rate in various games. I presume that when a 2600K processor is used you can go further than these results. But as far as we got the following outcome, this motherboard shows a very impressive performance.
Conclusion
Test results shows that the GA-Z68-UD4-B3 is another great performing motherboard from Gigabyte. Overclocking this board never let us down just like their P67 series motherboard. But it doesn't have overclocking features for the IGP Video HD. This board has a great advantage due to its QuickSync feature is enabled from Sandy Bridge processors. This makes you enjoy its transcoding applications such as video editing which is very useful in its unparalleled performance.
Combining the IGP and the discrete GPU is an amazing breakthrough in this technology with intelligent switching between low power applications and highly graphics 3D environment. The Support for both SLI and CrossfireX multi GPU configuration is also great. The only downside I see here is that, it doesn't have any display output therefore; you can never use the onboard IGP alone thus forcing you to buy a separate GPU before you can fully utilize the QuickSync features.
Two of the best new features of the Gigabyte that introduces only in their Z68 motherboard are the TouchBIOS and SSD. The TouchBIOS is the Gigabyte answer to ASUS UEFI EZ BIOS. Imagine how great advantage is it using your finger touch on a monitor screen rather than a mouse control.
The GA-Z68-UD4-B3 comes at less than $190 which is within the average price range. Is the price tag really worth? Definitely yes. Because, even though it's a bit higher than the average P67 board this one has many features to offer. It also combines the power of the P67/H67 chips which is a big plus and a rock solid design of this board really counts. Click Here to get it at the Lowest Price!
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