PC Perspective Live Review Recap: ASUS Z77 Motherboards

Subject: Motherboards, Chipsets | April 16, 2012 - 10:38 PM | Ryan Shrout
Tagged: asus, Z77, p8z77, video, live review, jj guerrero

A PC Perspective Live Review Recap is a recorded version of a previously live streamed event from http://pcper.com/live.  If you couldn't make the original air time, or simply want to re-watch, the on-demand version is provided below!

Over the weekend we had the pleasure of hosting ASUS' own JJ Guerrero, Senior Technical Marketing Specialist, at the PC Perspective offices.  He stopped by to talk to us, and to our readers, about the new Intel Z77 chipset built for the Ivy Bridge processor.  In the videos below you'll see a replay of JJ's visit where he details all of the launch Z77 motherboards including the P8Z77-V series, Sabertooth Z77, Maximus V Gene and Formula and even a mini-ITX version.

The second video includes some demonstrations of ASUS-exclusive features incluing USB 3 Boost, Fan Xpert 2, iNetwork Control, Wi-Fi GO! and more!

I would like to thank JJ and ASUS for stopping by to share so much information with our fans and we are looking forward to the Ivy Bridge launch coming up very soon!  We'll have a few more videos when that NDA is up detailing topics we couldn't discuss live, so stay tuned!

ASUS and Z77 Platform Live Review: We Want Your Questions!

Subject: Motherboards, Processors | April 14, 2012 - 01:26 PM | Ryan Shrout
Tagged: Z77, video, live review, Ivy Bridge, asus

In case you haven't noticed, there are Z77 motherboards for sale ahead of the launch of Intel's 3rd generation Core processor.  In line with the release of this new CPU, our friends at ASUS are stopping by the PC Perspective offices to give our readers a chance to see the company's entire Z77 lineup and their impressive new feature set demonstrated and explained on camera.

You will hear about features like Wi-Fi GO!, Digi+ Power Control, SupremeFX III audio technology, GameFirst networking technology, the mPCIe Combo Card, Fan Xpert 2 software and a whole lot more!  Stay tuned for our full Ivy Bridge processor and launch review!!

We also want to use this opportunity to solicit questions from our readers and fans that they might have about the Intel Z77 chipset, the Ivy Bridge processor and the new line of ASUS Z77 motherboards.  You submit these questions in one of several ways:

1. Leave a comment on this news post.
    
2. Send me a questions via Twitter, to @ryanshrout.
    
3. Leave a question on our Facebook page, http://facebook.com/pcper

To make things better, on launch day, we'll be giving away a few ASUS Z77 motherboards as well so be sure you submit your questions SOON!  We are recording the content for this on Sunday, April 15th, so hurry!!

PC Perspective Live Review Recap: Z77 Motherboard Roundup

Subject: Motherboards, Processors, Chipsets | April 13, 2012 - 11:37 PM | Ryan Shrout
Tagged: Z77, video, msi, live review, Intel, gigabyte, ECS, asus

A PC Perspective Live Review Recap is a recorded version of a previously live streamed event from http://pcper.com/live.  If you couldn't make the original air time, or simply want to re-watch, the on-demand version is provided below!

Z77 chipset based motherboards are already available and on the market and while we can't share performance or details on the Ivy Bridge processor yet, we can show off and discuss the Z77 chipset and motherboards.  In our Live Review we did a quick unboxing and preview of several models including:

• MSI Z77A-GD65 - $169
• Gigabyte Z77X-UD5H - $189
• Intel DZ77GA-70K - $239
• ASUS P8Z77-V Deluxe - $274
• ECS Z77H2-AX (Non Golden Model - $164)

Podcast #197 - Z77 Motherboards, GTX690 Rumors, and the truth behind the new Indilinx controller

Subject: General Tech | April 12, 2012 - 03:46 PM | Ken Addison
Tagged: Z77, ssd, podcast, nvidia, Marvell, Ivy Bridge, Intel, Indilinx, gtx690

PC Perspective Podcast #197 - 04/12/2012

Join us this week as we talk about Z77 Motherboards, GTX690 Rumors, and the truth behind the new Indilinx controller.

You can subscribe to us through iTunes and you can still access it directly through the RSS page HERE.

The URL for the podcast is: http://pcper.com/podcast - Share with your friends!

• iTunes - Subscribe to the podcast directly through the iTunes Store
• RSS - Subscribe through your regular RSS reader
• MP3 - Direct download link to the MP3 file

Hosts: Ryan Shrout, Jeremy Hellstrom, Josh Walrath, and Allyn Malvantano

This Podcast is brought to you by MSI Computer, and their all new Sandy Bridge Motherboards!

Program length: 1:19:45

Program Schedule: 

1. Introduction
2. 1-888-38-PCPER or podcast@pcper.com
3. http://pcper.com/podcast
4. http://twitter.com/ryanshrout and http://twitter.com/pcper
   
5. iPad 2012 vs. Transformer Prime
6. Kingwin Lazer Platinum 1000W
7. Asus ROG Maximus V GENE
8. Raspberry Pi passes EMC Compliance
9. This Podcast is brought to you by MSI Computer, and their all new Sandy Bridge Motherboards!
   
10. Will the real Indilinx controller ...
    1. please make themselves known to the staff
11. NV Tegra 4 Specifications Leak
12. Maingear Shift System: Just Delivered
13. ZOTAC Intel 7 Series Mobos
14. Leaks about NV GTX 690
15. Epic talks storm of Bullets
16. http://www.pcper.com/news/Graphics-Cards/NVIDIA-Introduces-Two-New-Rebranded-600-Series-Cards
17. http://www.pcper.com/news/Systems/PCAudioLabs-Editing-PC-Sweepstakes-Winner
18. This week: Still working on watercooling from Antec
19. Hardware / Software Pick of the Week
    1. Ryan:  thermite 
    2. Jeremy:  Scotch in Spaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaace!
    3. Josh:  Morrowind Overhaul
    4. Allyn:  IDE USB Dock!
20. 1-888-38-PCPER or podcast@pcper.com
21. http://pcper.com/podcast   
22. http://twitter.com/ryanshrout and http://twitter.com/pcper
23. Closing

GIGABYTE Launches Dual UEFI 7 Series Motherboards For Ivy Bridge Processors

Subject: Motherboards | April 10, 2012 - 04:28 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Z77, Ivy Bridge, gigabyte

City of Industry, California, April 9th 2011– GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today launched their long awaited 7 series motherboards designed to deliver the ultimate performance for 3rd generation Intel Core processors. Combining the world’s first Dual UEFI BIOS, a new and unique All Digital power design, and the latest GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 4 technologies, GIGABYTE 7 series motherboards offer an extremely compelling case for a system upgrade.

“The new GIGABYTE 7 series motherboards are designed to offer a seamless upgrade for enthusiast PC DIYers by providing specifications and features that will be compatible with future CPUs, VGA cards, memory, SSDs, and wireless protocols for years to come,” commented Henry Kao, Vice President of GIGABYTE Motherboard Business Unit. “It makes sense then for us to aggressively transition to GIGABYTE Z77 and H77 motherboards so that enthusiasts can purchase them in anticipation for the release of Intel’s highly sought after 3rd Gen Core processors.”

“Intel is excited to partner with GIGABYTE on their Intel 7 Series Chipset-based motherboard launch, “ said Zane Ball, GM Intel Desktop Platforms. “We are pleased that these new boards support Intel’s responsiveness technologies, including Intel Rapid Start, Intel Smart Connect and Intel Smart Response. Users will enjoy snappier performance and quicker access to their most important applications.”

Dual UEFI with Exclusive 3D BIOS
GIGABYTE 7 series motherboards also feature our revolutionary 3D BIOS that is based on the exclusive GIGABYTE UEFI DualBIOS technology. With an updated look and feel, this new 3D BIOS offers two distinct modes of interaction in a BIOS environment, 3D Mode and Advanced Mode, that re-draw the traditional BIOS user experience with a far more intuitive and graphical interface. 

Exclusive All Digital Engine
Our new All Digital power design for GIGABYTE 7 series motherboards allows users to have greater control over the power delivered to their 3rd generation Intel Core processors on the LGA 1155 socket. Using entirely digital controllers for the CPU, processor graphics, VTT and system memory, users can enjoy more precise power delivery to the PC’s energy sensitive components than previously possible.

GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 4 – Insist on an Ultra Durable Motherboard
GIGABYTE 7 series motherboards feature the latest GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 4 technology, embracing a range of exclusive technologies that guarantee DIY PC builders the absolute best protection for their PC. Specific features prevent common malfunction threats including humidity and moisture, electro-static discharge, sudden power loss and high operating temperatures.

Lucid Virtu MVP
GIGABYTE 7 series motherboards feature the latest Lucid Virtu GPU virtualization technology, Lucid Universal MVP, which improves the visual and graphical performance of your PC. Offering switchable graphics allows the PC to automatically switch between onboard Intel processor graphics and a discrete GPU depending on the application being used, Lucid Virtu MVP also features HyperFormance technology which eliminates redundant rendering tasks to improve frame rates and eliminate screen tearing.

Set Your Desktop Free: GIGABYTE Bluetooth 4.0/Dual Band 300Mbps Wi-Fi PCIe Card
GIGABYTE 7 series motherboards include an exclusive PCIe expansion
card that offers support for the latest Bluetooth 4.0 (Smart Ready) and dual band 300Mbps Wi-Fi connectivity*. With the growing availability of affordable or free remote mobile to PC software, such as Splashtop and Dropbox, GIGABYTE believes that now is the time to explore and enjoy the home cloud: a personal cloud within the secure environment of a home network where the performance and functionality of desktop PCs can be utilized and controlled by portable cloud devices.

GIGABYTE 7 series motherboards feature an exclusive EZ Setup utility that allows users to more easily implement the latest Intel responsiveness technologies. Within a simple user interface, you can install and configure Intel Smart Response, Intel Rapid Start, and Intel Smart Connect. GIGABYTE EZ Setup will automate the install procedure for each of these technologies, reducing the procedure to a few simple clicks of your mouse.

Onboard mSATA Support
All ATX form factor GIGABYTE 7 series motherboards feature an onboard mSATA connector* that, together with GIGABYTE’s EZ Smart Response technology, allows users to simply and cost effectively enjoy better responsiveness from their PCs. mSATA solid state drives have been made popular by the rapid growth of tablet PCs, and provide a cheaper solution for smart caching because they are available in smaller capacities than traditional SSDs.

ASUS launches new ROG Maximus V GENE Motherboard

Subject: Motherboards | April 10, 2012 - 12:11 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Z77, ROG, PCI-E 3.0, maximus v gene, mATX, lga1155, asus

Now in its fifth generation, ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers) has launched its Maximus V Series motherboards with the Maximus V GENE. This micro-ATX powerhouse is built using the latest Intel Z77 chipset, which supports Intel’s latest LGA1155 processors. Featuring full PCI-Express Gen-3 capabilities with Intel’s 3rd Generation processor the Republic of Gamers team equips the Maximus V GENE with exclusive features such as the Extreme Engine DIGI+ II power control design, SupremeFX III gaming audio, Intel Ethernet with ROG GameFirst software and the newly added mPCIe Combo card.

ROG Exclusive mPCIe Combo Card offer users the best expansion options
The mPCIe Combo card is a new innovation by the ROG team, combining the twin functions of mPCIe with mSATA into a single, extensible add-in card that still allows full use of the PCI-Express slots for multi-GPU graphics. Use an mSATA SSD with Intel’s Smart Response Technology to greatly improve hard-drive performance or as an ultra-fast OS drive to free up standard SATA ports for other uses. The combination of a standard mPCIe socket on the other side allows unique upgrades such as WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G/4G, GPS and other connectivity options.

Premium Hardware, Optimized Design, Best Overclocking
The Maximus V GENE is true to the Republic of Gamers core, as a motherboard built for overclocking. Do not accept imitations or compromise with first generation digital designs. The upgraded Extreme Engine DIGI+ II includes a 8+4+2 (CPU, iGPU, DRAM) phase design offers the best in precise digital power control from two DIGI+ controllers. Combined with class leading ROG UEFI BIOS functions, such as the new pre-configured memory IC profiles, specially sourced electrical components and industry first trace designs the Maximus V Gene yields an unmatched overclocking experience for enthusiasts.

SupremeFX III Sound – Premium Gaming Audio
Designed to bring gamers the best possible integrated audio, the SupremeFX III sound is a wholly separate audio PCB, identified by its ‘redline’ adjoining the main GENE V motherboard. SupremeFX Shielding technology maximizes the audio quality by further isolating the audio processing from EMI, encasing the chipset under a custom aluminum cap. Combined with a large 1500uF buffer capacitor to provide sufficient energy for even the loudest sounds, SupremeFX III attains a lossless audio of up to 110dB SNR. The addition of X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity, EAX Advanced HD 5.0, Creative Alchemy and THX TruStudio PRO complete the lineup of audio technologies that offer an incredibly immersive gaming experience.

Intel Ethernet, ROG GameFirst and LucidLogix Virtu MVP
Intel Ethernet and ROG GameFirst software combines up to 35% saving in CPU usage with network traffic prioritizing, while LucidLogix Virtu MVP support enables a new hybrid graphics mode that boosts overall GPU performance by up to 60%.

PC Perspective Live: Gigabyte Z77X-UD5H Motherboard Sneak Peek

Subject: Motherboards | April 6, 2012 - 06:14 PM | Ryan Shrout
Tagged: z77x-ud5h, Z77, video, live review, live, gigabyte

Just a quick post for those of you that might have missed our short sneak peek of the Gigabyte Z77X-UD5H motherboard from today's episode of PC Perspective Live.  Enjoy!

We know far more about the Z77 chipset than the chips that will go in it

Subject: Motherboards | April 2, 2012 - 01:38 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Ivy Bridge, Z77, Gigabyte Z77X-D3H

The Guru of 3D examines the GA-Z77X-D3H, a mainstream Z77 board which is not quite as feature rich or expensive as models like the Sniper, but still offers more than a budget board.  It sports three PCIe 16x slots capable of 2-way SLI or Crossfire, a half dozen USB 3.0 ports, an mSATA connection, support for Lucid Virtu MVP and Quicksync and of course Gigabyte's UEFI implementation, 3D BIOS.  Of course we can't see benchmarks of these boards with an Ivy Bridge processor in them, but it is interesting to note that this is the 10th Ivy Bridge board from Gigabyte.

"We preview the Gigabyte GA-Z77X-D3H which is intended for Intels 22nm processors that will be coming out later this year based on Socket LGA1155 however the motherboard also supports Sandy bridge processors like the Core i7 2600K.

While we are not allowed to publish any testing results whatsoever related to Ivy Bridge on this GA-Z77X-D3H, we are able to give you a closer look at the motherboard itself. Have a peek at what is about to launch soon."

Here are some more Motherboard articles from around the web:

Motherboards

• Gigabyte Z77X-UD5H Z77 Motherboard Preview @ eTeknix
• Biostar TZ77XE4 Motherboard @ Hardware Secrets
• Intel X79 Motherboard Overclocking Guide @ Benchmark Reviews
• MSI X79A-GD65 X79 Motherboard Review @ eTeknix
• MSI X79A-GD65 8D @ Funky Kit
• GIGABYTE X79-UD5 Motherboard Review @ Hardware Canucks
• Introducing the Intel X79 Express Chipset @ PCSTATS
• AVsrock X79 Extreme4 & X79 Extreme4-M @ Legion Hardware
• Gigabyte B75M-D3H B75 Motherboard Preview @ eTeknix
• Gigabyte GA-X79-UD3 @ X-bit Labs
• MSI Big Bang-XPower II @ X-bit Labs
• ASRock Fatal1ty X79 Professional @ X-bit Labs
• BIOS Option Of The Week - FIXED Memory Size @ TechARP
• ASUS F1A75-V EVO @ Bjorn3D
• MSI A75MA-G55 Motherboard @ Rbmods