ASUS Z87M-PLUS Motherboard Review. Sufficient minimalism. Matplast Switch GPU Boost on the Motherboard Asus

Preface a series of motherboards reviews, which is based on the Intel Z77 Express logic set, is still far from completion. In the future, it is planned to study a few more very interesting models, but a small pause has arisen, which it was necessary to fill something. It will be appropriate to remind you that in the family sets of the logic of the seventh series, who carried the code name "Panther Point", is immediately fourteen different microcircuit sets. Among them there are many chipsets for mobile devices, somewhat intended for the field of business, and for home desktop computers In addition to Intel Z77 Express, two more is another - this is Intel H77 Express and Intel Z75 Express. The total set of features is only the eldest Intel Z77 Express chipset. Including it allows you to maximize the flexible to divide the processor lines of the tire PCI EXPRESS.They can be distributed by formulas 1x16, 2x8 or 1x8 and 2x4. Intel Z75 Express logic set Lained Intel technology Smart ResponseAnd 16 PCI-E lines can be used completely for a single outer video card, or divide them in half between two. The Intel H77 EXPRESS chipset is generally incapable of distribution of PCI Express lines, in addition, it does not have abilities for overclocking processors.

Motherboards on the Intel H77 Express logic are manufactured and for sale a huge amount, but is hardly a review of one of these boards will be very popular. When you want to assemble the computer of the basic functionality, the form factor is on the forehead, its connector set and price. A certain impact is provided by the manufacturer's name, but to choose not necessarily read reviews, all the necessary information is easy to learn from the descriptions on the sites of manufacturers or sellers. In addition, the fee without the possibilities of overclocking will be deliberately in a losing position when compared. It will be quite different to the situation, if we take a fee on the Intel Z75 Express logic. We will not hurt the lack of support for Intel Smart Response technology, because we have long switched to the use of SSD. The problem and the ability of the logic set will not share the PCI Express processor lines only between two connectors, because in tests we apply only one discrete video card. But it will be very interesting to know the ability of the processor and memory cards, as well as compare its performance and power consumption with previously tested boards on the Intel Z77 Express logic.

Thus, we finally decided that for the next review I would select some motherboard based on the Intel Z75 Express chipset. What was our surprise when it turned out that our plans were unrealistic. With some stretch, you can even say that the motherboard on this set of logic does not exist. We went through the sites of all the largest manufacturers of system boards - ASRock, Asustek, Gigabyte, Micro-Star - but did not find any models. The most striking thing that there was no such fee even in the assortment of Intel motherboards. The development and production of a new chipset requires considerable costs. Why, it is asked, it was necessary to release a set of logic that would not be used to make motherboards even by the developer and manufacturer? The search found references to the Biostar and Foxconn boards on the Intel Z75 Express logic, but it was not possible to find them in a short time.

However, we will very long unauthorized about the actual lack of boards on the Intel Z75 Express logic set. As for the rationality of the development and production of this set of chips, then this is also not our problem, let Intel reflect on this. We also found a very interesting ASUS P8Z77-V LX motherboard, which could well be based on Intel Z75 Express logic, but is based on the Intel Z77 Express chipset, although it does not use all its capabilities. With a review of this board and its functionality, this article will introduce you.

Packaging and equipment

The ASUS P8Z77-V LX motherboard comes in a box decorated in the same style as other Asustek boards that are based on the Intel Z77 Express logic. However, the photo allows you to notice how small the thickness of the package is, but there is a logical explanation.

Inside the box is a motherboard packed in an anti-static package, and under it, separated by cardboard pads, accompanying components accompanying it. Everything is almost the same as usual, but the cardboard sheet shakes and accessories is noticeably longer than it is required, and its edge turns on top of the board, forming a kind of envelope. This compartment contains relatively thick SATA cables, and at the bottom only a flat plug on the back panel, a CD and paper guides that almost do not occupy space. Thanks to this original packaging method and a small number of components, it was possible to significantly reduce the standard thickness of the box.

Describing the features of packaging, we managed to list almost the entire accessories that attached to the board:

two Serial ATA cables with metal strings on connectors;
plug to the rear panel (I / O Shield);
user's manual;
brochure with brief assembly instructions in several languages, including Russian;
DVD C software and drivers;
sticker "Powered by ASUS" on the system unit.

Design and features

The Motherboard ASUS P8Z77-V LX looks quite usually, but it has several features. To begin with, you can pay attention to the reduced dimensions of the board. With a standard length of 305 mm, its width is only 218 mm, which is less than the traditional 244 mm for the full-sized ATX format.

You can still notice the absence of radiators on the heating elements of the processor power converter. However, this fact does not interfere with no acceleration or, especially, the work of the board in the nominal mode, because the heating of the digital converter "Digi +" operating according to the scheme 4 + 1 + 1, is small. As for memory, this fee is not different from other models, allowing you to fit in four connectors to 32 GB of DDR3 RAM3. For ivy processors Bridge The range of permissible frequencies extends from 800 to 3200 MHz. Additional controllers of drives that are so like to add manufacturers are missing. The board is quite enough for two SATA ports 6 Gbps (light gray connections) and four SATA ports 3 Gb / s (blue connectors) that the Intel Z77 Express logic is provided.

On the board there are two connections for video cards of the PCI Express X16 view, but it does not use the ability of a logic set to divide PCI Express's processor lines between connectors. All available 16 lines are undilly belonging to the PCI Express 3.0 / 2.0 x16 top connector. The second PCI EXPRESS 2.0 X16 connector is provided by four lines due to the chipset capabilities. NVIDIA support SLI is not implemented, but with the help of these two connectors it is quite possible to combine the video cards using aMD technology Crossfirex. In addition to them, there are two PCI Express 2.0 x1 connections and three PCIs for expansion cards.

On the back of the board, we find the next set of connections:

universal PS / 2 connector for connecting the keyboard or mouse;
four uSB ports 2.0, and six more can be connected to three internal connectors on the board;
hDMI, D-SUB and DVI-D video detection;
optical S / PDIF, as well as three analog sound connections, the work of which provides an eight-channel codec of the REALTEK ALC887;
two USB 3.0 ports (blue connectors), like one internal connector that allows you to output two more additional USB 3.0 ports, have appeared thanks to the capabilities of the Intel Z77 Express logic set;
local Network Connector (Network Adapter is built on a Gigabit Realtek RTL8111E controller).

You can note the presence of "Q-SLOT" for video cards for video cards, but connectors for ordinary memory modules. The "Memok!" Button did not disappear, allowing the board to successfully start even if there are problems with RAM. The novelty is the GPU Boost switch, with which you can automatically increase the frequency of operation of the built-in graphics core processor. From the "Q-LED" LED system, which helps track the source of problems at the start, only one "DRAM LED" remained on the board, which complements the "Standby Power LED" and "GPU BOOST LED" LEDs.

For convenience, the list of the main technical characteristics of the board we reduced into a single table:

No significant comments on the design of the board or its capabilities do not occur, although individual flaws are available. The rear panel looks semi-empty, audio connections are only three to use the possibilities of the eight-channel codec, you will have to use connectors displayed on the front panel of the system unit. The connectors are not quite successful for connecting fans. Their four, which is quite enough for the entry board, but they are grouped into pairs upstairs and in the center, not far from the rear panel connections. It would be nice to have at least one connector in the area of \u200b\u200bthe right-lower corner of the board for installing the fan that blows the drives. But in general, the board looks quite worthy and its capabilities are more than enough for most users.

BIOS features

In previous reviews of Asustek, we have already seen ASUS EFI BIOS - as a whole, a very successful implementation of the UEFI standard (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), so that this time only running through the main sections.

By default, at the entrance to the BIOS, the "EZ MODE" mode is encountered, which performs mainly information functionsSince 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.

Using the "F7" key, the "EZ MODE" mode can be quickly changed to "Advanced Mode", or you can use the "F3" key, which allows you to quickly go to one of the most frequently used BIOS sections.

You can switch from the "EZ MODE" mode into the "Advanced Mode" mode, you can use the F3 key, which, by the way, works in all other BIOS sections, but it will be much more convenient if the "Advanced Mode" mode is done Starting 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.

The main mass of the options necessary for overclocking is concentrated in the "AI TWEAKER" section. The main section of the section allows you to change frequencies, multipliers and voltages. To control 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.

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. A change in memory timings was made to a separate page, their number 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.

In the subsection "CPU Power Management" you can independently specify the values \u200b\u200bof the options affecting the operation parameters of the Intel Turbo Boost technology, but it is not necessary to do this, since the board is independently adjusted to the acceleration parameters specified by you.

Compared to other ASUS boards, the number of options related to power and power consumption that appeared due to the digital power system "Digi +" was significantly reduced, but the most important of them are preserved. 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.

The capabilities of the subsections of the "Advanced" section are familiar to us and understandable by their names.

In the subsection "CPU CONFIGURATION" we learn basic information about the processor and manage some processor technologies.

All parameters related to energy saving are made to a separate page "CPU Power Management Configuration".

The "Monitor" section reports the current temperatures, voltages and the speed of rotation of the fans. For processor and two case fans, 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. Both connectors for body fans are capable of reduced the rotation speed even with a three-contact connection, which is unable to connect to the processor fan, and the three-contact connector "POWER FAN" is generally unregulated and can only inform about the number of revolutions connected to the fan connected to it.

In the "Boot" section, we choose the parameters that will be used at the start of the system. Here, by the way, you need to change the start mode "EZ MODE" to "Advanced Mode".

Refresh in memory the capabilities of the subsections of the "Tools" section.

Built-in utility for updating the firmware "EZ Flash 2" was one of the most convenient and functional programs of this kind. Unfortunately, the ability to save the current version of the firmware before the update was recently liquidated.

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.

As with the boards of many other manufacturers, we can familiarize yourself with the information covered in SPD memory modules.

The latter is the "EXIT" section, where you can apply the changes made, download the default values \u200b\u200bor back to the simplified "EZ MODE" mode.

Configuration of the test system

All experiments were carried out on the test system, including the following set of components:

Motherboard - ASUS P8Z77-V LX (LGA1155, Intel Z77 Express, BIOS 1201 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);
Video card - Gigabyte GV-R797OC-3GD ( AMD Radeon. HD 7970, Tahiti, 28 nm, 1000/5500 MHz, 384-bit GDDR5 3072 MB);
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 - ENERMAX NAXN ENM850WT;
The case is an open test stand based on the Antec Skeleton housing.

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64 Bit (Microsoft Windows, Version 6.1, Build 7601: Service Pack 1) was used as the operating system (Microsoft Windows, Version 6.1, Build 7601: Service Pack 1), the driver for the Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility 9.3.0.1020, the video card driver - AMD Catalyst 12.4.

Features of work and acceleration

The assembly of the test system based on the Motherboard ASUS P8Z77-V LX did not give any difficulties. There was no problems when installing the operating system, when updating the BIOS and in the nominal mode, the board also worked without comments. When you start, we show a new starting picture, however, the reminders of the active hot keys on it did not appear.

The output of the starting picture can be disabled, but you still do not wait for the prompts. In addition, the fee is not able to correctly specify the frequency of the processor, it always reports the nominal value, but information about the frequency of work and the amount of RAM is true.

In the latest reviews of the Maternations of ASRock, we noted that they start them very quickly and reboot. In the ASUS P8Z77-V LX BIOS, as well as other ASUSTEK boards, you can independently set the appropriate delay when starting, which is 3 seconds by default, and it restarts at all instantly. So quickly that we even repeatedly arose difficulties when it was required to enter the BIOS to correct any parameters. The board instantly passes the starting procedure and often it was possible to stop already at the initial stage of loading the operating system.

Despite the fact that the fee does not apply to flagship models, it has abilities to accelerate, including automatic. The easiest way is to use the ASUS MULTICORE ENHANCEMENT function, which allows at any load level to increase the multiplication of the processor to the maximum provided for by the Intel Turbo Boost technology. Perhaps it will be appropriate to recall the history of this parameter in the ASUSTEK motherboard BIOS.

Approximately a year ago, in the motherboard review ASUS Maximus. IV EXTREME, we noticed that it always increases the processor multiplication ratio to the maximum allowed "Intel Turbo Boost" technology, which is provided only for single-threaded load. Of course, it would be possible to even be rejected by an unexpected acceleration of the processor, however, I want every non-standard regime to be consciously, so that it does not impose, and in the nominal mode the system worked, as it should be, and not anything else, because this feature received from us negative Evaluation. Fortunately, the Asus Maximus IV Extreme fee could still be returned to a really nominal mode of operation. We conducted a standard set of tests and now do not know how things are currently the case at present, whether this deficiency has been eliminated, as it was one of the latter at that time of the reviews of the LGA1155 boards.

After some time, we started a series of LGA2011 motherboards reviews and found that this story was further developed. ASUSTEK has appeared in BIOS motherboards function key "F6", with which the automatic acceleration technology "ASUS Ratio Boost" was implemented. When you turn on, this parameter enhanced the processor multiplication ratio to the maximum provided by the Intel Turbo Boost technology, and in the nominal mode, the processor worked fine, as it assumes according to specifications. It seems that everything is great, just as we wanted, but one lack of such realization was still. On the hint with the list of "hot" keys located in the lower right corner of the BIOS screen, it is usually almost no attention, so we have noticed a new feature only in the review of the ASUS Rampage IV Formula board. Meanwhile, such ability was also the ASUS P9x79 Deluxe board, which was tested first, but during the review we simply did not notice this function.

Thus, the appearance of the "ASUS MULTICORE ENHANCEMENT" function in the main list of the parameters, which we noted in the ASUS P8Z77-V Deluxe fee review, has become a logical completion of history. You can be resolved at any level of load to increase the processor multiplication ratio to the maximum provided by Intel Turbo Boost technology, you can refuse. The parameter is easily noticeable, however, he has its own characteristics. Despite the fact that by default it is enabled and stands in the "Enable" value, it does not have any impact on the processor that works in the nominal mode. Only when you change the nominal working conditions of the system, for example, use parameters recorded in X.M.P profile for memory, the function turns on and adds some more speed system due to a small acceleration of the processor.

However, these abilities of the board for automatic acceleration are not limited. You can use the OC TUNER parameter to easily get even higher results. In our case, the basic frequency was increased to 103 MHz, which affected all related frequencies, in particular, at the frequency of memory, and the processor multiplication factor has been increased to x41, which in the amount with the effect on the increase base frequency increased its final frequency of work up to 4224 MHz. It is important to note that energy-saving technologies that reduce the multiplication coefficient of the processor continued to work and the voltage supplied during the absence of a load.

However, everyone knows that no way of automatic overclocking is able to compare with overclocking, conducted independently when manually selected the most optimal values \u200b\u200bof the parameters. Unfortunately, the fee did not allow the processor to maximize the processor to 4.6 GHz, but overclocking up to 4.5 GHz was given to it without much effort, and at the same time the frequency of memory was increased.

It remains to recall that we always disperse the system so that it can be used in long-term mode, and at the same time you will not facilitate the task, turning off any motherboard abilities, such as additional controllers. And, if possible, try to keep the work of processor energy-saving technologies. So in this case, even when acceleration, Intel energy-saving technologies worked on the board, reducing the voltage supplied to the processor and its multiplication coefficient in the absence of a load.

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 mode is interesting from the point of view, which makes it possible to find out how well motherboards work by default. 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 are checking, almost in no way intervening in the default values \u200b\u200bspecified by the default fees. For comparison, we took advantage of the results obtained during the Testing of Boards:

ASRock Fatal1ty Z77 Professional;
ASRock Z77 Extreme4 and Asrock Z77 Extreme6;
ASRock Z77 EXTREME9;
ASUS P8Z77-V Deluxe;
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77;
Gigabyte G1.Sniper 3;
GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD3H and GA-Z77X-UD5H-WB WIFI;
Gigabyte GA-Z77x-Up4 th and Gigabyte GA-Z77x-Up5 th;
Intel DZ77BH-55K;
Intel DZ77GA-70K and Intel DZ77RE-75K;
MSI Z77A-GD65.

In diagrams demonstrated by payments, the indicators are sorted by descending.

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.

In the X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 test, a small video clip is encoded in two passages, and the whole process is repeated four times. The average results of the second pass are presented in the diagram.

Measuring Performance In Adobe Photoshop, we carry out using your own test, which is a creative recycled Retouch Artists Photoshop Speed \u200b\u200bTest, which includes typical processing of four-10 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.

Since the video card in our reviews does not accelerate, only the results of 3DMark 11 processor tests are used in the next diagram - PHYSICS SCORE. 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.

Using the built-in FC2 Benchmark Tool test, we hold a ten-fold RANCH SMALL card pass at a resolution of 1920x1080 with high quality settings and using DirectX 10.

The Resident Evil 5 game also has a built-in dough for performance measurements. Its feature is that it excellently uses multi-core processors. Tests are conducted in DirectX 10 mode, with a resolution of 1920x1080 with high quality settings, the results of a five-time passage are averaged.

Batman: Arkham City game also willingly respond to changing the frequency of the processor, while uses DirectX 11. We carry out a fivefold repetition of the built-in performance test game at high quality settings and average the results obtained.

When working in the nominal mode, the Maternal ASUS P8Z77-V LX motherboard demonstrates a very good level of performance, usually slightly above average. Only in the Farcry game 2 fee for some reason showed the result below the expected one. However, nothing is critical, the difference in speed compared to other fees is not too large. When accepted, the situation changes slightly, because the board failed to overclock the processor as much as possible. The results of overclocking the processor and memory obtained on various boards are listed in the table below.

When accepted, the ASUS P8Z77-V LX board is confidently held in its group, among other boards, dispersed processor up to 4.5 GHz. Moreover, in gaming tests, it shows the results much higher than the expected. It can even be ahead of some models that were able to provide the processor overclocking to a higher frequency.

Measurement of power consumption

Measuring power consumption was 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 wait for a complete cessation of post-leader and lack of contacts to the hard disk. The load on the processor is created using the "LINX" program. For greater clarity, the energy consumption growth charts were built during the operation of the system in the nominal mode and during acceleration, depending on the growth of the load level on the processor when the number of computing streams of the "LINX" utility is changed.

Due to incompatibility problems gigabyte boards GA-Z77X-UP4 TH and GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UP5 TH with our former coolerMaster RealPower M850 power supply, we have to replace it with an ENERMAX NAXN ENM850WT power supply. Both power supplies are very close in its technical characteristics, but the ENERMAX NAXN ENM850WT was 1-3 W cost-effective predecessor. In order not to lose the results accumulated during previous tests, we decided to add 2 W to power consumption readings for comparison with previously tested models.

There was a time when we loved to repeat that Asustek's motherboards do not differ in economy and consume more than others. So, when it comes to flagship models with advanced features and numerous additional controllers. However, the charts show that later there were many boards of other manufacturers who consume much more ASUS boards. If you take an ordinary fee, such as ASUS P8Z77-V LX, then it immediately turns out among the most economical. Moreover, the power consumption of the board can be reduced even more if you include all energy-saving parameters in the BIOS, including the branded technology "EPU POWER SAVING MODE".

When accepted, the situation does not change at all, the ASUS P8Z77-V LX fee remains among the most economical. Of course, it should be borne in mind that a considerable group of boards was able to provide a higher acceleration of the processor, and therefore they reasonably consume more. However, for energy consumption, the board looks confident even among those models that dispersed the processor in the same way.

Afterword

According to the results of the inspection, the Motherboard ASUS P8Z77-V LX leaves a very good impression about himself. She has a modest equipment, there are no numerous additional controllers, there are no radiators on the heating elements of the power converter and it does not use the ability of the logic to divide the PCI Express processor lines. So what? There is nothing wrong. The Intel Z77 Express logic set on which the board is based, provides it with a sufficient feature set. Huge amount Users do not need ESATA and IEEE1394 ports (FireWire), the second network controller, additional drive controllers. They use the only video card, and therefore they will fully suit one PCI Express 3.0 / 2.0 x16 connector. From the point of view of the mass user, the board looks almost perfect, although the rear panel could be richer by connectors and one could easily place connectors for connecting fans. As for the possibilities of the BIOS, they almost do not differ from other ASUSTEK boards and the lack of additional radiators did not prevent good processor and memory acceleration. When working in nominal mode and during acceleration, the board demonstrates the level of performance slightly above average, and in power consumption often occupies a leading position, it is very economical.

You can only regret that the ASUS P8Z77-V LX motherboard is not built on the Intel Z75 Express chipset database. Indeed, in this case, she would almost won't lose anything on a set of possibilities, having lost only the support of Intel Smart Response technology, but it would be a little cheaper. The price is a very significant parameter when it comes to the initial level system boards, and the ASUS P8Z77-V LX board turned out to be sufficiently inexpensive, but still its price is somewhat higher than desired. There are quite a few models of motherboards of other manufacturers whose capabilities are comparable or even higher, and the price is approximately at the same level or even lower. As always, the decision on the feasibility of acquiring this fee you will have to take on your own.

Modern motherboards ASUS. Recently began to use the new version Bios.. Bios. UEFI - translated asUnified expandable firmware interface.Bios. UEFIresponsible for setting up and initializing devices at the time of the PC is turned on and provides them with the possibility of exchanging data and the system.

Consider the main advantages of UEFI BIOS:

• a convenient and beautiful graphical interface has 2 setup modes: EZ MODE mode for not experienced users, fast setting andAdvanced Mode mode For advanced users, allowing maximum to use computer resources
  
• it became possible to work with hard disks more 2.2 terabytes
• 64 bit operating system Happy New Bios UEFI. began to boot much faster
• comfortable loader selection
• visual monitoring temperature sensors Computer
• High defense OT. boot viruses
• Flexible switching between graphic subsystems, uniquetechnology LucidLogix Virtu. Allowsautomatically switch between the built-in graphics core and an external video card. Those. When working with the text, the outer video card enters the sleeping mode and consumes the minimum of energy and resources, but as soon as we launch the game, the outer video card automatically turns on.
• Fast video transcoding -Intel® Quick Sync Video, modern motherboards ASUS. Support hardware acceleration on the built-in graphical core
  
• Technology Intel Smart Response. — accelerates the disk subsystem due to caching information on the built-in solid-state disk of a small capacity, from where then information enters the main hard disk.This reduces power consumption.
• Intelligent second generation chips with Digi + power system, the digital controller processes signals without digital-based transformations, thereby reduces delays. Intelligent chips through the use of power transistors and double drivers, and load distribution improve cooling.
• TPU - Using the function AUTO TUNING, GPU BOOST and TURBOV the chip on the motherboard disperses the processor, a simple switching of the operation mode of the TPU functions
• Technology ASUS GPU BOOST. - With the help of a convenient and understandable interface, you can disperse the built-in graphics core.
• BT Go. - This technology makes it possible connect all sorts of Bluetooth devices without using additional equipment
• Full support USB 3.0.
• SATA 6 Gb / s Support
• Modern connector LGA1155 Allows you to install processors Core i7, i5 and i3

Detailed configuration of UEFI BIOS for each manufacturer of motherboards Consider in another article. Now we will look at how to make an initial installation and improve productivity.

Initial setup ASUS UEFI BIOS

Turn on the computer, and during boot press F2, the BIOS UEFI settings window will open. Change the language into Russian. Select the mode maximum performance. This is a Speedometer icon with red fire, persist and exit. To go to the advanced mode, click EXIT /Advanced Mode.

Initial setup MSI UEFI BIOS

Similarly, turn on the computer, click F2, the BIOS UEFI window appears. Change the language at will, turn on the mode oC Green Mode..

oC Green Mode-Automatic acceleration, increasing performance in 1 second.

The UEFI settings for ASUS Z77 motherboards are considered on the example of the ASUS PZ77-V LE board with the IVY Bridge i7 processor. The optimal parameters were selected for some complex UEFI settings that allow you to obtain successful acceleration without unnecessary risk. The user consistently meets the basic concepts of overclocking and performs reliable and not extreme acceleration of the processor and the memory of the motherboard ASUS Z77. For simplicity, English UEFI language is used.
The post is cool accepted on the Overclocker website. This is understandable, since on this site mostly a sacrarous bashless users engaged in extreme acceleration.

Ai Overclock Tuner.

All acceleration-related actions are carried out in the AI \u200b\u200bTWEAKER menu by setting the AI \u200b\u200bOverclock Tuner parameter in Manual (Fig. 1).

BCLK / PEG FREQUENCY

The BCLK / PEG FREQUENCY parameter (hereinafter BCLK) in Fig. 1 becomes available if Ai Overclock Tunerxmp or AI Overclock Tunermanual is selected. Bclk frequency equal to 100 MHz is basic. The main parameter of the acceleration is the processor core frequency, it turns out by multiplying this frequency to the parameter - the processor multiplier. The final frequency is displayed in the upper left part of the AI \u200b\u200bTWEAKER window (in Fig. 1 it is 4.1 GHz). The BCLK frequency also regulates the frequency of memory, tire speed, etc.
The possible increase in this parameter during overclocking is small - most processors allow you to increase this frequency only to 105 MHz. Although there are separate samples of processors and motherboards for which this value is 107 MHz or more. With careful acceleration, taking into account the fact that in the future additional devices will be installed in the computer, this parameter is recommended to be left equal to 100 MHz (Fig. 1).

ASUS MULTICORE ENHANCEMENT.

When this parameter is enabled (Enabled in Fig. 1), the ASUS policy is accepted for Turbo-mode. If the option is turned off, the Intel policy will be applied for Turbo mode. For all configurations, it is recommended to enable this option (enabled). Turning off the parameter can be used if you want to start a processor using Intel Corporation Policy without acceleration.

Turbo Ratio.

In the Fig. 1 Install the MANUAL mode for this parameter. Turning to the Advanced ... CPU Power Management Configuration menu (Fig. 2) Set the multiplier 41.

Fig. 2.
We return to the AI \u200b\u200bTWEAKER menu and check the multiplier value (Fig. 1).
For very cautious users, you can recommend the initial value of the multiplier, equal to 40 or even 39. The maximum value of the multiplier for non-extremal acceleration is usually less than 45.

INTERNAL PLL OVERVOLTAGE

The increase in (overclocking) of the operating voltage for the internal phase automatic adjustment of the frequency (PHF) allows you to increase the operating frequency of the processor core. Selecting AUTO will automatically include this parameter only with an increase in the processor kernel multiplier over a certain threshold.
For good processor samples, this parameter must be left on AUTO (Fig. 1) when overclocking to a multiplier 45 (to the frequency of the processor of 4.5 GHz).
Note that the stability of the output from sleep mode may be affected by installing this parameter to the (Enabled) state. If it is found that your processor will not accelerate up to 4.5 GHz without installing this parameter to the state of Enabled, but the system is not able to exit sleep mode, the only choice is the work at a lower frequency with a multiplier less than 45. With an extremal Acceleration with multipliers equal to or exceeding 45 is recommended to install Enabled. With careful acceleration, choose Auto. (Fig. 1).

CPU BUS SPEED: DRAM SPEED RATIO MODE

This parameter can be left in the AUTO state (Fig. 1) to apply in the future changes when overclocking and setting the memory frequency.

Memory Frequency

This parameter is visible in Fig. 3. With it, the memory frequency is selected.

Fig. 3.
The Memory Frequency parameter is determined by the BCLK frequency and the CPU BUS Speed \u200b\u200bparameter: DRAM Speed \u200b\u200bRatio Mode. The memory frequency is displayed and selected in the drop-down list. Mounted value can be monitored in the left upper corner Menu Ai Tweaker. For example, in Fig. 1 We see that the frequency of the memory is equal to 1600 MHz.
Note that the IVY BRIDGE processors have a wider range of memory frequency settings than the previous generation of processors Sandy Bridge.. When overclocking the memory, together with increasing the BCLK frequency, you can make more detailed control of the frequency of the memory bus and get the most possible (but possible unreliable) results with extreme acceleration.
To reliably use overclocking, it is recommended to raise the frequency of memory sets for no more than 1 step relative to the passport. Higher memory speed gives a slight performance increase in most programs. In addition, the system stability at higher memory operating frequencies is often not guaranteed for individual programs With intensive use of the processor, as well as when switching to sleep mode and back.
It is also recommended to make a choice in favor of memory sets that are in the list of recommended for the selected processor, if you do not want to spend time on setting stable work Systems.
The operating frequencies between 2400 MHz and 2600 MHz, apparently, are optimal in combination with intensive cooling, both processors and memory modules. Higher speeds are also possible by reducing secondary parameters - memory timings.
With careful acceleration begin with overclocking only the processor. Therefore, at first it is recommended to establish a passport value of the frequency of memory of the memory, for example, for a set of memory planks DDR3-1600 MHz set 1600 MHz (Fig. 3).
After overclocking the processor, you can try to raise the memory frequency by 1 step. If errors will appear in stress tests, then the timings can be increased, the supply voltage (for example is 0.05 V), VCCSA is 0.05 V, but it is better to return to the nominal frequency.

EPU POWER SAVING MODE

The EPU automatic system is developed by ASUS. It regulates the frequency and voltage of the computer elements in order to save electricity. This installation can be enabled only on the processor's passport operating frequency. To overclock this parameter, turn off (disabled) (Fig. 3).

Oc Tuner

When chosen (OK), a series of stress tests will work during a boot process in order to automatically overclock the system. The final acceleration will vary depending on the temperature of the system and the memory set used. It is not recommended to include, even if you do not want to manually dispersed the system. Do not touch this item or choose Cancel (Fig. 3).

DRAM TIMING CONTROL

DRAM TIMING CONTROL is the installation of memory timings (Fig. 4).

Fig. four.
All these settings need to leave equal passports and on AUTO if you want to configure the system for reliable operation. Main timings must be installed in accordance with SPD memory modules.

Fig. five
Most parameters in Fig. 5 We also leave in AUTO.

MRC Fast Boot

Enable this option (enabled). This skips the memory test during the system reboot procedure. The boot time decreases.
Note that when using more Memory planks and at high frequency of modules (2133 MHz and above) Disabling this setting can increase the stability of the system during overclocking. As soon as we obtain the desired stability during acceleration, turn on this parameter (Fig. 5).

DRAM CLK PERIOD.

Defines the delay in the memory controller in combination with the applied memory frequency. Installation 5 gives better overall performance, although stability can worse. Set better AUTO (Fig. 5).

CPU POWER MANAGEMENT.

The window of this menu item is shown in Fig. 6. Here, check the processor multiplier (41 in Fig. 6), be sure to include (enabled) the EIST energy saving parameter, and also set the processor threshold power if necessary (all the latest mentioned parameters are set to AUTO (Fig. 6)).
Going to the Advanced ... CPU Power Management Configuration menu (Fig. 2) Set the CPU C1E parameter to Enabled, and the rest (including parameters with C3, C6) in AUTO.

Fig. 6.

Fig. 7.

DIGI + POWER CONTROL

CPU Load-Line Calibration

Abbreviated name of this parameter - LLC. With a rapid processor transition to the intensive mode of operation with an increased power of consumption, the voltage on it is abruptly reduced relative to the stationary state. Increased LLC values \u200b\u200bcause an increase in the processor supply voltage and reduce processor supply voltage drawdown when the power consumption is hurried. The parameter setting is equal to High (50%) is considered optimal for 24/7 mode, providing optimal balance between voltage growth and supply stress design. Some users prefer to use higher LLC values, although it will affect the drawdown to a lesser extent. Install HIGH (Fig. 7).

VRM Spread Spectrum

When this parameter is turned on (Fig. 7), an extended VRM signal modulation is turned on to reduce the peak in the emission spectrum of the noise and the tip in the nearby circuits. The inclusion of this parameter should be used only on passport frequencies, since the modulation of signals may degrade the transitional characteristics of the power supply and cause power supply instability. Install disabled (Fig. 7).

Current Capability

The value of 100% on all these parameters should be sufficient to overclock the processors using conventional cooling methods (Fig. 7).

Fig. eight.

CPU Voltage.

There are two ways to monitor the voltage of the processor kernel: Offset Mode (Fig. 8) and Manual. Manual mode provides always unchanged static voltage level on the processor. This mode can be used briefly when testing the processor. Offset Mode mode allows the processor to adjust the voltage depending on the load and operating frequency. Offset mode mode is preferred for 24/7 systems, as it allows the processor to reduce the supply voltage during computer downtime, reducing the energy consumed and heating the cores.
The supply voltage level will increase by increasing the multiplication coefficient (multiplier) for the processor. Therefore, it is best to start with a low multiplication coefficient equal to 41x (or 39x) and lifting it one step with a stability test with each lift.
Install Offset Mode Sign in "+", and CPU Offset Voltage in AUTO. Load the processor with calculations using the LINX program and check the processor voltage using CPU-Z. If the voltage level is very high, then you can reduce the voltage by applying a negative displacement to UEFI. For example, if our full supply voltage with a multiplier 41x turned out to be 1.35 V, we could reduce it to 1.30 V, applying a negative displacement with a value of 0.05 V.
Keep in mind that the decrease of about 0.05 V will also be used for the idle stroke (with a small load). For example, if the default settings of the idling processor (with a multiplier equal to 16x) is 1.05 V, then the separated 0.05 V is obtained approximately 1.0 in the idle stroke voltage. Therefore, if you decrease the voltage using too large CPUs of Offset Voltage, the moment will come when the idle stress will be so small, which will lead to the dispensing of the computer.
If for reliability you need to add a voltage at full processor load, we use "+" offset and increase the voltage level. Note that the displacements entered as "+" and "-" displacements are not accurately performed by the processor power system. Nonlinear compliance scales. This is one of the features of the VID, which is that it allows the processor to ask different voltage depending on the operating frequency, current and temperature. For example, with a positive CPU Offset Voltage 0.05, 1.35 V voltage can increase only to 1.375 V.
From the above, it follows that for non-expert overclocking for multipliers, approximately equal to 41, it is best to install Offset Mode Sign in "+" and leave the CPU Offset Voltage parameter in AUTO. For Ivy Bridge processors, most samples are expected to operate at 4.1 GHz frequencies with air-cooled.
Larger acceleration is possible, although it will lead to an increase in processor temperature. To control the temperature, run the RealTemp program.

Dram Voltage.

Install the voltage on memory modules in accordance with the passport data. This is usually about 1.5 V. By default - AUTO (Fig. 8).

Vccsa Voltage.

The parameter sets the voltage for System Agent. You can leave on AUTO for our acceleration (Fig. 8).

CPU Pll Voltage.

For our acceleration - AUTO (Fig. 8). The usual parameter values \u200b\u200bare about 1.8 V. With an increase in this voltage, you can increase the processor factor and increase the frequency of memory above 2,200 MHz, because A slight excess of the voltage relative to the nominal can help the stability of the system.

PCH Voltage.

You can leave the default (AUTO) values \u200b\u200bfor a small acceleration (Fig. 8). To date, it has not revealed a significant connection between this tension on the chip and other stresses of the motherboard.

Fig. nine

CPU Spread Spectrum

When you turn on the option (enabled), the processor core frequency is modulated to reduce the peak value in the spectrum of emitted noise. It is recommended to set the parameter in Disabled (Fig. 9), because When overclocked, the frequency modulation may worsen the system stability.

ASUS P8Z77-V LX

P8Z77-V LX is cheaper ASRock for about $ 5. This model gives users access to the legendary ASUS support structure, including frequent firmware updates for a long time after the model is removed from production. However, for a lower price, you have to say goodbye to some options. For example, on the rear panel there are only two USB 3.0 ports and three analog audio sees.

IN budget computers Typically, old analog audio systems and three connections are sufficient for configuration 5.1. For the eight-channel output, ASUS rely on the front panel connector, although most users use them for the headset.

In addition, there are no Switches PCIe 3.0, which are required for X8 / X8 mode on two x16 slots. Instead, users will receive one blocked slot to 16 lines and the second blocked by four PCIE 2.0 lines through the Z77 PCH. This configuration allows you to install two video cards in Crossfire, but about SLI will have to forget. Lovers of configurations from several cards from NVIDIA will be more suitable for the equipment of the P8Z77-V LK model, but it cost more than $ 160 when we took the board for testing.

ASUS did not provide a fee so favorite with enthusiasts with power and reset buttons, although other suppliers add them to facilitate the testing process. However, when the board is installed in the housing with its own external buttons, none from them. Also on the board there is no diagnostic display. Asus believes that the indicators of less informative LED indicators are easier to read.

The functions of the ASUS Memok and GPU Boost are associated with two switches along the front edge of the P8Z77-V LX motherboard, many collectors consider such a solution to useful. Memok temporarily lowers the frequency of poorly configured memory, which will provide access to UEFI, where you can manually configure problem parameters. And GPU Boost accelerates Intel LGA 1155 graphics engines HD Graphics built into the Intel LGA processors.

We are always trying to find disadvantages in the layout of the board, and the only thing we found in the ASUS P8Z77-V LX are connections for fans that are too far from the front panel of the case. Although this lack is insignificant, since many hulls are supplied with four Molex power plugs. ASUS even moves an audio connector for the front panel not several centimeters ahead of the corner, where it is usually placed that it completely solves the problem of short cables. Bravo!

Two SATA cables are enough for any simple system. Included with P8Z77-V LX no SLI bridge, because the board does not support it.

Applications ASUS P8Z77-V LX

Included with P8Z77-V LX you will find a small set of different programs. Among them, Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer, Google Chrome., Adobe Reader X and sixty-day trial Norton Internet Security. All of them are installed by default using the ASUS "Install" function. Fortunately, the "Install" option can be turned off by the driver installation time, otherwise you will have to endure an annoying reminder of Norton about registration / update.

The ASUS kit includes the USB TURBO MODE application. Unlike competitors, the company added support for UASP. Our recent study of this technology has shown that some USB 3.0 devices already support USB ATTACHED SCSI Protocol. But so far only ASUS has decided to add a utility by activating and configuring.

ASUS still calls this strongly updated Utility PC Probe II, although today's version is much more versatile and advanced than previous ones. We found the voltage, temperature and speed of fans, although less important voltage indicators for CSA and DIMM are still not.

ASUS monitoring software lovers should determine with one point before installation, since our copy of this has been removed by 100%. The problems remaining from the program with the subsequent installation of the same software did not cause, but they interfered with the installation of competing utilities for monitoring.

In addition to the readings in real-time values, ASUS Sensor Recorder can generate data tables, which then can be viewed as graphs in PC Probe II.

ASUS FAN EXPERT allows users to modify automatic fan profiles on P8Z77-V LX for all three four-pin board connections.

The ASUS EPU utility has several energy saving profiles, two of them can be configured independently. We were able to save approximately 2 W in a simple compared to the settings of the operating system.

The P8Z77-V LX also includes the ASUS Network IControl program with which you can change the priorities of the packages in favor of, for example, sensitive to online games delays.

Some people do backup Mail with a size of 2 GB and more, but loading such a volume of content is not always convenient. ASUS provides a Web storage for 2 GB for free. You can get up to 10 GB, inviting others, or 1 GB subscribing to another ASUS service. The WebStorage program is designed for synchronization and reserve copy Any user data and files.

Acceleration with ASUS TURBOV

In addition to the manual overclocking options, ASUS TURBOV offers less "advanced" users to use the impressive P8Z77-V LX cards through the automatic setup utility. The program has reached a stable frequency of 4.22 GHz at a voltage of 1.216 in using the dispersion scheme "Fast", and 4.84 GHz at 1.456 V with the "Extreme" parameter.

The highest EXTREME profile problem is too high voltage for CPU. These processors have a disadvantage in the interface that does not even allow the best coolers to hold the temperature at moderate voltage levels, and the 1,456 parameter is significantly higher than 1.30 V, which we recommend as a comfortable and safe limit providing long-term operation. With this voltage, it is a little afraid that the processor "burns", we launched Prime95 and observed how the Intel thermal protection mechanism turned on the trottling after 20 seconds.

Although the auto-tuning function, the Turbov utility was supposed to be addressed to less experienced overclockers, it, unfortunately, establishes too high voltage, from which there is no use due to trottling, the work of which inexperienced users may not notice. Therefore, manual setting seems more secure.

Changing settings yourself, we were able to achieve the same level of overclocking using Turbov, as with UEFI Asus, and, as it turned out, some "hardcore" overclockers will find the Turbov program very useful for changing the voltage and clock frequency "on the fly" subject to the availability of an effective system cooling.

Below on the runner screenshot are translated into the maximum position to demonstrate the TURBOV settings limits, however, we did not work on such settings. "Advanced Mode" mode adds to basic settings Voltages CSA, PLL and PCH options.

Although we do not think that many users will overclock the embedded graphics core of the processor, ASUS provides the ability to adjust its frequency and voltage in Turbov GPU Boost.

A separate menu provides a CPU core multiplication ratio for two modes: synchronous and depending on the load. Although the slider is on the maximum, the multiplier of 63x we did not use in testing.

ASUS P8Z77-V LX UEFI

Perhaps most of all ASUS reputation influenced functional and easy to use firmware. P8Z77-V LX continues this tradition by providing features characteristic of more expensive motherboard companies.

The Ai Overclock Tuner parameter has only "XMP" and "Manual" options. CPU settings between these modes are practically no different because XMP users are most likely to take them in the first place. But it is necessary to remember that switching from XMP in Manual will lead to their discharge.

Although an option 47 x 100 MHz was unstable at a kernel voltage of 1.25 V, the configuration 46 x 102.2 MHz gave us the frequency of the processor of 4.7 GHz. Most likely, the mode of 47 x 100 did not work due to the fact that Asus instead of 100 MHz actually issues 100.3 MHz, and it turns out 4.71 GHz.

To get 1.25 in the load, a voltage combination is 1.245 V in UEFI and a higher "Load Line Calibration" value. The stress of the memory of 1.65 V was not manually exhibited, it was taken from XMP Profile 1.

P8Z77-V LX includes setting up primary, secondary and tertiary timings, which is very noteworthy for budget system boards oriented towards enthusiasts.

Depending on other settings, the multiplier can be blocked in the Ai Tweaker main menu. Fixed coefficient can be configured to the CPU Power Management submenu.

Setting up Ultra High cPU parameter Load-Line Calibration gives the disintended kernel of our processor desired 1.25 V with a load. We tried other tension settings of the kernel and Load-Line Calibration and found out that these most correspond to the target. The Digi + VRM submenu also contains settings and voltage adjustments.

CONTENT

The cycle of our reviews of the systemics of the lower price range, in whose foundation is the senior set of system logic for intel processors Haswell - Z87, revealed in them quite suitable for use products. However, a common line for each of them was poor stabilization of the CPU power supply voltage. Is that the inability of the manufacturers to organize the right approach when working with the ISL95820 Shi-controller, common to each of them without exception, is rather rhetorical, but the facts on the face.

In this review, we will consider this, the cheapest Motherboard made by ASUSTEK Computer Inc. - z87m-plus. Products of this company are based on other components, smoled by the manufacturer, but, apparently, these are International Rectifier products. Considering the new model range of the company in one of the first reviews it was possible to notice that the simplest model is ASUS Z87-K. However, actual retail prices from the moment were unchanged for all models, with the exception of today's testing participant. For him in the domestic retail asked the amount equivalent to $ 125.

In addition, it is the Z87M-PLUS that is most preferable for enthusiasts with a limited budget, since it has several specific abilities - the Memok button! and switch state switch GPU Boost. In all the rest, this is the most ordinary fee, not accurate by any additional interface controllers, but at the same time possessing everything necessary to build a modern multimedia computer.

Characteristics

Model
Chipset	Intel Z87.
Processor connector	Socket 1150.
Processors	Xeon, Core i7, Core i5, Core i3, Pentium, Celeron (Haswell)
Memory	4 Dimm DDR3 SDRAM 1333/1600/1866 * / 2000 * / 2133 * / 2200 * / 2400 * / 2600 * / 2666 * (OC), maximum 32 GB
Slots PCI-E	1 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 1 x PCI Express 2.0 [Email Protected] 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1
Slots PCI	-
Built-in video	Intel HD Graphics / 4600 / P4600
Videos	HDMI, DVI-D, D-SUB
Number of plug-in fans	3X 4PIN.
PS / 2 ports	1 (keyboard / mouse)
USB ports	6 x 3.0 (4 rear panel connectors, Z87) 8 x 2.0 (2 rear panel connectors, z87)
Serial ATA	6 x SATA 6 Gb / s (Z87)
RAID	0, 1, 5, 10 (Z87)
Built-in sound	Realtek Alc887 (7.1, HDA)
S / PDIF.	Optical, connector on the board (output)
Network features	Realtek 8111gr (Gigabit Ethernet)
Firewire.	-
LPT.	-
Com.	1 (internal)
BIOS / UEFI.	Ami UEFI
Form factor	matx
Dimensions, mm.	244 x 213.
Additional features	The possibility of connecting the TPM module, support for AMD Quad-GPU Crossfirex, GPU BOOST STATES switch, Memok button!

Packaging and equipment

On testing fee got in a regular white box. Full packaging is not able to surprise anything. On the official product page, you can familiarize yourself with all the features of the Z87M-PLUS, which focuses the manufacturer to increase the attractiveness of its decisions. I would like to note the USB BIOS Flashback technology. This mechanism will allow in case of trouble with the firmware to update it without visiting the service center.

Given that the product in question is not a retail copy, then the set of delivery is also different from the usual. In addition to the board in the box were:

• drive with drivers and brand software;
• sticker with company logo;
• the plug for the case, complemented by a sticker in white tones with color and symbolic designation of all nods;
• two SATA 6GB / S cables, one of which with a M-shaped connector at one end.

Appearance

In part, thanks to the simplified node of stabilization of the CPU, the size of the product was in good 3 cm shorter than the standard MATX format. In addition, the division of sixteen PCI-E lines below the needs of several video cards is not provided. Only, one switch is able to switch four lines from the system logic between three groups of slots: to concentrate all of their number on a full-length socket, or leave only two lines by transferring the rest to conventional PCI-E X1.

The simplicity of the device also affects its reverse side, where there are no third-party elements, in particular, in the area of \u200b\u200bplacing an amplifying plate of the CPU cooler. Radiators on the board are fixed using spring-loaded plastic latches.

The unification of production leads to the use of identical elements on different devices; The chipset chip is absolutely the same as on the previously considered H87i-Plus, coping with its responsibilities. SATA's four ordinary sockets took their place in the corner, and slightly above them, in the area of \u200b\u200bvideo source, are two more longitudinal execution. Slots under rAM Equipped with stars only on the one hand, which will give comfort when operating the system.

Power connectors of other interfaces are familiar along the bottom face. Among them there are no blocks for connecting the fan; One is located in the heart of the PCB. Network and audio controller are basic solutions from REALTEK - 8111GR and ALC887, the technical documentation of which is available only for the company's partners.

The second of the two fan connections is located at the top edge of the board, next to the processor. All three have four-contact execution, and the processor is deprived of the sensor-identifier type of the connected device, as well as it was on the H87i-Plus. As opposed to the last, there is a curious GPU_BOOST switch here. Looking in advance, I note that its role is equivalent to TPU - one of the "intellectual processors" included in the senior product - Z87-PLUS. In other words, when it is used, the functions of automatic acceleration of all components of the system are activated, and not just a graphical module that is part of Intel Haswell processors, as it implies its name. At the same time, a green or orange LED lights up next to it, depending on the position of the switch, and - as a result - the profile used.

NTMFS4937N and NTMFS4955N. PWM controller ASP1253. In the Vanguard B85 review, I have already made an assumption about his true entity in the face of IR3570A, today nothing changes, because in fact the entire converter is a complete copy of the decision then. Such heredity is Otradna - at that time, the whole range of events on acceleration was carried out without any complaints. Today, a continuous increase in temperature is possible as a result of a reduction in area, allocated to cooling chain elements.

Once again, I want to hold parallels between these models: the filling of the rear panel they also have a very similar, only here instead of DisplayPort is S / PDIF. In general, a multitude of interface outputs forms a full set for a modern PC.

Summing up I note that the consideration of the design of the simplest product does not cause a resolutely no comments. Expected simplifications on the overall performance of the system should not affect. Let us turn to the consideration of the program component.