Review: gigabyte z77mx

Gigabyte, the leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, presented to us at CeBIT 2012 the designs of its 7 series motherboards with support for the 3rd generation Intel® Core ™ processors, showing a series of features such as the new All Digital Engine, GIGABYTE 3D BIOS and GIGABYTE Ultra Durable ™ 4 technology. The Gigabyte team has sent us the Micro ATX motherboard: Gigabyte Z77MX-D3H for testing. Here we go!!!

Product ceded by:

These new boards are characterized by having the new Intel Z77 chipset. They are compatible with all "Sandy Bridge" Core I3, Core i5 and Core i7 and all "Ivy Bridge". The new chipset offers few features that differ from the Z68 Chipset, such as;

• Ivy Bridge LGA1155 processors. Native USB 3.0 ports (4). OC capacity. Maximum 4 DIMM modules DDR3. PCI Express 3.0. Digital phases. Intel RST technology. Intel Smart Response Technology (Z77 & H77). Dual UEFI BIOS. (Depends on model and manufacturer) Wi-Fi + Bluetooth (Depends on model and manufacturer).

Here is a table to see the differences between the current chipsets of socket 1155:

In fact we must remind our readers that 90% of P67 and Z68 boards are "Ivy Bridge" compatible with a BIOS update.

We also don't want to bore you with a lot of information, but we find it necessary to highlight the new advantages of the Ivy Bridge processor:

• New manufacturing system at 22 nm. Increasing the Overclock capacity and decreasing the temperature. New random number generator that was left outside of "Sandy Bridge". Increases the maximum multiplier from 57 to 63. Increases the memory bandwidth from 2133 to 2800mhz (In step of 200 mhz).Your GPU includes DX11 instructions increasing ~ 55% performance.

Now we include a table with the new models of Ivy Bridge 22nm processors:

Model	Cores / Threads	Speed ​​/ Turbo Boost	L3 Cache	Graphics Processor	TDP
I7-3770	4/8	3.3 / 3.9	8MB	HD4000	77W
I7-3770	4/8	3.3 / 3.9	8MB	HD4000	77W
I7-3770S	4/8	3.1 / 3.9	8MB	HD4000	65W
I7-3770T	4/8	2.5 / 3.7	8MB	HD4000	45W
I5-3570	4/4	3.3 / 3.7	6MB	HD4000	77W
I5-3570K	4/4	3.3 / 3.7	6MB	HD4000	77W
I5-3570S	4/4	3.1 / 3.8	6MB	HD2500	65W
I5-3570T	4/4	2.3 / 3.3	6MB	HD2500	45W
I5-3550S	4/4	3.0 / 3.7	6MB	HD2500	65W
I5-3475S	4/4	2.9 / 3.6	6MB	HD4000	65W
I5-3470S	4/4	2.9 / 3.6	3MB	HD2500	65W
I5-3470T	2/4	2.9 / 3.6	3MB	HD2500	35W
I5-3450	4/4	2.9 / 3.6	3MB	HD2500	77W
I5-3450S	4/4	2.8 / 3.5	6MB	HD2500	65W
I5-3300	4/4	3 / 3.2º	6MB	HD2500	77W
I5-3300S	4/4	2.7 / 3.2	6MB	HD2500	65W

GIGABYTE Z77MX-D3H FEATURES
Processors	L3 cache varies by CPUSupport for Intel ® Core ™ i7 / Intel ® Core ™ i5 / Intel ® Core ™ i3 processors / Intel ® Pentium ® / Intel ® Celeron ® on LGA1155 (Please refer to "CPU Support List " for more information.)
Chipset	Intel Z77 Chipset
Memory	4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMMs supporting up to 32GB of system memory * Due to Windows 32-bit operating system limitation, when more than 4GB of physical memory is installed, the displayed memory size will be less than 4 GB. Dual Channel memory architecture Support for DDR3 1600/1333/1066 MHz memory modules Support for non-ECC memory modules Support for Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules (Please refer to "Memory Support List" for more information.)
Integrated Graphics	1 x DVI-D port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920 × 1200 * DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter. 1 x D-Sub port, 1 x HDMI port, supports maximum resolution.
Audio and LAN	Support for S / PDIFVIA VT2021 codec2 / 4 / 5.1 / 7.1-channel HD audio output Network: 1 x Atheros GbE LAN chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Expansion Sockets	1 x PCI Express x16 slot, operating at x8 (PCIEX8) (PCIEX16 and PCIEX8 slots are PCI Express 3.0 standard compliant.) * PCIEX8 slot shares bandwidth with PCIEX16 slot. When PCIEX8 slot is in use, PCIEX16 slot operates in x8 mode. * PCI Express x16 slots supports up to PCI Express 2.0 standard when an Intel 32nm (Sandy Bridge) CPU is installed. 1 x PCI Express x16 to x16 slot (PCIEX16) * If you are only installing a PCI Express graphics card, for optimal performance make sure it is placed in the PCIEX16.1 x PCI Express x16 slot, at x4 (PCIEX4) 1 x PCI Express x1 (PCIEX4 and PCI Express x1 slots are Please refer to the PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
SATA AND USB	Chipset: 2 x SATA 6Gb / s connectors (SATA3 0/1) supporting up to 2 SATA 6Gb / s devices Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 * When the RAID set is distributed on SATA 6Gb / s and SATA 3Gb channels / s, the system performance of the RAID set may vary depending on the connected devices. 4 x SATA 3Gb / s (~ SATA2_2 SATA2_5) supporting up to 4 SATA 3Gb / s devices USB: Up to 4 USB 3.0 / 2.0 ports (2 rear panel ports, 2 ports available through internal USB connectors) * In Windows XP, Intel USB 3.0 ports can support USB 2.0 transfer speed. South Bridge: Up to 10 USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (6 ports on the back panel, 4 ports via internal USB connectors)
BIOS	PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a Use of licensed AMI EFI BIOS 2 x 64 Mbit flash Supports DualBIOS ™
Format	Micro ATX, 244mm x 244mm
Warranty	2 years.

GIGABYTE Z77 series motherboards

The GIGABYTE 7 Series motherboard combines a variety of technology enhancements with Intel's latest Z77 Express chipset, creating a unique array of motherboard designs that take advantage of the outstanding performance of the third generation Intel® Core ™ processors. Featuring an exclusive 'All Digital' VRM design, GIGABYTE 3D Power, and GIGABYTE 3D BIOS (Dual UEFI), the GIGABYTE 7 Series motherboard ensures exceptional power delivery with absolute control, which, along with other additional features, ensures you an experience unmatched the next time you build a PC.

3rd Generation Intel® Core ™ Processors

The new Intel® Core ™ processors are based on the third-generation Intel® architecture, and are manufactured using its innovative 22nm process system, which allows for a visually optimized processor platform. The third generation of Intel® Core ™ processors, based on the well-known LGA 1155 socket, supports up to four high-performance 64-bit cores and 8MB third-tier Smart Caches and deliver exceptional overall performance when needed most.

GIGABYTE 3D BIOS (patent pending)

GIGABYTE's revolutionary 3D BIOS application is based on our

UEFI DualBIOS ™ technology, available to our customers in two modes of

exclusive interactions, providing a unique variety of powerful graphical interfaces suitable for even our most demanding users.

At the core of the 3D BIOS technology are physically a couple of ROMs containing the UEFI BIOS system, designed internally and exclusively by GIGABYTE. UEFI DualBIOS ™ makes BIOS setup attractive and new to beginners and experienced users alike, with a graphical interface capable of displaying 32-bit color images as well as offering smooth mouse navigation. UEFI BIOS also offers native support for large hard drives on 64-bit operating systems.

Designed to provide a harmonized and friendly environment for managing the BIOS, GIGABYTE's exclusive 3D mode offers a fully interactive graphical interface that allows users to adjust the parameters of their UEFI BIOS for best performance in a simple and intuitive way. 3D mode also allows the novice or occasional user to better understand which areas of the motherboard are being affected by changes in its configuration, making them much better understand how everything works.

Advanced Mode provides a more complete environment for configuring BIOS that is specifically designed for overclockers and highly advanced users who want to have as much control as possible over their PC hardware. It includes the GIGABYTE MIT seal tuning technology along with all the configurable parameters of the new GIGABYTE 3D Power engine. In short, advanced mode combines GIGABYTE's accumulated and customary BIOS experience with a revamped and streamlined graphical interface.

The plate is protected in a robust cardboard box and will cushion any blow.

Once we open the box.

Inside we find:

• Gigabyte Z77MX-D3H board, SATA cables, SLI connector, rear hood, instruction manuals and CD.

The Z77MX-D3H is a board with a Z77 chipset and a Micro ATX format. Gigabyte returns with its classic and characteristic Blue color on its PCB.

Back view of the plate.

The layout is the classic for any micro atx board. In this regard, little can be done by engineers.

Dissipation may be the least strong point of this board. Its heatsinks are not very big, but they do their job. South bridge:

Heatsinks for phases:

Includes 4 memory slots, ideal for installing up to 32 GB RAM.

6 SATA 3.0 connectors. Being a micro ATX board, it is very good.

The blue connector is about the internal USB 3.0 connection, which will take full advantage of our drives and pendrivers. Also, the 24-pin connector.

Here we have the control panel. We miss an on / off button.

Finally, we can see all the rear inputs and outputs. Highlight the HDMI and USB 3.0 connection.

TESTING BENCH
Processor:	Intel 2600k @ 4200MHZ
Base plate:	Gigabyte Z77MX-D3H
Memory:	2x4GB Corsair Vengeance 1600mhz
Heatsink:	Prolimatech Megahalems REV C.
Hard drives:	Kingston Hyperx 120gb
Graphics Cards:	GTX580
Source feed:	Antec TPQ 1200w OC
Box:	Benchtable Dimastech Easy V2.5

To check the stability of the processor and motherboard. We have made a 4200mhz OC with Prime 95 Custom and a GTX580 at 780mhz.

Performance has been quite satisfactory with "25, 820" points in 3d Mark Vantage. We have also performed the following tests:

TESTS
3dMark Vantage:	25820 PTS TOTAL.
3dMark11	P5693 PTS.
Heaven Unigine v2.1	44.6 FPS and 1144 PTS.
CineBench	OPENGPL: 61.55 AND CPU: 7.71

Gigabyte surprises us with an excellent motherboard with a micro atx format. Which incorporates the new Z77 chipset. Gigabyte returns with its classic blue color on the PCB.

In our test bench we have verified that it has a good Overclocking potential. 4200mhz with an Intel I7 2600k, obtaining very good results in the tests, for example: 25820 PTS in 3DMARK Vantage.

We liked the layout of the PCI ports. Since it allows us to connect multigpus systems.

Although we would have liked the heatsinks to be larger. Because at the time of doing OC 24/7 they heat up and we do not dare to do an OC Medium / High to the team.

The Gigabyte Z77MX-D3H motherboard is one of the best choices in Micro ATX format and with Z77 chipset on the market. By offering us a lot of possibility: absolute compatibility with Sandy Bridge / Ivy Bridge processor, 32 GB of RAM, HDMI output and compatibility with MultiGPU systems. Does anyone give more with less size? Its recommended price ranges from 110 ~ 120 €.

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGES
+ COMPATIBLE WITH SANDY AND IVY BRIDGE.	- REFRIGERATION COULD BE IMPROVED.
+ EXCELLENT MATERIALS.	- DOES NOT INCLUDE ESATA.
+ ALLOWS TO MAKE MODERATE OC.
+ TOUCH BIOS AND 3D BIOS.
+ COMPATIBLE WITH MULTIGPU 2 WAY SLI AND CROSSFIRE SYSTEMS
+ STABLE BIOS.

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