Review of the ASUS P8Z77-M Pro motherboard. ASUS P8Z77-M: socket and semiconductor chips
The situation when a new processor also requires a new motherboard with a new chipset has already occurred quite often. All motherboard manufacturers were rushing to introduce their new products, playing the chicken and egg game. However, as you already know, this spring everything is going differently - new Intel processors codenamed Ivy Bridge can be used on “old” boards. But this does not mean at all that the leaders of the components market need not worry - users who want everything new are the most active and very interested in financial terms, so everyone greeted the release of the seventh series chipset line with enthusiasm.
ASUS now has a dozen products in its arsenal based on the maximum version of the chipset line - Intel Z77. Honestly, in our opinion, this is overkill: it will not be easy for users to understand the differences and numerous suffixes if we are talking about ordinary “workhorses”. In this article we will look at the P8Z77-V Pro motherboard.
Among its distinctive aspects, the manufacturer mentions the use of the Digi+ chip to control power circuits, the ability to use four-chip SLI and CrossFireX, and the fan control system in the Fan Xpert 2 case.
Equipment and proprietary utilities
Traditionally, out of a dozen models on one chipset, only a few received original packaging. Our hero today was unlucky - an ordinary medium-sized cardboard box. Its design, at first glance, is almost no different from many other mass-produced devices. But upon closer examination, you can notice the texture (embossment) on the cardboard.
Noteworthy detailed description numerous features of the board. It's a pity that it's only in English. Moreover, these are not just technical characteristics rewritten in beautiful words, but truly unique functions of the device. We will look at some of them in more detail below.
The scope of supply for this model is quite rich: a plug for back panel boards with a black insert and connector labels, two SATA 6 Gb/s cables with latches (one straight connector, the other angled), two “just” SATA cables with the same connectors, a flexible SLI bridge, special adapters for easy connection of connectors on the front panel case to connectors on the board (one for buttons and indicators, the second for USB ports), a bracket for the rear panel of the case with a pair of USB 2.0 ports and one eSATA, proprietary wireless Wi-Fi module with external antenna, thick user manual (on English language), DVD with drivers, programs and documents.
The motherboard comes with many utilities, some of which deserve special consideration in a separate article, and we will try to return to this issue in the near future. All of them are collected in a single AI Suite II shell to simplify both installation and work with them.
From the manufacturer's website you can download an updated version of the kit in the form of a single archive. The kit includes utilities for monitoring the system status, collecting system information, updating software and BIOS, managing the Wi-Fi controller (including organizing an access point), setting up USB ports, selecting power saving modes, setting up power management, overclocking the system, installing priorities network traffic, remote control from wireless mobile devices.
The TurboV utility is used to automatically overclock the system. We checked its performance in automatic mode with processor Intel Core i5-2500K and Corsair H100 liquid cooling system. Selecting the “Fast” profile made it possible to increase the processor frequency by a third in just a couple of seconds - to 4.3 GHz.
A longer process in the “Extreme” profile showed even more impressive results - the frequency exceeded 5.2 GHz. However, it should be noted that the second option turned out to be unstable under the load of the LinX program. In the “beautiful” 5 GHz mode (100 MHz × 50), the system coped with this test. We also mention the presence of an automatic reset system in case of unsuccessful overclocking
Features of the board
The motherboard uses black PCB, which allows it to look both strict and stylish. It has a standard ATX size (304x244 mm), so all configuration elements could fit freely. The LGA1155 processor socket can be used with both 32nm and new 22nm Intel processors (codenamed Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge, respectively). It cannot be said about most modern boards that there is a lot of free space near the socket and it will be easy to install a cooling system of any format. The product in question is no exception to this rule, but everything is arranged according to the standard, and boxed coolers will of course be installed without problems. And if you are planning to purchase something larger and more efficient, we recommend that you first make sure that it can be installed.
This model has four slots for random access memory DDR3 standard. The manufacturer talks about the possibility of operating at frequencies up to 1200 MHz (DDR3-2400) inclusive in overclocking mode. XMP profiles are supported - in particular, Kingston test modules worked without problems in their “native” DDR3-2133 mode (it was enough to change only one parameter in BIOS Setup). The latches on the slots are “one-sided”, which is intended to simplify the installation of modules, although the efficiency can be argued. We didn’t forget about the MemOK! button, which will help start the system if “not very compatible” memory modules are installed.
The configuration of expansion slots is not simple. Differences in color markings do not help to understand. There are two x16 PCIe slots connected to the processor and capable of operating in x16 mode with one video card installed in the first slot, and in x8+x8 mode with two video cards. These ports support version 3.0 standard if the appropriate processor is installed (this is confirmed by the use of standard-compliant ASMedia switching chips). The location of these slots allows cards with three-slot cooling systems to work. The third slot of x16 format version 2.0 works through the chipset and supports the maximum x4 mode. According to the manufacturer, it shares chipset lines with other slots (both PCIe x1) and external controllers (internal USB 3.0 and SATA 6 Gb/s ports on ASMedia chips). So, when using all devices to the maximum, you can only expect x1 mode from it.
The last pair - PCIe x1 slots - are located on both sides of the “main” graphics slot. So one of them will be free in any configuration (unless a large processor cooler interferes), and the second in most cases will not be available when installing an external gaming video card, since most of them have a dual-slot cooling system. In addition, these ports share PCIe lanes with the third PCIe x16 slot, and the second of them also with an external SATA 6 Gb/s chip.
Numerous external controllers and a large set of expansion ports make full use of the 8 PCIe 2.0 lanes available in the chipset. We also note that this board supports LucidLogix Virtu MVP technology (we wrote about LucidLogix Virtu), designed to increase performance graphic applications thanks to sharing integrated and external video cards, although, in our opinion, it is more convenient to purchase a more powerful external video card than to rely on this function.
An 8 MB BIOS chip is installed on the socket, but in most cases this is not useful - this board implements USB BIOS Flashback technology. It allows you to restore completely “dead” firmware from a flash drive with an image plugged into a dedicated USB port. For this, a specialized chip on the board is used. True, you will have to open the case to access the button to start the recovery process.
Like many other ASUS motherboards, the P8Z77-V Pro has special LEDs that can help identify the cause of boot problems. Moreover, this does not require a long study of documentation and codes - indicators are located near all critical elements (processor, memory, video card port).
Most connectors motherboard collected along its lower edge (left in the photo). Moreover, they occupy it almost completely (except for the two connectors missing in this modification of the board). This may make it difficult to access the emergency button. BIOS recovery. The CMOS reset jumper is also not very conveniently located - too close to the connectors.
Power and cooling circuits
Connection to the power supply occurs using standard 24-pin and 8-pin connectors (working with a four-pin ATX12V connector is allowed). Several Digi+ chips are used to manage the power supply to system components. The manufacturer calls this “Dual Intelligent Processors 3” technology. In total, the processor receives 12 phases, four per graphics core(in this case we are talking about the operation of an eight-channel PWM controller with phase doubling), and two for RAM.
The processor power circuit elements near the socket are covered with relatively small aluminum radiators about 25 mm high. Note that their design is complemented by plates on the reverse side printed circuit board. There are no heat pipes here, which is more good than bad. You can also see a heatsink with a complex shape of the upper surface on the chipset chip. Its height is only 12 mm and it will not interfere with the installation of expansion cards - except for access to the latches of the PCIe x16 slots. This cooling system configuration is more than sufficient for the model under consideration. In tests with an overclocked Intel Core i5-2500K processor, we directed the flow from a leisurely 120 mm fan to the power radiators, since the processor was equipped with a liquid cooling system. Under these conditions, their temperature did not cause any concern.
To connect fans, the board has as many as six connectors - “double” for the processor and four for the case. They are all four-pin and support automatic speed control, which will create an efficient and quiet system. Let us note the implementation of the new unique Fan Xpert 2 technology in this board. It is capable of providing the necessary temperature regime while maintaining a low system noise level. To do this, after assembling the PC, installing and connecting all fans, you need to start special program, which will automatically calibrate the operation of the fan system: it will be able to determine the impact of each fan on the temperature of system components and suggest the optimal operating mode.
In this section we will also mention the presence of TPU and EPU switches and indicators on the board. The first activates the automatic system overclocking function using the chip of the same name. You can use it after downloading operating system through a proprietary utility. The EPU is designed to reduce system power consumption by dynamically managing power circuits.
BIOS
The BIOS is implemented using UEFI technology and is based on AMI code. It allows mouse control (although you can't do without a keyboard) and has several localization options. You can’t look at the Russian one without tears - as if in China there is only one version of the Russian font, which can often be found in “nameless” smartphones.
The first page that the user sees after entering BIOS Setup is an implementation of a simplified version of “EZ Mode”. Here you can check the configuration of the processor, memory, hard drives, view monitoring data from sensors built into the board (temperature, voltage, fans), change the boot order and select one of the “optimization” modes for processor parameters - “eco”, “normal”, “optimal for ASUS version".
To access the full set of settings, you need to switch to the “Advanced Mode”. It traditionally contains sections:
- Main - display BIOS version, setting time and date;
- Ai Tweaker - settings of frequencies, voltages and modes for overclocking and optimizing the system;
- Advanced - setting CPU/PCH/SA parameters, setting up SATA and USB, external controllers;
- Monitor - monitoring system sensors, setting up Q-Fan to control fan speed;
- Boot - OS boot parameters, device selection;
- Tool - access to the BIOS EZ Flash firmware utility, managing overclocking profiles, displaying information from SPD memory modules (including XMP).
We do not recommend that novice users go into Ai Tweaker; at first glance, there are about a hundred parameters there. Moreover, effective overclocking can be carried out using a proprietary utility from Windows. The remaining points are quite simple and do not cause any problems with finding the necessary options.
Functionality
The most space on the rear panel is occupied by video outputs - there are four of them for every taste: VGA, DVI-D, HDMI, DisplayPort. It is difficult to say whether such a configuration is really in demand, but the fact that no adapters are required to connect any monitor can be considered an advantage. The PS/2 connector should have been scrapped for a long time; it is better to install another pair of USB or eSATA instead. By the way, this board has none of the latter. This is slightly compensated for by the fact that 4 USB port correspond to version 3.0 of this interface. Moreover, two of them are chipset-based, and the second pair works from an external controller. USB ports 2.0 are implemented by the chipset controller.
Audio outputs and network are standard - analogue minijacks for 7.1 configuration, digital optical output S/PDIF-Out, RJ-45 port with built-in indicators. A separate place is given to the Wi-Fi controller for connecting an antenna and an operation indication LED.
Despite the use of the modern multifunctional Intel Z77 chipset, the board in question has many additional controllers, which add new functions and expand existing ones. Full list comprises:
- two USB 3.0 controllers based on ASMedia ASM1042 (PCIe x1) chips, each with support for 2 devices, two ports are located on the rear panel, two are on the connector of the bracket for connecting to connectors on the case;
- integrated audio based on the Realtek ALC892 HDA codec in 7.1 format, with an optical S/PDIF-Out connector on the rear panel of the board and an additional S/PDIF-Out connector on the PCB;
- gigabit network controller based on a MAC controller in the chipset and Intel PHY;
- PCI bus controller on the ASMedia ASM1083 (PCIe x1) chip for implementing two slots;
- SATA controller ASMedia ASM1061 (PCIe x1) with support for two internal SATA 6 Gb/s ports.
The motherboard has eight SATA connectors for connecting storage devices. Of these, six are chipset, two of which support interface speeds of 6 Gbit/s. The remaining two are implemented on an external ASMedia controller and also support 6 Gbps speed. The ports are located near the edge of the board at an angle, so that their cables will not interfere with expansion cards. Color coding makes it easy to identify the port type. An external eSATA port can be implemented by connecting the included bracket for the rear panel of the case (the connector from it is plugged into any port on the PCB of your choice, providing the speed and functionality of the eSATA port that you need “from the back”). The chipset controller supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, Matrix RAID and Intel technologies - Smart Response, Rapid Start and Smart Connect. By the way, ASUS decided to offer its own utility for using an SSD as a cache for a hard drive.
The built-in audio codec implements standard modes with connection to analog outputs up to 7.1, and also supports digital audio, including HD tracks in BD and output via standard HDMI.
The Z77, for the first time for Intel, has built-in USB 3.0 controllers (remember that they work exactly like 3.0 today only in Windows 7, since only there are corresponding drivers for it). But ASUS decided to add a couple of external controllers. As a result, the user receives four version 3.0 ports and two version 2.0 on the rear panel, as well as connectors on the board for another four 3.0 ports and eight 2.0 ports. The board supports the USB 3.0 UASP standard (you can read more about this technology in the ASUS P9X79 Pro review) for ports based on ASMedia chips, as well as fast charging mobile devices (USB Charger+).
One of the innovations in this line of motherboards is the inclusion of a wireless module. To be honest, the implementation, in our opinion, was chosen somewhat strangely. Today there are good USB controllers that provide high speed operation in the 802.11n standard. They are easy to select, connect and use. But ASUS went its own way - a standard half mini-PCIe format card is installed in a proprietary adapter, which is placed on the motherboard in a special slot between the rear panel connectors and secured with a screw on the reverse side. The antenna (or several) also uses microconnectors of its own, original format. As a result, the user faces many restrictions - you cannot install another board, it is difficult to replace the antenna, you cannot use this product with other devices. Perhaps it was the last point that caused this design. The P8Z77-V Pro uses a single-channel, single-band Qualcomm Atheros AR9485 chip that supports a maximum connection speed of 150Mbps. Note that other motherboards in this series also have more productive solutions.
The presence of two standard PCI slots on the board will be of interest to users who need to use expansion cards of the old standard.
Conclusion
The announcement of a new chipset and a new line of processors has once again spurred manufacturers to update their products. Wanting to maintain the high status of one of the market leaders, ASUS immediately released a dozen models based on the Z77 chipset. Choosing the right one is not an easy task. And even the presence of a product comparison function on the company’s website helps little in this situation. So we recommend that you write down the exact requirements and “try” them on the solutions presented on the market.
The ATX format made it possible to implement on the P8Z77-V Pro a rather interesting configuration of expansion slots, allowing the simultaneous operation of three video cards. This model also has two PCI slots available, which may be of interest to users who did not have time or were unable to replace the equipment with more modern ones. We note the use of Intel's own network controller, which are considered exemplary, although more expensive, and the presence wireless adapter 802.11n standard (but the lowest configuration). Other additional controllers add four USB 3.0 ports and a pair of SATA to the chipset's capabilities. The remaining parameters of the product are quite consistent with a modern solution for building a high-performance computing system based on Intel processors Core of the past and latest generations. Among proprietary programs and technologies, we mention TurboV for system overclocking and Wi-Fi Go! for working with mobile devices.Medium current price (number of offers) of this model in Moscow retail: N/A()
ASUS P8Z77-M Pro– motherboard for the LGA1155 platform, based on the chipset Intel Z77 and made in the form factor mATX. Compact, functional and comparatively inexpensive device with an opportunity fine tuning parameters. These are precisely the criteria that users are increasingly paying attention to when choosing a basis for new system. Let's see if, based on the testing results, we can emphasize all of the listed points, and not just some of them.
The mATX form factor board is made in characteristic colors for devices of the ASUS P8 line, and the device turned out to be quite colorful. It would seem that the usual combination of black, blue and white colors is used, but on a small piece of PCB the color palette of elements changes quite actively, and you notice this already at the first glance at the device.
The power subsystem has eight phases (6+2). To adjust the parameters of the power stabilizer, the DIGI+VRM controller (ASP1105) is used. In this case, to speed up heat dissipation, the VRM elements are equipped with radiators. The low-profile coolers are painted blue, with one segment in the center section being a natural aluminum color for visual contrast. The chipset chip is also covered with a compact blue radiator.
To supply additional power, an 8-pin EATX12V connector is used, traditionally located at the top edge closer to the interface panel.
ASUS P8Z77-M Pro is equipped with four slots for memory modules, the total volume of which can be increased up to 32 GB. The speed performance of the DDR3 used largely depends on the capabilities of the processor used. In the case of the mATX form factor, memory module connectors with one-way locks are a great help. According to the layout, the video card in the upper PCI-E x16 slot will not interfere with the installation of RAM strips.
In general, the layout of the ASUS P8Z77-M Pro is very successful. Questions may arise only when installing large processor coolers. After installing Thermalright Archon Rev.A, the first PCI-E x16 slot is inaccessible - the dimensions of the radiator unit do not allow installing a video card in the top slot. However, this cooler model is one of the largest in its class, the span of its radiator “wings” reaches 155 mm. Its trouble-free installation is not possible on every full-size model, but what can we say when it comes to compact mATX, where the first slot is already allocated for PCI-E x16, and not PCI-E x1. One way or another, this nuance is worth paying attention to.
The set of expansion slots cannot be called academic. The manufacturer abandoned obsolete PCI in favor of faster PCI Express. There are four slots on the PCB: three full-length PCI-E x16, as well as one miniature PCI-E x1. The top slot, colored blue, is preferred when using a single video card. In this case, it receives all 16 bus lines and operates in the maximum speed mode. If there are a pair of graphics adapters, the second slot (white) is also used, and the link configuration looks like x8+x8. When using an Ivy Bridge family processor, both slots can operate in PCI Express 3.0 mode. The latest black “long-length” in any case complies with the PCI Express 2.0 specification and receives 4 dedicated bus lanes.
The manufacturer focuses on the board's ability to work in multi-adapter configurations. This is opaquely hinted at even by the presence of an SLI bridge in the kit, which is not supplied with all models that support combinations with two video cards on chips from NVIDIA. CrossFireX configurations are also allowed, but the adapters required for such systems are usually supplied with the graphics adapters.
The location of the slots also suggests that the developers wanted to make life easier for those brave and enthusiastic people who will use a pair of video cards. They are arranged in such a sequence that two adapters with dual-slot coolers will be installed without problems. Of course, in this case it will no longer be possible to install additional expansion cards, but access to the elements at the bottom edge of the PCB will remain open.
The main controls, as well as functional connectors, are concentrated on the bottom edge of the board. There is a connector for outputting audio connectors to the front wall of the case, as well as toggle switches for activating proprietary TPU and EPU technologies. There is also a large LED indicator, the “warm lamp light” of which can be observed for many years on ASUS boards when the standby voltage is supplied from the power supply. Also nearby are three internal connectors for six USB 2.0 ports, a system panel for connecting control keys and indicators, as well as a jumper for resetting CMOS memory settings. There is also an activation button at the bottom edge. USB BIOS FlashBack– technology for flashing a flash chip from a USB drive, which is implemented at the hardware level. Another additional level of protection is the use of a replaceable panel for the flash chip, allowing it to be replaced if necessary.
Among the interesting nuances of the layout, we note the placement of the COM port connector in the corner of the printed circuit board, next to the memory slots. At the right edge, not far from the main power connector, there is a connector for connecting a TPM module. You can feel your pro-roots, you need to conform.
We didn't expect to see any abundance of specialized overclocking tools on the board, and in this regard, the ASUS P8Z77-M Pro was not a revelation. With some stretch, one can include the key MemOK!, which may be useful if you encounter difficulties with the initial start after installing a new set of memory. The function allows you to go through rough “grinding in” using timings with which the slats are guaranteed to work.
The technological feature of the device is four independent channels for adjusting fan speed. One for the processor and three more for the case. All connectors are four-pin, allowing you to change the speed using PWM, and all have support Q-Fan Control with specified profiles and the ability to fine-tune the algorithm.
The disk subsystem is implemented using the Intel Z77 chipset - a pair of SATA 6 Gb/s channels and four SATA 3 Gb/s channels. The interface connectors are oriented parallel to the plane of the printed circuit board, so a long video card, although it will cause some difficulties when connecting cables in a compact case, will still make such a configuration quite possible.
An additional controller expands the possibilities for connecting drives ASMedia ASM1061, thanks to which a pair of eSATA connectors with a bandwidth of 6 Gb/s are implemented on the rear panel of the board. For a number of tasks, this interface is indispensable, despite the fact that after the widespread use of USB 3.0, the range of drives with eSATA has become rather scarce.
As for USB 3.0 itself, on the ASUS P8Z77-M Pro, in addition to the four ports provided by the Intel Z77, the controller adds a couple more ASMedia ASM1042. Note that the chipset ports are located in pairs on the interface panel and on the PCB (one internal connector for two ports). Two additional ones are located on the interface panel.
The audio subsystem is based on the Realtek ALC892 HDA codec. A proven eight-channel solution with the sound quality you expect. The network controller also uses a common solution - Realtek 8111F.
The interface panel is equipped very well. Universal PS/2, a pair of USB 2.0, four USB 3.0 ports and an Ethernet socket. The interface set is complemented by a pair of eSATA, which can be useful if you have fast external storage. To connect display devices, analog VGA is provided, as well as a pair of digital video outputs - DVI-D and HDMI.
Connections speaker system any configuration is simplified by a panel with six audio connectors. In addition, for connecting acoustics digitally, an optical S/PDIF output is provided.
Contents of delivery
The delivery set includes a user manual, several brochures describing the nuances of the operation of a number of proprietary technologies, 4 SATA cables, a flexible SLI bridge and a plug for the rear wall of the case. Q-Connector sockets will greatly facilitate the connection of power buttons, speakers and status indicators.
UEFI
We have already talked about UEFI from ASUS several times. The shell is easy to use, logically structured, and has useful tips for setting various parameters. ASUS P8Z77-M Pro fully inherits the advantages of the proprietary shell.
The processor supply voltage can be increased “only” to 1.92 V (strongly not recommended without a glass of liquid nitrogen). The voltage on memory modules is also limited to the same limit. The proposed features are unlikely to set overclocking records, but the available funds are more than enough to boost the system well.
To configure a number of parameters, ASUS offers the use of a software kit AI Suite II, which includes several useful applications.
Overclocking
Following the path of least resistance, we began accelerating the system with the TurboV EVO feature. In the basic version ("Fast overclocking" mode), after rebooting the PC, the test Core i7-3770K processor accelerated to 4223 MHz (41x103 MHz). A 20% increase in frequency is a good start.
Once you start to get ahead, it is sometimes difficult to stop, especially when the button labeled “Extreme overclocking” is located several tens of desktop pixels from the basic acceleration key. Giving in to temptation, we got 4635 MHz (45x103 MHz).
Note that the auto-overclocking function actively takes advantage of the chip with an unlocked multiplier. Such a spurt would not have been possible without increasing the processor supply voltage, which was automatically increased to 1.245 V. In such a mode, it would definitely not be possible to do without an effective air cooler.
In manual control mode, after increasing the CPU supply voltage to 1.25 V, the processor clock frequency was increased to 4.8 GHz. If we talk about overclocking the system bus, the board made it possible to increase it to 108.5 MHz. The test set of DDR3-2133 memory modules worked without any particular difficulties and ran at 2200 MHz.
In the conditions of an open bench and a tower-type processor cooler, radiators mounted on MOSFET elements warmed up to 52–54 degrees under load. The temperature of the chipset cooler after prolonged operation increased to 46–48 C.
Results
ASUS P8Z77-M Pro interesting for those who are not ready to settle for a budget “runabout” car. The board is made well, has a good power reserve and a decent technological arsenal. This is exactly what you would expect from a device with a $145 price tag.
The manufacturer tried not to make compromises to please different categories of users, but rather intended to maintain a certain balance so that the model would come into the view of buyers who make a rational choice. In such a case, the experience of the developers is very important, otherwise the product can very easily turn out to be “neither fish nor fowl.” ASUS P8Z77-M Pro managed to avoid this fate. The board has its own personality and is an attractive option for those who are assembling a productive system in an mATX case, but the capabilities of the iconic ASUS Maximus V GENE in this form factor seem clearly redundant, and there is no great desire to overpay for unused functions.
Liked
Good equipment and functionality
High-quality power subsystem
Wide possibilities for organizing a cooling system
Support SLI modes and CrossFireX
Did not like
- Hardly ever
The testing device was provided by MTI, www.distri.mti.ua
Test bench configuration
| CPU | Intel Core [email protected] GHz | Intel, www.intel.ua |
| Cooler | Thermalright Archon Rev.A | "1-Incom", www.1-incom.com.ua |
| RAM | Team Xtreem TXD38192M2133HC9KDC-L (2x4 GB DDR3-2133) | DC-Link, www.dclink.com.ua |
| Storage device | Intel SSD 520 (SSDSC2CW240A3, 240 GB) | Intel, www.intel.ua |
| power unit | Thermaltake Toughpower Grand TPG-1200M (1200 W) | Thermaltake, www.thermaltakeusa.com |
| Chipset cooling | Radiator | |
| Cooling VRM | Radiator | |
| Embedded video | integrated into Intel processor | |
| PCI | — | |
| PCI Express x4 | — | |
| PCI Express x1 | 1 | |
| Graphic interface | 2xPCI-E x16 3.0(x16, x8+x8) + 1xPCI-E x16 2.0(x4) | |
| DIMM | 4xDDR3 | |
| IDE (Parallel ATA) (chipset/additional controller) | — | |
| Serial ATA (chipset/additional controller) | 4/- | |
| SATA Revision 3.0 (chipset/additional controller) | 2/- | |
| Main power connectors | 24+8 | |
| Additional food | — | |
| FAN | 4 | |
| S/PDIF | +(output) | |
| Audio codec | Realtek ALC892 (7.1) | |
| Ethernet | Realtek 8111F (GbE) | |
| SATA | — | |
| SATA Revision 3.0 | ASMedia ASM1061 | |
| PATA | — | |
| IEEE 1394 (FireWire) | — | |
| USB 3.0 | ASMedia 1042 | |
| LAN | 1 | |
| eSATA Rev. 2.0 | — | |
| eSATA Rev. 3.0 | 2 | |
| Audio | 6 | |
| S/PDIF-Out (Coaxial/Optical) | -/+ | |
| Thunderbolt | — | |
| Monitor Outputs | 1xD-Sub, 1xDVI-D and 1xHDMI | |
| USB 1.1/2.0 | 2/3(6 ports)/- | |
| USB 3.0 | 4/1(2 ports)/- | |
| IEEE 1394 (FireWire) | — | |
| COM | -/1/- | |
| Game/MIDI | — | |
| LPT | — | |
| IDE | — | |
| SATA interface/power, devices | 4/- | |
| Form factor | microATX, 244x244 mm | |
| Supports two or more video cards | LucidLogix Virtu MVP, AMD Quad-GPU CrossFireX/3-Way CrossFireX and nVidia Quad-GPU SLI | |
| RAID support | 0, 1, 5, 10, Intel Smart Response Technology, Intel Rapid Start Technology and Intel Smart Connect Technology | |
| Wi-Fi adapter | — | |
| UEFI support | + | |
| Miscellaneous | Second generation intelligent chips with DIGI+ power supply system (6-phase for CPU, 2-phase for iGPU); one PS/2 port for keyboard or mouse; TPM module connector; SLI bridge included |
Our readers could already see from the example of the Gigabyte G1.Sniper M3 motherboard that functionality does not depend much on dimensions. On the contrary, it becomes possible to assemble a system of more compact dimensions, without limiting yourself in anything. This means that the myth that mATX boards are always budget solutions for office typewriters is becoming a thing of the past. Now almost every manufacturer has one or more small models in their lineup that are in no way inferior to full-format ATX solutions.
Until recently, larger boards had the advantage of supporting multi-graphics technologies such as SLI and CrossFire. ASUS was the first to blur the line between the two standards (mATX and ATX) in terms of functionality, releasing several models aimed at gaming in a special ROG (Republic Of Gamers) line with the GENE prefix.
advertising
Time does not stand still and technologies are constantly improving, becoming cheaper and moving into mass production. This trend is noticeable in all industries, and ASUS has not escaped it. First, some innovative solution is used in the high-budget segment, and then it becomes available in mass products. This material will review the ASUS P8Z77M-PRO motherboard, which is an ordinary mATX format model, but with support for all the most modern technologies, including multi-graphics, such as SLI, 3-WAY CrossFire and Lucid Virtu MVP.A motherboard of compact dimensions with a full set of all the functions required today is this. Although this solution is based on a rather outdated platform based on LGA 1155, the capabilities are quite sufficient to create a compact productive computer system.
Who was this product intended for? Technological nuances
This board is perfect for those cases when in a compact computer case it is necessary to assemble a system with the maximum level of performance. At the same time, the reliability of such a PC will not cause any complaints. Although this motherboard is made in a miniature MicroATIx format, it is based on the most functional set system logic, which allows flexible parameter settings.
All elements installed on the board have only passive cooling. But at the same time, it is possible to install 4 coolers at once in such computing system. One of them is designed for mounting on a central processing unit, and the other three are for mounting on a chassis. Therefore, there should not be any problems with cooling during overclocking (this is precisely the purpose for which this product was developed) in this situation.
Delivery contents
It is equipped as follows:
- Motherboard.
- Cables for connecting SATA drives.
- An impressive set of documentation (including a warranty card).
- Metal plug for the rear panel of the system unit.
- CD with specialized software and drivers.
All this is quite enough to assemble a PC, and in this case there is no particular need to buy any additional elements.
Arrangement of components on the printed circuit board
244 mm by 244 mm - exactly like that dimensions has Review appearance This component indicates the presence of three passive cooling systems based on aluminum radiators. Two of them are used to remove excess heat from the CPU. The third cools the system logic set. The processor socket is located in the center of the upper part of the board.
To the left and above it are the previously mentioned cooling systems for the CPU power supplies. On the right are the slots for installing RAM. Even further in this direction is the power connector. Below the socket are expansion slots for installing additional external graphics adapters and controllers. To the right of the expansion slots are the SATA drive ports. Due to the correct location of expansion slots and RAM, as well as SATA drive ports, there should be no problems with installing any such component in this case.
Chipset
As it is not difficult to understand from the name, ASUS P8Z77-M is based on the most advanced set of system logic for the LGA 1155-Z77 computing platform. This product consists of only one chip - the south bridge, which processes information from expansion slots and drive connection ports. which was found in earlier products from this manufacturer, in this case has been moved to the central processor. It provides interaction with peripheral devices and RAM.
Socket and semiconductor chips
As noted earlier, the P8Z77-M is equipped with an LGA 1155 socket. This processor socket can accommodate 2nd and, of course, 3rd generation Kor chips. As a result, in this case, you can install “Cor Ai7”, “Cor Ai5”, “Cor Ai3”, “Pentium” and “Celeron” chips, which belong to the previously mentioned generations of semiconductor crystals.
Considering that the system logic set in this case is Z77, it is most optimal to use central processing units with an unlocked multiplier (they have the letter “K” at the end of their designation). This will allow you to maximize the potential of such a computer system.
Interface kit
The ASUS P8Z77-M PRO motherboard has the following ports for connecting external devices:
Expansion slots
We note a solid set of expansion slots in the ASUS P8Z77-M PRO. A review of the technical specifications of this solution only indicates the absence of a PCI connector. But this standard is currently outdated morally and physically. Such boards generally remain only after upgrading an outdated computer system and are automatically transferred to a new PC when upgrading. In such a situation (if you cannot do without such a PCI controller), it is better to purchase a full-size ATIX board with such a connector. But at the same time, you need to understand that the presence of such a component in personal computer will reduce its performance. So there is nothing wrong with the absence of such an expansion slot, and in practice such a board can be replaced with a similar USB adapter, for example.
There are 4 slots for RAM on this computer component. All DDR3 standard modules are supported. Maximum size RAM that such a model can address motherboard, equal to 32 GB (4 modules of 8 GB each). To install an additional internal controller in the PC, there is only one PCI-Express 1X connector. But in this case, three PCI-Express 16X slots are allocated for installing graphics adapters. In this case, you will have to make a choice. If you install an advanced video card in the first slot, then it will no longer be possible to install a controller in the PCI-Express 1X slot. Still miniature sizes this decision In such a situation, certain restrictions are imposed.
"BIOS" and more
The “BIOS” of this computer accessory has an impressive list of parameters, and this allows for flexible configuration of the computer system during CPU overclocking. As a result, you can get a solid performance boost. Also available on this UEFI board. This software component has similar functionality, but unlike BIOS, its interface is Russified.
The times when microATX motherboards were an attribute of budget or office system units are irrevocably gone. Today, almost all vendors have in their assortment compact products, the functionality and safety margins of which are in no way inferior to full-size mid- and high-level models. Such motherboards use older modifications of chipsets, enhanced power supply units and powerful cooling systems. On the other hand, manufacturers continue to saturate their product lines with inexpensive microATX motherboards that combine basic capabilities expansion and overclocking with a relatively low price. The ASUS P8Z77-M is one of these models, designed for budget-conscious and not too demanding users.
The motherboard is based on the older Intel Z77 Express chipset, which makes the ASUS P8Z77-M interesting for overclocking enthusiasts, and also provides good functionality for a budget product. WITH technical characteristics You can see the new items in the following table:
| Model | |
| Chipset | Intel Z77 Express |
| CPU socket | Socket LGA1155 |
| Processors | Core i7, Core i5, Pentium, Celeron (Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge) |
| Memory | 4 DIMM DDR3 SDRAM 1066/1333/1600/1866*/2000*/2133*/2200*/2400* (*—OC), maximum 32 GB |
| PCI-E slots | 1 PCI Express 3.0 x16 1 PCI Express 2.0 x16@4 1 PCI Express 2.0 x1 |
| PCI slots | 1 (ASMedia ASM1083) |
| Built-in video core | Intel HD Graphics |
| Video connectors | HDMI, DVI-D and D-Sub |
| Number of connected fans | 4x 4pin |
| PS/2 ports | 1 (combined) |
| USB ports | 4 x 3.0 (2 connectors on the rear panel, Intel Z77) 10 x 2.0 (4 rear panel, Intel Z77) |
| ATA-133 | - |
| Serial ATA | 2 channels SATA 6 Gb/s (Intel Z77) 4 channels SATA 3 Gb/s (Intel Z77) |
| eSATA | - |
| RAID | 0, 1, 5, 10 (Intel Z77) |
| Built-in sound | Realtek ALC887 (7.1, HDA) |
| S/PDIF | Optic |
| Built-in network | Realtek RTL8111F (Gigabit Ethernet) |
| FireWire | - |
| Thunderbolt | - |
| COM | + (on board) |
| LPT | - |
| BIOS/UEFI | AMI UEFI |
| Form factor | microATX |
| Dimensions, mm | 244 x 244 |
| Additional features | MemOK!, USB BIOS Flashback |
Contents of delivery
As befits an inexpensive model, the P8Z77-M comes in a small cardboard box, designed in the style typical of the latest ASUS products. The front side, in addition to the name of the modification, bears many logos of proprietary technologies, among which the central place is occupied by DIGI+ Power Control, which means the use of a digital power subsystem that ensures stability and high energy efficiency in any operating mode.
The reverse side lists the main specifications of the ASUS P8Z77-M, as well as extended information about the key features of the motherboard. Among them is LucidLogix Virtu MVP technology, which allows you to combine the resources of integrated and discrete video cards.
The set of accessories for the heroine of today's testing consists of:
- plugs for the rear panel of I/O Shield;
- two SATA 6 Gb/s cables;
- set of Q-Connectors connectors;
- user manuals;
- quick assembly instructions;
- manuals for working with ASUS proprietary technologies;
- DVD with drivers and software.
Considering the low cost of the new product, we can forgive its meager delivery package and let's hope that the engineers wisely managed the allocated budget and included a maximum margin of safety in the design of the motherboard.
Design
The design features of ASUS P8Z77-M are dictated by the compact dimensions (244x244 mm) of the printed circuit board. At the same time, the engineers managed to place all the main components in their usual places. Eight mounting holes are used for mounting, but the bottom left edge of the PCB is left unsupported, so care must be taken when connecting connectors front panel and SATA cables.
Thanks to the Intel Z77 Express chipset, the new product supports any Intel LGA1155 processors, including models with a free multiplier. Four DIMM slots are used to install DDR3 RAM; the total amount of RAM is 32 GB with a frequency of up to 2400 MHz inclusive.
The power subsystem of the P8Z77-M is made according to a six-channel circuit, of which four phases power the computing cores, and two separate channels are responsible for generating voltages on the built-in video card and the “system agent”. The VRM module is controlled by a digital PWM controller labeled ASP1102. It is known that this chip supports dynamic shutdown of unused phases, protection against overheating and overcurrent, as well as PWM modulation frequency control. Traditional MOSFETs are used as power elements.
The power elements are protected from overheating by a modest-sized radiator, which contacts the field-effect transistors through a rubber-like gasket, and not very reliable spring-loaded plastic pistons are used to secure it.
An eight-pin EPS12V connector is used to supply voltage to the ASUS P8Z77-M power subsystem, but the VRM unit does not have a significant safety margin, since the radiator cools only three of the six channels of the voltage converter. It is already obvious that the new product is unlikely to be suitable for serious overclocking experiments.
A small light alloy radiator is responsible for cooling the system logic chip, the efficiency of which does not cause concern, regardless of the operating mode. There are four connectors for connecting fans - all four-pin and with PWM support.
Despite the modest safety margin, the P8Z77-M design has a number of solutions that will come in handy during overclocking. First of all, this concerns the MemOK! function, which makes it possible to boot the system after setting ineffective RAM parameters. The button that launches the function of the same name is located next to the RAM slots.
If the control microcode fails, the USB BIOS Flashback function will help, allowing you to restore and update the firmware from a removable USB drive, even when the board does not have a processor or RAM.
For installation ASUS video cards P8Z77-M has a PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot. The second connector connected to the chipset always operates in PCI Express 2.0 x16@x4 mode, but this does not interfere with organizing the AMD CrossFireX configuration.
The motherboard has one PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot and one PCI slot, which operates via an ASMedia ASM1083 bridge adapter. To connect disk devices, the new product has two SATA 6 Gb/s and four SATA 3 Gb/s ports. Drives can be combined into RAID arrays, and if available in SSD system Intel SRT caching feature is available. The location of the SATA ports is such that even large video cards will not interfere with connecting interface cables.
On the rear panel of the P8Z77-M there is room for:
- PS/2 combo port;
- four USB connectors 2.0 and two chipset USB 3.0;
- optical S/PDIF;
- HDMI, D-Sub and DVI-D video outputs;
- RJ-45 network port;
- three analog audio connectors.
The layout can be considered successful, with the exception of the small number of analog audio outputs. But there is a full set of video connectors, thanks to which Ivy Bridge owners can connect three monitors simultaneously. In general, the expansion capabilities of a new product are mainly based on the characteristics of the chipset, so what about support? wireless networks or Thunderbolt interface is just a dream. Of the additional controllers, there are only a couple of Realtek chips: the ALC887 HD audio codec and the RTL8111F gigabit network interface. UEFI Setup
The ASUS P8Z77-M firmware is based on the UEFI control microcode developed by AMI, and the setup menu itself for ASUS motherboards is very familiar to us from numerous previous reviews. In the case of the heroine of today's testing, after entering UEFI Setup, the user is asked to work in EZ Mode, which displays the current date and time, firmware version, and also displays information about the operating mode of the central processor and RAM modules. Sensor readings are also displayed here. hardware monitoring.
To make it easier to navigate through the setup menu in EZ Mode, there are shortcuts to go to the desired section of the firmware, as well as a menu for selecting boot devices.
Thus, EZ Mode is good for visual control of the operation and system monitoring readings, but it is not suitable for fine-tuning the motherboard. There is an advanced Advanced Mode for this.
On the Main tab, the date and time are set, extended information about the version of the control microcode is displayed, and there is an option to select a language.
The Ai Tweaker section contains settings responsible for overclocking and performance, including controlling the BCLK frequency and processor core multipliers, Intel Turbo Boost mode and the Internal PLL Overvoltage function, as well as adjusting clock frequency RAM modules. The proprietary ASUS MultiCore Enhanced option is also enabled here, which improves performance in multi-threaded applications. Activating EPU Power Saving Mode launches power saving mode, and OC Tuner enables automatic overclocking.
The ASUS P8Z77-M firmware's voltage regulation capabilities are not as rich as those of older models.
Users can control five main voltages, the range and step of which are shown in the following table.
| Parameter | Voltage range, V | Step, B |
| CPU Manual Voltage | 0,8-1,99 | 0,005 |
| CPU Offset Voltage | -0,685…+0,685 | 0,005 |
| DRAM Voltage | 1,2-2,135 | 0,005 |
| PCH Voltage | 0,8-1,685 | 0,005 |
| VCCSA Voltage | 0,925-1,0255 | 0,1 |
| CPU PLL Voltage | 1,8-1,9 | 0,1 |
There are two adjustment modes available for CPU Voltage: Manual and Offset. The first method is more convenient, since the required value is specified explicitly, but in the second, which indicates the increase to the standard value, the operation of energy saving technologies is preserved. To overclock the RAM, the firmware provides modes up to 3200 MHz inclusive.
In the DRAM Timing Control tab you can find control over the timings of the RAM subsystem.
Fine-tuning the Intel Turbo Boost mode is located in the CPU Power Management submenu, and the DIGI+ VRM section controls the digital power subsystem. You can adjust the CPU Load-line Calibration option, the switching frequency of power elements and overload protection, as well as disabling unused VRM channels during idle moments.
The Advanced firmware section contains controls for the processor, chipset and additional controllers.
The CPU Configuration menu is responsible for configuring specific processor technologies, such as hardware virtualization or virus protection, and the CPU Power Management Configuration tab controls the power-saving functions of the central processor.
In the System Agent Configuration subsection, in addition to the function of redistributing the RAM address space, there are options for the built-in video card.
The USB Configuration menu is responsible for the peripheral connection subsystem, while on the USB Single Port Control tab you can selectively disable USB ports.
To configure the controller local network, audio codec and serial port you will have to go to the Onboard Devices Configuration firmware section.
System monitoring readings are displayed in the Monitor menu, which displays two temperatures, four fan speeds, as well as four main voltages on the processor and power rails.
As for the possibilities of adjusting the speed of rotation of the impellers, the firmware of the budget ASUS P8Z77-M will give a head start flagship models competitors. For each of the four Carlsons, an individual control channel is provided, which offers one of three basic profiles, as well as the possibility of manual adjustment depending on the readings of system temperature sensors.
Also, the UEFI Setup of the new product has a built-in utility for updating the EZ Flash 2 control microcode.
O.C. function available. Profile for saving up to eight profiles with firmware settings, and the SPD Information option, displaying detailed information about the parameters of RAM modules.
Bundled software
Software designed to manage and monitor motherboard monitoring parameters is integrated into software package AI Suite II, consisting of many independent modules. We have repeatedly described the capabilities of this software product in previous reviews of ASUS motherboards, so today we will only recall its main capabilities. Thus, the TurboV EVO software module is responsible for managing performance parameters, such as BCLK frequency, supply voltages and multipliers of computing cores.
The automatic overclocking function is also enabled here, the effectiveness of which we will definitely check a little later.
The DIGI+ VRM program is used to control the parameters of the digital power subsystem, and the EPU module is responsible for setting up energy-saving technologies.
The rotation speed settings of each of the four fans are entrusted to the Fan Expert+ program, designed to achieve the best balance of cooling efficiency and minimum noise level.
The Probe II module is used to display the hardware monitoring parameter, set alarm thresholds and record critical events in the log, while the Sensor Recorder program performs the function of recording the history of sensor readings.
In addition to the above, AI Suite II contains USB3.0 Boost routines, which speeds up the operation of removable drives, and Network iControl, which is responsible for managing priorities and network connection bandwidth.
As always, we have the same questions regarding the functionality of AI Suite II related to the inability to control the frequency and timing of the RAM subsystem. Overclocking potential
The design of the ASUS P8Z77-M power subsystem does not have a significant safety margin, so caution should be used during overclocking experiments. However, our test Core i5-3570K worked at a frequency of 4500 MHz with a voltage on the computing cores equal to 1.275 V. Unfortunately, we were not able to achieve a better result, since as Vcore increased, the protection system was triggered and the motherboard was turned off. The final result can be considered quite good for a budget-class model; also, the positive aspects include the preservation of the functionality of energy-saving technologies.
When overclocking, the G.Skill TridentX F3-2400C10D-8GTX RAM modules operated at a frequency of 2400 MHz with timings of 10-12-12-31-2T at a voltage of 1.65 V, and to ensure stability, the voltage on the “system agent” was increased by 0. 1 V relative to nominal.
I was very pleased with the safety margin for increasing the base frequency, which amounted to exactly 109 MHz, which will certainly be appreciated by owners of inexpensive Intel processors with a locked multiplier.
Finally, we decided to check the automatic overclocking capabilities of the ASUS P8Z77-M; for this, the OC Tuner option was activated in the firmware. The result of its work was an increase in the processor frequency to 4220 MHz at a voltage of 1.184 V, and the RAM modules operated in 1922 MHz mode with delays of 10-12-12-31-2T.
Test stand
To test the performance and overclocking potential of the ASUS P8Z77-M, we used a test bench with the following configuration:
- processor: Intel Core i5-3570K (3.4 GHz, 6 MB L3 cache);
- cooler: Thermalright Silver Arrow (fan 140 mm, 1300 rpm);
- memory: G.Skill TridentX F3-2400C10D-8GTX (2x4 GB, DDR3-2400, CL10-12-12-31);
- video card: ASUS HD7950-DC2T-3GD5 (Radeon HD 7950);
- hard drive: Intel SSD 320 Series (300 GB, SATA 3Gb/s);
- power supply: Seasonic X-650 (650 W).
- ASUS P8Z77-M UEFI Setup 1908 from 03/14/2013;
- ASRock Z77 Extreme6 UEFI Setup 2.60 from 01/23/2013;
- Gigabyte GA-Z77P-D3 UEFI Setup F7 from 08/24/2012;
- MSI Z77A-GD65 Gaming UEFI Setup V25.29B2 from 03.29.2013;
- MSI Z77IA-E53 UEFI Setup V10.3B1 from 02/07/2013.
The measurement technique remained the same: each test was repeated at least three times, after which the arithmetic mean was calculated. If the result of one iteration differs significantly from the other two, testing continued until a normal value was obtained. Performance evaluation was carried out using the following software:
- AIDA64 2.80.2300 (Cache & Memory benchmark);
- Futuremark PCMark 7 (v1.4.0);
- Futuremark 3DMark 11 (v1.0.3);
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- F1 2012;
- Sleeping Dogs.
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