In the IT-industry for a long time there was a remarkable trend: the name of the company to a producer to make exclusive, often top-end products, while the market positions determined by the level of sales of mass-making, sometimes not having anything to do with the Hi-End. How relevant is this notion “basic” ASUS P8Z77-V motherboard, based on chipset Intel Z77 Express (LGA1155).
The range of motherboards from ASUS presented in several series: Maximus – top-end motherboards with maximum functionality and explicit focus on power users, gamers, overclockers, single model SABERTOOTH “in military reliable” and have a very unusual design; M -series – is a solution in the form factor Micro-ATX; V – the most numerous and varied; WS (Workstation) – products for developing high workstations has recently appeared I -card, a characteristic feature – ultra compact dimensions (mini-ITX). Model P8Z77-V – base in the “People” segment. At the same time it is capable enough to satisfy the needs of demanding users.
Design and layout features
Motherboard ASUS P8Z77-V comes in the typical solutions of this manufacturer packaging. Comes with set of cables, plugs on the rear panel and manuals include SLI-bridge (by the way, is very rare in recent years), wireless module and Wi-Fi-antenna. The board itself is made in the usual blue-black.
The range of models based on the Z77 chipset refreshed by changing the design of radiators – angles perfectly underlines the status of the product. The power subsystem is closed by two separate coolers (hooray, finally there were no “marketing” heat pipes!), the back of the MOSFET-assembly in contact with the heat distribution plates.
On the ASUS P8Z77-V board was a place three slots PCI-E x16 (bottom two can be used only at half speed or less, depending on the configuration), two PCI-E x1 and, most notably, two PCI.
Rear panel to the best ascetic, but actually contains excellent by modern standards, a set of connectors: PS / 2, two USB 2.0, four USB 3.0, RJ45, S / PDIF, and a full range of video output connectors for eight channel audio. Clearly visible the contact group install wireless module in ASUS P8Z77-V. If we talk about the video outputs in this motherboard – the presence of DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort enables a very flexible configuration of output to the monitor, and if necessary, do without a discrete graphics card.
There was a place on the board of eight SATA-ports (half of them have claimed data transfer rate 6 Gb / s).
Near the 24-pin power connector soldered button MemOK (allows you to load safe settings DRAM), located in the same LED reflects the passage of the initialization module, if necessary, signalling problems in the RAM.
Near the connection pads in the front panel buttons are two microswitches – TPU and EPU, activates the appropriate technology for the card.
Inside:
To test the capabilities of the motherboard ASUS P8Z77-V, conducted a series of tests designed to elucidate the possible system configuration and the ability to work in forced mode.
Before proceeding to the actual testing, a brief introduction to UEFI.
Briefly because of fundamental differences from the firmware of the model used in other solutions ASUS is not observed.
Pleasantly surprised by the supply voltage level, adjustment and setting, the performance of the memory system – they are similar add-in Maximus GENE V, formerly reviewed and received very favorable reviews.
Traditionally, welcoming saver contains only the basic settings – beginners and home users will be something to see, and in a minor change within the parameters of the CPU, fan speed, etc. The road to a more accurate system setup opens key F7 – followed by the conclusion of the classical BIOS-menu, based on microcode AMI.
ASUS engineers have tried: elements of power subsystems that are far enough away from the socket, and despite the massive heatsinks are low enough to somehow hinder the process of assembly of the computer. Perhaps the memory module installed in the slot closest to the socket, will prop up a huge fan “towers”, but this is a design feature of the SB.
Permeated informative UEFI and chic range of adjustment of basic parameters responsible for the performance, the first thing started to overclock the RAM. With regret, the attempts have not met with much success – divider DDR3-2400 become useless in DDR3-2133 board does not always start, the OS loaded through time. For a lower memory multiplier and base clock overclocking could overcome the mark of 2000 MHz (8-11-8-24-1T), but notorious overclockers should wait for firmware update ASUS P8Z77-V, which eliminates this drawback. However, it is possible that, in this product we have to be artificial limit overclocking potential.
Results
ASUS P8Z77-V is basic model of mass class motherboards of ASUS and proved to be very good. It has everything and more – the presence of complete Wi-FI-module was a pleasant surprise for us. In this context, manufacturers need to work on their own system of labeling products – in the names of many boards, equipped with a wireless module, use the appropriate suffix, and simple “P8Z77-V” ordinary user may not mean anything until it comes to know CHARACTERISTICS and reviews.
What I would like to improve on this product? The first – the control buttons and LED POST-that just asks for RSV. And if the latter is not possible to do, then the first (at least the reset button instead of the outdated BIOS switch) is a must. Second, what is missing in ASUS P8Z77-V motherboard on the way to perfection – overclocking ability. Being very strong in the BCLK overclocking and customization system, this model is not impressive as they crossed the RAM. Whatever ASUS P8Z77-V is fundamentally different from the Maximus V GENE and Maximus V Extreme? You’re right – nothing (special accessories are provided with the “maximum” cards, not take into account – for most users, their presence is not critical). And so there is room for development!
In any case, ASUS P8Z77-V exceeded our expectations – a fee that must be “workhorse” marks in the category of “thoroughbreds.” With the cost of the model in its purchase of $ 190 is quite a good investment – unlikely for this money could find a functional solution.
Pros:
+ Good functionality
+ Full range of video outputs on the rear panel
+ Powerful propulsion subsystem
+ Wide range of overclocking and tweaking the system
+ PC Overclocking Results
+ Wi-Fi-plug-in set
Cons:
– No buttons and reset CMOS
– Moderate overclocking memory
