LGA1155 Motherboards - Socket LGA1155. Supertest of motherboards for the LGA1155 platform Which company to choose a motherboard

The first models of motherboards developed on the LGA 1155 processor socket appeared on store shelves back in 2011, however, they still remain relevant today.

The great popularity of these motherboards is due to the fact that they support work with powerful processors that can cope with even the most complex tasks. We will discuss in this article exactly what hardware characteristics motherboards with the LGA 1155 socket have.

Some historical facts

Manufacturers of computer components presented the world with the first models of motherboards with the LGA 1155 socket in 2011. The new generation of processor sockets was supposed to completely replace the obsolete socket 1156. The new motherboards could work with all modern crystals existing at that time, except for the first generation Intel Core CPU model line. However, the option of installing its older brothers on board was available. A year after the invention and appearance of gadgets with socket 1155 on sale, Intel presented more modern models of its third-generation Core crystals that worked without problems with this socket. Naturally, motherboards developed on the basis of Socket LGA 1155 cannot work with the third generation of Intel Core CPUs and higher, however, you can find many modifications of crystals on sale, on the basis of which you can assemble a decent system unit, the resources of which will be enough to perform even the most complex tasks. In addition, if you do not want to assemble a new system unit, but still need to upgrade your computer, then this socket will be simply an ideal option in terms of cost and hardware characteristics.

System logic

The LGA 1155 processor socket is available in two modifications, which are represented by the sixth and seventh series. The sixth series is designed to work with the second generation Core CPU, developed based on the Sandy Bridge architecture in the same year as the socket itself. If you update the BIOS version to a later patch, the connector works perfectly with the third generation of these crystals. The seventh series Socket LGA 1155 is more versatile because it can work with the second and third generation Intel Core CPUs without first updating the BIOS firmware. It supports work with the third generation of crystals, which went on sale in 2012 and was developed on modern Ivy Bridge architecture.

Sixth series LGA 1155

As noted earlier, socket 1155 was oriented to work with the sixth series of system logic. Thus, motherboards were assembled on several modifications of chipsets:

— Budget series - H61. Motherboards assembled on this processor socket had one slot for connecting a discrete video card and two connectors for installing RAM memory sticks. Motherboards in this series were developed exclusively in one type of form factor - microATX. These hardware characteristics were enough to assemble an inexpensive computer, the main purpose of which was to perform basic tasks.

— Mid-price motherboards were developed on four types of processor sockets: Q65, B65, Q67 and H67. However, the last two sockets were the most popular among users, since they had higher technical characteristics and overclocking potential.

— Models in the expensive price segment were created on the basis of the P67 and Z68 socket. The main difference between them is that in motherboards with the Z68 socket, in addition to the ability to connect discrete graphics, an integrated video card was implemented.

Updated Socket LGA 1155 line

As more modern Intel processors were released, new modifications of the 1155 socket were gradually released. An updated line of this processor socket was released in 2012, however, it had a similar set of system logic as motherboards developed on the basis of the H61 socket. Thus, all motherboards in the cheap price category were assembled on the basis of this particular modification of the LGA 1155 socket, since there was simply no other option. As for the updated line, it was represented by the following processor sockets:

— Mid-level motherboards were assembled based on the B75, Q75, Q77 and H77 chipsets. Despite significant differences in cost, their technical characteristics are almost at the same level, so the B75, which was cheaper than the others, received the most popularity.

— Representatives of the premium class were assembled on the basis of the Z75 and Z77. However, the first option can be considered a complete failure, since it had significantly worse technical characteristics with a slight difference in price. Thus, all advanced users and enthusiasts preferred motherboards with the Z77 chipset, which supported work with Intel Core i7 crystals and made it possible to assemble a powerful system unit.

Budget motherboards

As mentioned earlier in this article, motherboards in the cheap price range had the H61 chipset. The leader in the production of cheap motherboards with socket 1155 was Biostar. However, the quality of its products was at a fairly low level, as evidenced by consumer reviews. However, this is also due to the lowest cost, which was around ten dollars per device, while higher quality products from competitors cost approximately twice as much.

The best option, combining affordable cost and good performance, is the H61M-K motherboard from Asus. This model features a more reliable cooling system, thanks to which you can install even powerful crystals on the motherboard without worrying about the stability of the system. As for the set of slots and expansion ports, it is quite standard: one PCI – Express 16X is implemented for connecting discrete graphics, two connectors for installing RAM memory, each of which supports sticks with a maximum memory capacity of 8 gigabytes, and for connecting additional modules, For example, a network card, TV tuner and other components are provided with two PCI – Express 1X slots. To connect peripheral devices, the manufacturer has implemented two USB ports of the second generation and four of the first. There are no high-speed USB interfaces in this model.

In addition to all of the above, the motherboard has an integrated network adapter and a sound card. The manufacturer did not provide a built-in video card, and its role is played by the graphics core integrated into the chip. The Asus H61M-K costs approximately $55.

An alternative solution to the motherboard discussed above could be the MSI P61M-P38, which can be purchased for approximately $50. This model is also developed on the basis of the LGA1155 socket and has a similar set of interfaces and expansion ports, so its technical characteristics are at the same level. However, it is worth noting that the passive cooling system in the MSI P61M-P38 is implemented more modestly, so it is not recommended to install processors with an unlocked multiplier on it, much less increase performance by overclocking.

Representatives of the middle price range

To assemble a system unit with average parameters, it is better to use a motherboard designed on socket 1155, which implements the B75 chipset. In this case, the Gigabyte GA-B75M motherboard may be a good option. Despite the fact that it has small physical dimensions, it has four slots for installing RAM memory modules, the maximum volume of which can be 32 gigabytes, as well as two slots for connecting video cards that can operate in parallel mode. There are two more PCI Express slots for connecting expansion cards. In addition, the engineers have provided the ability to connect one SSD drive, thanks to which you can achieve high system performance. Purchasing this model will cost approximately $120, which is more than 2 times more expensive than representatives of the cheap price category. However, you always have to pay for quality, so you shouldn’t be surprised at such a cost.

Solutions for enthusiasts

Advanced users and lovers of the most powerful hardware will certainly be interested in the Intel DZ77RE-75K motherboard, based on Socket LGA 1155 and featuring the Z77 chipset. The suggested retail price for this model is $380, which is quite a high price. This motherboard is designed to work with crystals in which the multiplier is unlocked, so it allows you to unlock the maximum potential of the processor by overclocking it using special software.

What to choose?

Today, the computer components market is very diverse. Therefore, choosing a good motherboard with the LGA 1155 socket is not so easy. If you want to build an inexpensive system unit, the main task of which will be to perform everyday tasks, then you can opt for the MSI P61M-P38 or its closest analogue from Asus. But for avid gamers, the GA-B75M from Gigabyte is better suited. On this motherboard you can build a powerful gaming computer that can handle most modern games that have high requirements for system resources.

The LGA 1155 processor socket, released in 2011, continues to be relevant. A motherboard with such a socket allows you to install very powerful central processors that are capable of solving even today tasks of any complexity. It is the sets of system logic for this computing platform that will be discussed in the future.

Background of the processor socket

In 2011, it was replaced by LGA 1155. The motherboard with a new CPU socket did not allow the installation of 1st generation Kor chips. But at the same time, support appeared for more advanced processors of this same 2nd generation family. A year later, in 2012, sales of Kor chips of the 3rd generation started. They can also be installed in motherboards of this series. Now stocks of components for this computing platform are still being sold. Therefore, it is still possible to assemble a personal computer based on LZHA 1155. But taking into account the prices, it is better to take the more recent “LZHA 1150” or “LZHA 1151” as the basis for a new PC. These motherboards are of greatest interest to owners of PCs based on LZHA1155, who for some reason decided to upgrade their electronic computer.

Series of chipsets for this socket

Two series of chipsets were aimed at use in LGA 1155. The motherboard could be based on 6 and 7 sets of system logic. The first of them were initially tailored for Sandy Bridge chips or 2nd generation Kor CPUs and went on sale immediately with the launch of this platform in 2011. You can also install newer 3rd generation CPUs in these motherboards, but this requires flashing the BIOS. More universal in this regard were the 7-series chipsets, which made it possible to use any CPU for a given computing platform without updating the BIOS. But such solutions began to be sold in 2012, along with the start of sales of Ivy Bridge chips (code name for the 3rd generation Kor CPU).

6th series chipsets

As noted earlier, only the 6th series of system logic sets was focused on the Intel motherboard in this case could be based on the following chipsets:

Entry level solutions - H61. The equipment in this case was as follows: only one slot for installing an external graphics adapter, 2 slots for RAM modules and the MicroATIx form factor. Even now, these parameters are quite sufficient for organizing a PC for solving entry-level tasks.

In the middle price segment there were 4 series of chipsets: Q65, B65, Q67 and H67. The most widely used are the last two sets of system logic. They allowed CPU overclocking with unlocked multipliers and had improved technical specifications.

The premium segment could be based on the P67 and Z68. In the first case, the graphics accelerator integrated into the CPU was not supported. As a result, most systems in this case were built on the basis of Z68 logic.

Updated line for this processor socket

In parallel with the update of the line of central processing devices in 2012, the system logic sets were also updated. Separately, it should be noted that to organize entry-level systems in this case, the same set of chips was allocated as in the previous generation - H61. As a result, all budget systems were based on precisely such a motherboard 1155 - a state socket, and, essentially, there was no alternative to it in this case. Otherwise, the set of updated chipsets was as follows:

Mid-level systems could be based on the B75, Q75, Q77 and H77. With practically the same technical specifications, the cost was lower for the B75. It is on its basis that you can find motherboards in mid-level PCs.

Z75 and Z77 formed the basis of the most advanced solutions of this platform. The first version of the chipset was not particularly widespread due to the slight difference in cost with the flagship solution and more modest technical specifications. Therefore, for the majority of the most demanding users, solutions based on the Z77 were of greatest interest. This motherboard combined flexible system configuration options and the best parameters. "Socket 1155", Z77 and the Core I7 processor made it possible to obtain the highest possible level of performance at that time.

Basic motherboards

As noted earlier, the basic S-1155 motherboard could only be based on one chipset - the H61. The most affordable solutions in this part of the market were motherboards from Biostar. The quality of this manufacturer’s products is far from ideal, and this is indicated by many different types of reviews throughout the global web. But the cost in this case is $10 lower than that of competitors. As practice shows, it is better not to save money and spend that extra $10 and purchase a more reliable product. Therefore, the most optimal solution in this case is the H61M-K from ASUS. This product has an improved passive cooling system based on an enlarged aluminum radiator. Therefore, even the most powerful CPUs of this computing platform in combination with such a motherboard will function perfectly for many years. Otherwise, its technical parameters are identical to most of its analogues: 1 PSI - Express 16X slot for a video card, 2 slots for installing RAM (that is, in this case you can only get a maximum of 16GB) and 2 PSI - Express 1X expansion slots for installing additional controllers. In this case, there are no USB 3.0 ports at all, and USB 2.0 - only 2. 4 USB 1.1 format ports. This is quite enough to organize a peripheral system in an entry-level PC. There is also a built-in network adapter and an integrated sound card. You can also note the presence of DVI and D - Sub for connecting the monitor to a PC. The graphics accelerator itself is integrated into the CPU. The H61M-K from ASUS can even now be purchased for $55. A worthy alternative to the above solution is the P61M-P38 from MSI. The motherboard and a set of interfaces almost identical to the previous solution allow you to create exactly the same PC. But the radiator in this case is more “modest”. Therefore, it is more correct in this case to use maximum chips of the “Kor AI 3” and “Kor AI 5” series (without the “K” index) in this case. But the price in this case is lower - only $50.

Middle segment

For a mid-level PC, in this case, it is most rational to use a motherboard based on the B75 chipset. An example is the GA-B75M from Gigabyte. Although it is made in the MicroATIx form factor, it has 4 slots for RAM (that is, you can get 32GB versus 16GB in entry-level solutions) and 2 slots for installing a graphics accelerator. Additionally, it is necessary to note the presence of two more PCI slots for connecting expansion cards and one Serial ATA port version 3.0 for connecting a hard drive and solid-state drive. In the first, we get greater flexibility when creating a computer system, and in the second, increased performance. The cost of this solution today is $120. This is more than 2 times more in the initial segment. But on the other hand, the level of functionality in this case is much better.

Advanced solutions

The most functional motherboard for socket 1155 should be based on the Z77 chipset. Moreover, in this case, it is best to use proprietary solutions from Intel. For example, DZ77RE-75K. This is a very expensive board, which still costs $380. But, on the other hand, such a solution is aimed primarily at installing chips with an unlocked multiplier (that is, with the index “K”). These are also expensive CPU models.

In entry-level solutions and with a processor no higher than Core I3, the P61M-P38 from MSI will look great. The same can be said about a similar motherboard from ASUS, model H61M-K. Only in the latter case, you can install more powerful central processing units, including Cor Ai5 and Cor Ai7. The only chips that are not suitable in this case are semiconductor crystals with the “K” index. The same can be said about the mid-level Gigabyte-based solution. The best 1155 motherboard in the premium segment does not have this drawback, and it can install any central processing unit for this platform. But taking into account the level of functionality and cost of the device, it is most optimal in this case to use only the most productive chips with an unlocked multiplier. In all other cases, the potential of this motherboard will not be fully revealed.

Results

This material describes the main options for assembling a PC based on the LGA 1155 platform. The motherboard is the central link of any computer. And it is this PC component that received the most attention in this review.

I think everyone knows that the motherboard is considered the connecting link in the design of the system unit. Therefore, some criteria need to be taken into account. You can learn how to choose the right inexpensive and good motherboard from this article. Or watch a special video that I have selected for you. Here is a summary of the article below:

Main Components
How to choose a motherboard manufacturer
Form factor selection
Chipset selection
PCI-Express and memory slot
External connectors
Supporting Features

Video instructions on how to choose a motherboard

Main Components

To better understand its structure, I propose to consider its structure using a specific example. As a sample, let's take one of the highest quality models - Sapphire Pure Z77K. Of course, in order to examine in detail the main elements of the part, you can take any model. But we will focus on this one.

In the picture, the numbers indicate not only the main components of the motherboard, but also elements that are characteristic only of overclocking options.

Number (1) indicates the processor socket, which is the main element of the device. It is important to ensure that the processor socket is absolutely compatible with the socket. The number (0) indicates a “double” radiator, which is responsible for the elements of the power converters of the built-in graphics core, processor and CPU VTT, namely for their cooling. Such radiators are found only in motherboards for overclocking. On ordinary ones there is no cooling element at all.
The number (2) indicates PCI-Express slots. The printed circuit board contains three such X16 slots version 3.0. Such connectors are needed to install one or more video cards. The older version of the slot - 2.0 is numbered (3).
The number (14) indicates PCI-E X1 slots. They are intended for installation of devices that require large bus bandwidth. One X1 line is enough for this. Examples of such devices are TV tuners, various controllers, audio and others.
Number (4) is the chipset. It is located behind the cooling radiator. Connectors numbered (5) are needed for installing DDR3 RAM. They are usually painted black or blue. The slots are designed for installing memory modules, which significantly increases operating efficiency. Number (6) is the CMOS battery that powers the BIOS CMOS memory chip. This way the chip does not lose its settings after the computer turns off.
(8) and (12) are 24-pin and 8-pin connectors. The first is the main 24-pin power connector. It is through it that most of the components are powered.
Numbers (9) and (10) indicate SATA 3 (6 Gb/s) and SATA 2 connectors. They are located on its edge and are intended for connecting devices on the side for stands. Manufactured in the style of an overclocking connector. The SATA 2 connector is needed to connect a hard drive, drives and various SSD drives. Conventional models contain connectors located at the front and offset to the center. Therefore, it is convenient to use them within the system unit of a “non-overclocking” system.
Number (11) indicates a non-standard element - POST code indicator. It shows the processor temperature, but with slight inaccuracies.

The rear panel with external connectors is shown as number (13). This panel has connectors that are needed to connect various peripherals, keyboard, mouse, headphones, speakers and many other add-ons.

Now we have dealt with the main components, now we will analyze the individual blocks, and also consider the parameters that need to be taken into account when purchasing.

Which company to choose a motherboard

With this choice, oddly enough, it is not necessary to take into account its performance. You need to rely on trust in the manufacturer. The most famous companies are MSI, Gigabyte, Biostar, Intel, ASRock and Asus. And the sample that we are considering today is also worthy of attention. It happens that some models have an inconvenient layout or the supplied kit from a particular manufacturer is not wide enough. There are still flaws that some users would not like to see. But such shortcomings do not give grounds to write off motherboard manufacturers. Ultimately, their equipment from all manufacturers is not always the same, so it is impossible to say which company to choose or which is the best.

My advice to you is to take this one:

which suits you at a price
convenient location
with good reviews on major portals

Chipsets come from AMD and Intel, so the functions of the devices are very similar. The only thing worth noting is reviews from real customers and detailed reviews of motherboards. This way you can at least somehow decide on the variety of products.

Form factor selection

A properly selected form factor will help avoid many problems in the future. Most popular form factors:

ATX - full size
Micro-ATX - stripped down version

The form factor determines the future expandability of the system. Micro-ATX usually has a small number of PCI-E and PCI expansion slots for video cards and other devices. Often such models are equipped with only two slots for installing memory modules. This fact greatly limits the expandability of RAM. And not only in terms of quantity, but also in terms of convenience. The main advantage of Micro-ATX is its low price. Choosing from two standards, we can safely say that Micro-ATX is a budget option for office and home systems.

The size of the board is also very important. The ATX form factor is larger in size. It is necessary to take into account the compatibility of the case and motherboard in size!

How to decide on the motherboard socket

After choosing a processor, you need to choose the right motherboard. The first thing you need to pay attention to is the socket. It is this that ensures compatibility between the motherboard and processor. So, for a processor with an LGA 1155 socket, only an LGA 1155 motherboard is suitable. Supported sockets and the processor can be found on the official websites of the manufacturers, but for AMD it is AM3 or AM3+.

Chipset selection

The chipset is the connecting link between the entire system. This component largely determines the capabilities of the motherboard. It has always been believed that a chipset is a set of system logic chips consisting of a south and north bridge. But now the ideas are a little different.

Particularly popular chipsets are the seventh series of Intel and the 900th AMD. Nvidia is famous for its small range of chipsets, but no less popular.

Intel's 7th series differs from the standard chipset because it only consists of a northbridge. But this does not affect the functionality of the motherboard in any way, because some controllers are transferred to the processor. This can be understood using the example of a PCI-Express 3.0 bus controller and a DDR3 memory controller. The North Bridge in this case received control of SATA, USB, PCI-Express. The block diagram of the Z77 chipset clearly shows what the elements are tied to and on which buses:

Z, H and B represent the positioning of the chipset for market segments.

Chipsets from AMD have two chips, it has 990X, 990FX and 970 northbridges and an SB950 northbridge.

The 990FX gives the chipset support for 42 PCI-Express lanes. Therefore, four video cards can be connected on the lines in a Cross Fire combination. But not everyone needs such opportunities. The remaining two northbridges support 26 lines, but the loss is not noticeable.

Supporting Features

Additional functions include those that are not always necessary. For the average user they are not very popular:

ESATA - some models have an interface for connecting removable drives. Very useful for owners of external drives.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module for wireless network and data transfer. They significantly increase the functionality of the motherboard.
Thunderbolt - provides data transfer at a speed of 10 Gb/sec and connection of peripheral devices. Transfers data several times faster than USB 2.0, USB 3.0. Today only a few people need it, but in the future it will become more popular.
Additional buttons and indicators for overclocking, proprietary technologies and manufacturer elements.

Rating of the best motherboards of the year

As you may have noticed, choosing a motherboard is not an easy task. Based on the listed parameters, you need to choose an option that would suit you both in terms of cost and functionality. Of course, the motherboard parameters are individual for each user. But still, for greater convenience, you can see the rating of the best motherboards for 2015-2016. Focusing on the main parameters and the best models, you can make a truly right choice. Below is a video on this difficult topic for a better understanding.

Best motherboard socket 1150 (2016)

MSI Z87 XPOWER
MSI B85-G43 GAMING - best buy
ASUS B85M-E - inexpensive and good motherboard for an average computer
MSI B85-G43 - price-quality
ASUS VANGUARD B85
GIGABYTE GA-Z97X-Gaming GT - recommended for gamers

Best motherboard socket 1155 (2016)

ASRock B75 Pro3-M - the best purchase of the year
GIGABYTE GA-H61M-S2PV (rev. 2.2
ASUS H61M-G
ASRock H61M-VG4
MSI H61M-P20 (G3)
GIGABYTE GA-H61M-S2PV (rev. 2.0)

Best socket motherboard 2011 (2016)

ASUS P9X79-E WS (s2011, Intel X79, PCI-Ex16) - the coolest purchase
Asus Rampage IV Extreme (s2011, X79, PCI-Ex 16)
ASUS P9X79 WS (s2011, Intel X79, PCI-Ex16) - the best price-performance ratio
MSI X79A-GD65 (8D) (s2011, Intel X79, PCI-Ex16)

Best motherboard 2011-3 (2016)

ASUS RAMPAGE V EXTREME/U3.1 - best buy
Asus X99-Deluxe
MSI X99A SLI PLUS - the best choice price-quality
GIGABYTE GA-X99-UD3 (rev. 1.0)
ASRock X99 Extreme4

The most powerful motherboard for a gamer with two processors - Asus Z9PE-D8 WS (2 x LGA2011, Intel C602, PCI-Ex16)

At each time of a certain year, computer hardware manufacturers try to divide their products into segments. This approach always gives a positive effect in terms of sales and company image. There are budget solutions, so to speak, for simple tasks. The average level is for the middle class of consumers. And there is a special third stage, the so-called top niche. Here the choice is not in favor of price, but in favor of making the product as sophisticated as possible.

In this review I will describe to you a top-end motherboard based on the LGA 1155 connector from ASUS. Many people already know firsthand about the quality of this company’s products, so let’s skip the rhetoric and move on to the facts.

So, the choice of a top-end motherboard for spring 2013 with an LGA 1155 connector.

Meet ASUS P8Z77-V Premium

Hardly anyone will be left indifferent by the $430 price tag that accompanies this “mother” from ASUS. The device is relevant for the mainstream platform and is based on the Intel Z77 chipset. This model is the leader of the P8 line and is a successful product.

Equipment

As it should be for premium devices, this motherboard has advanced features. After unpacking the box, the user will receive a hefty 200-page manual, which will allow you to study the ASUS P8Z77-V Premium in detail. Separately included are instructions for setting up the Wi-Fi controller, which will be discussed below. The assortment of cables includes 6 pieces in SATA format, as well as a number of Q-Connector adapters. Note that the box with the board is larger in size than similar devices from the P8 series. Among other components, we note the ASUS Wi-Fi GO! adapter.

Appearance and filling

Various connectors and connectors are made in white and bluish shades, which is already traditional for this type of device from ASUS. The motherboard has typical dimensions - 305 x 244 mm and an ATX form factor. It is worth noting that the mentioned dimensions allow the user to choose different variations of the case for installing the board.

The owner of the ASUS P8Z77-V Premium will have the ability to connect additional power; for these purposes, an 8-pin connector is provided, which acts in tandem with a 24-pin analogue. It is worth emphasizing that the model in question was developed using a 20-phase conversion circuit, which allows the motherboard to be used not only in standard mode, but also with increased loads.

Some elements of the motherboard are covered with aluminum plates, which have improved performance in the area of heat dissipation. A user who is going to buy this motherboard model should take into account the slot layout when choosing a cooling system for the processor. The PCI-Express x16 slot is located at the top position, which increases the distance between it (by 75 mm) and the middle of the processor socket. This can make it more difficult to install bulk coolers.

The board in question does not have obvious capabilities for overclocking the system, but still some elements for these purposes are present. For example, you can note the Power and Reset keys, which are internally backlit. There are also switches for launching TPU and EPU technologies, plus a button for cleaning CMOS memory. A segment LED indicator will also be useful, which will be relevant in case of problems with starting the system.

Near the main power connector at the top of the board there is a button to launch the MemOK! function; this technology allows you to help configure memory modules. Another feature that is designed to interest consumers who are not indifferent to overlocking is the OV_CPU/DRAM jumper, which allows you to exceed the possible limits of the memory and processor supply voltage.

As for the BIOS chip, there is only one in this motherboard format, and the user can easily remove this chip if desired. Most likely, this feature is implemented to use USB BIOS Flashback technology, which allows you to update the BIOS via a USB drive; for these purposes, there is no need to even start the system. To install the already mentioned cooling, 6 four-pin connectors are implemented to synchronize the fans with the subsequent ability to adjust their rotation speed.

Additional functionality

For the mentioned amount, the manufacturer decided to generously season the P8Z77-V Premium with a set of additional controllers. The card owner will have the opportunity to connect additional hard drives, as well as use ASUS SSD Cashing II technology. This moment will allow you to use three SSD drives at once in conjunction with the HDD for data caching. How relevant is the use of such a configuration is a complex question, but nevertheless, such an opportunity has been created. In addition to other controllers, it is worth noting the presence of an mSATA connector. Note that as an option, the board can be immediately equipped with a 32 GB SSD drive, but in this case, be prepared to pay an additional $60.

Another interesting option of the P82Z77-V Premium is the Thunderbolt controller, which demonstrates throughput up to 10 Gb/s. The board's parameters are also encouraging in terms of high-speed USB 3.0 ports; the user will be able to connect up to four devices to a PC with such a board via the mentioned port. The developer also took care of the implementation of network capabilities; there is a gigabyte Ethernet port, and the Realtek ALC898 codec is provided for working with sound.

Additional module ASUS Wi-Fi GO!

Another “tasty” bonus of this motherboard model is the ASUS Wi Fi GO! module,

which contains a Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n controller capable of operating in the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency range. The same controller also has Bluetooth 4.0.

It is noted that the controller can distribute a Wi-Fi signal to third-party devices, acting as an access point. To install the module, a special connector is provided near the interface panel.

conclusions

If, when buying a motherboard, you give preference to high quality and excellent equipment, then the P8Z77-V Premium model will provide both of these components. This is truly a premium device. Of course, for all the heap of controllers and functions you will have to pay an impressive amount, but as was initially mentioned, this is not a product for a wide range of consumers. Most likely, the P8Z77-V Premium from ASUS will be of interest to users who want to create a top-end gaming PC with the ability to connect multiple video cards and SSDs. I was very pleased with the presence of a standard SSD and the presented range of functions for future overclocking of the system. An undoubted advantage of the device is the presence of a Thunderbolt port. The only possible disadvantage of the product considered is its cost.

Read the review of the more affordable but functional Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H motherboard in the following news.

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