Z68 versus P77

[kit_fox]

Can anyone provide an in depth breakdown of the Pro's/Con's between going with Z77 over the older Z68 Chipset? I was thinking about going with Z68 to save a few bucks as after my mobo for my core 2 quad system went out I figured it was time for an upgrade to Sandy or Ivy Bridge

 

[jaquith]

Assuming you meant Z77 vs Z68 then there's a three advantages with Z77: 1. Native USB 3.0 support, 2. Lucid Virtu MVP which allows better 'improved' options with iGPU & Discrete GPU(s), 3. PCI 3.0 though there were some Z68 with 'GEN3' chipsets (PCI 3.0). (4) Few will benefit from the 3 monitor potential of Z77's.

Nice summary - http://www.pugetsystems.com/blog/2012/04/12/z68-z77-and-h77-whats-the-difference/

Potential problem -- Most and not all Z68 MOBO's support an IB (Ivy Bridge) CPU and those that do require BIOS upgrade OR they will not post. The fix is to borrow a SB CPU and update the BIOS or have it sent out for repair or minimally shipping costs to OEM.

 

[kit_fox]

Best answer selected by kit_fox.

 

[nikorr]

This topic has been closed by Nikorr