We just wrapped up our Core i7-3770K review, and have a full week of Ivy Bridge-based coverage planned, including a mobile platform, a number of third-generation Core i5s, more depth on overclocking, and a round-up of Z77-based motherboards driven by Ivy Bridge processors. If you haven't yet seen today's review, check out Intel Core i7-3770K Review: A Small Step Up From Sandy Bridge.
Although we leaned on Gigabyte's motherboards to drive our Intel- and AMD-based comparison machines, we're increasingly using Intel's own designs when new platforms launch. The company's DZ77GA-70K behaved very well in testing, enabling expected stock performance without a single stability issue. Overclocking was made particularly easy through a combination of the Core i7-3770K, Intel's board, and the Extreme Tuning Utility, which provides real-time access to CPU ratio, BCLK, and voltage settings.
The DZ77GA-70K won't make it into our first round-up of Z77-based motherboards, which centers on boards priced under $230. However, we will be comparing it to its peers in a subsequent shoot-out of higher-end platforms.
