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Intel’s LGA 1155 interface is designed for mainstream buyers, yet the firm’s Ivy Bridge-based processors put it in the performance spotlight. We compare seven Z77 Express motherboards that deliver enthusiast-class performance at mainstream prices.
BIOS Frequency and Voltage settings (for overclocking)
Row 0 - Cell 0
ASRock Z77 Extreme4
Asus P8Z77-V LX
Biostar TZ77XE3
CPU Base Clock
95-150 MHz (1 MHz)
80-300 MHz (0.1 MHz)
95-300 MHz (0.01 MHz)
CPU Multiplier
Up to 63x
Up to 63x
Up to 63x
DRAM Data Rates
1066-2800 (200, 266.6 MHz)
800-3200 (200, 266.6 MHz)
1066-2800 (200, 266.6 MHz)
CPU Vcore
0.60-1.70 V (5 mV)
0.80-1.99 V (5 mV)
1.00-1.79 V (10 mV)
VTT Voltage
0.77-1.63 V (10 mV)
Row 5 - Cell 2
1.05-1.70 V (12.5 mV)
VCCSA Voltage
0.93, 1.02, 1.11, 1.20 V
0.74-1.69 V (5 mV)
0.90-1.70 V (12.5 mV)
PCH Voltage
0.78-1.65 V (9.3 mV)
0.74-1.69 V (5 mV)
1.05 V +0 to +15% (5%)
DRAM Voltage
1.17-1.80 V (5 mV)
1.19-2.14 V (5 mV)
1.30-2.11 V (12 mV)
CAS Latency
4-15 Cycles
1-15 Cycles
4-15 Cycles
tRCD
3-15 Cycles
1-15 Cycles
3-15 Cycles
tRP
3-15 Cycles
1-15 Cycles
3-15 Cycles
tRAS
9-63 Cycles
1-255 Cycles
9-63 Cycles
Swipe to scroll horizontally
BIOS Frequency and Voltage settings (for overclocking)
Row 0 - Cell 0
ECS Z77H2-A2X Deluxe
Gigabyte Z77X-D3H
Intel DZ77SL-50K
MSI Z77A-G45
CPU Base Clock
99-150 MHz (1 MHz)
80-133.33 MHz (0.01 MHz)
100-300 MHz (1 MHz)
0-655 MHz (0.1 MHz)
CPU Multiplier
Up to 59x
Up to 63x
Up to 255x
Up to 63x
DRAM Data Rates
1066-2800 (200, 266.6 MHz)
800-3200 (200, 266.6 MHz)
1066-2400 (266.6 MHz)
800-2933 (200, 266.6 MHz)
CPU Vcore
1.00-1.50 V (25 mV)
0.80-1.90 V (5 mV)
1.00-1.92 V (5 mV)
0.81-1.52 V (5 mV)
VTT Voltage
+0 to +0.63 V (10 mV)
0.80-1.70 V (5 mV)
1.00-1.80 V (5 mV)
0.95-1.55 V (10 mV)
VCCSA Voltage
+0 to +0.63 V (10 mV)
0.72-1.40 V (5 mV)
0.85-1.75 V (5 mV)
0.87-1.51 V (10 mV)
PCH Voltage
+0 to +0.63 V (10 mV)
Not Adjustable
1.00-1.50 V (12.5 mV)
0.78-1.73 V (5.5 mV)
DRAM Voltage
+0 to +0.63 V (10 mV)
1.10-2.10 V (5 mV)
1.20-1.80 V (50 mV)
1.11-2.47 V (7.25 mV)
CAS Latency
4-15 Cycles
5-15 Cycles
2-255 Cycles
5-15 Cycles
tRCD
3-15 Cycles
4-15 Cycles
2-255 Cycles
4-15 Cycles
tRP
3-15 Cycles
4-15 Cycles
2-255 Cycles
4-15 Cycles
tRAS
9-63 Cycles
5-63 Cycles
5-65535 Cycles
10-40 Cycles
In spite of cooling differences, Asus’ hot-running P8Z77-V LX tops our CPU overclocking chart, while MSI’s cold-blooded Z77-G45 falls to the bottom.
Gigabyte’s Z77X-D3H takes the lead in base clock, accomplishing the highest reference frequency this processor has ever seen! This astonishing feat should be most significant to builders who can’t afford one of Intel’s unlocked K-series processors.
Intel uses 21.33x as its highest memory multiplier, and doing so leaves the DZ77SL-50K stuck with sub-2200 MT/s data rates. ASRock and Asus are on par, with MSI only slightly behind.
SpadeMLAN performance .. ISC performance ... USB 3 .. well that's it then.Tom's Hardware has several controller comparisons, and publishes new ones frequently. So unless you think one of the boards has a broken controller, wysiwyg.
The things that actually get screwed-up are typically related to the clock generator, multiplier control, memory timings and power options.
I always appreciate your Articles! :) I know how much work you do to get them done.
You're kidding - Biostar. I guess this article is not about the 'Best Sub-$160 Z77' MOBO's but about the best manufacturers sent you. The cheapest MOBO I recommend for the SB/IB (K) is the ASUS P8Z77-V which pops your 'unique' budget cap depending where you shop; found it here for $159.99 - http://www.gadgetneeds.net/asus-p8z77-v-atx-intel-motherboard/
Interesting you didn't get an ASUS P8Z77-V LK ~$120 which offers SLI. The ASRock Z77 Extreme4 and Gigabyte Z77X-D3H for the price aren't bad.
There's NO WAY I'm recommending Biostar in the forum, folks and myself would thing I've lost my mind.
gorillagarrettNo peripherals performance tests? Those are the only tests that differentiate those motherboards from each other. Would really like to see how the UD3X Atheros Ethernet controller fares against the Intel and broadcom ones.I'll let the integrated controller guy know you'd like to see those parts compared :)
