If you're looking for top of the line motherboard for Ivy Bridge processor there's no other perfect match to it than the Intel DZ77GA-70K. Intel has created this board to match its own made Ivy Bridge processor to push it to its optimum performance. The DZ77GA-70K has so much to offer from its overclocking capabilities to the latest technology features that will suit any advanced user enthusiast.
This board is powered by Z77 chipset which is pretty much the same as the previous Z68 however, some upgrades have been made to fully utilize the third generation Core i3, i5 and i7 in the form of Ivy Bridge processor. The board is fully compatible with the older second generation Sandy Bridge processor, if you still have one you can still use it here.
Various distinctive upgrades from the new Z77 processor are the LucidVirtu MVP that further improves the video outputs from the IGP and the discrete GPU for smoother graphics display. Another thing is the Intel Smart Response Technology. In addition to that is the 4x Super fast USB 3.0, transfering data has never been this fast before.
That being said, the Ivy Bridge processor itself has more new features to offer such as the HD 4000 video deliveries a better display that can match mid-priced video cards. If you constantly converting video you'll surely love the advanced QuickSync quality that no video card can match, converting HD movies can be done in just a few minutes.
Features And Connectors
The board looks great in black color with blue in its PCIe slots and heatsinks. The skull on top of the Z77 heatsink is noticeable that barely says, this is a "bad ass motherboard". The CPU socket is a bit crowded due to a large heatsink from the voltage regulator but gives you the advantage to withstand heat when overclocked.
There are four DIMM slots available in black and blue color for proper pairing when a dual channel memory configuration is being used, its supports up to 32GB with a maximum frequency of 1600MHz. These slots are nicely spaced with the PCIe slot that leaves some space when a large GPU is being populated.
Speaking of PCIe slots there are two of them available on the board, the first runs at X16 for single and support the PCIe 3.0 Gen3 GPU or X8 / X8 when doubled. These slots supports both SLI and CrossFireX technologies, this also includes two PCIe X1 and two legacy PCI slots.
The board uses a PLX PEX8606 switch chip to accommodate the additional PCI express device, this will automatically switches the available PCIe lanes to the device that needs them. This gives you the advantage of its full performance transfer speed on the device connected to the USB 3.0, SATA 6GB / s and Ethernet ports. Other motherboards without this feature with too many PCIe devices require you to manually disable the device to achieve its optimum potential.
It has a total of eight SATA ports located on the edge in right angle position for quick access and does not create distractions on the Graphics card even when both slots are populated. There are two FireWire ports available, one on the board trough header and the other is on the rear panel.
If you love to play music or watching movies, you'll certainly enjoy its 7.2 +2 audio format which is equivalent to 8-channel and two independent audio streaming with superb signal-to-noise ratio that totally eliminates unwanted signal noise.
The Intel DZ77GA-70K also has wireless features such as Bluetooth (2.1 + EDR) for faster data transfer without the needs of messy wire connectors and WiFi with IEEE 802.11b / g / n module through USB access internet connection .
Looking at the back panel you can see generous amounts of useful ports, there's a PS / 2 combo connector for mouse or keyboard, four USB 2.0 and four USB 3.0 in blue for a total of eight ports. It also provides eSATA 6GB / s, two Gigabit Ethernet ports, HDMI for video output, S / PDIF optical output, five analog audio ports jack and CMOS clear button which is very helpful that does not require you to open the casing when a reset is needed.
More Overclocking Features
This board is loaded with tons of overclocking capabilities from its processor, video and memory. You can set a higher base clock from 100MHz to 120MHz with 1MHz increase; of course this is paired with the multiplier to achieve a higher frequency. The CPU core voltage can be adjusted from + 0,000V to 1,000mV in 1mV increase.
The CPU VTT voltage can also be varied from 1.000V to 1.2750 in 0.0250V increase. The CPU PLL voltage is another option that can be adjusted from 1.000V to 1.8750V in 0.010 increases. The Integrated Graphics processor voltage can be boost from 1.000V to 1.9200V in 0.0050V increase. Finally, the memory voltage can be set from 1.200V to 2.000V in 0.010 increases.
Conclusion
The Intel DZ77GA-70K is an excellent choice of board if you're looking for a perfect match for your Intel Ivy Bridge processor that will deliver the highest possible performance. Feature and overclocking wise this board has so much to offer as I stated above, you got every enthusiast and gamer's stuff that will take you to the next level of your computing world.
The price it offers is on the mid-range level considering a high-end motherboard from Intel, currently available at $ 216 which is surprisingly cheaper than other competitive brand with the same features such as ASUS and Gigabyte. If you're thinking of building a powerful computer rig that does not cost you much, the Intel DZ77GA-70K is definitely a must!