This is a mainboard with good accessories bundle, convenient layout, efficient cooling system, wide functionality and low power consumption. It is really close to becoming a leader as soon as some minor issues are successfully resolved.

A mainboard with rich accessories bundle, convenient layout, extensive functionality and 5-year warranty cannot be bad by definition. However, it is only a few small steps away from being named an absolute ideal.

Today we are going to talk about not the very top, but also not the very junior model from ASRock. However, we can’t call it mainstream either. It is a very feature-rich mainboard that tends to be closer to the flagship models. The “GB” letters in the model name are an abbreviation from “Game Blaster” – a complex expansion card that combines the functionality of a network and sound card.

New seventh series chipsets can’t boast too many innovations, however, their launch is accompanied by the introduction of a number of interesting technologies: Rapid Start, Smart Connect and Lucid Logix MVP. To get a better idea of all the features and functionality of the new platform we tested one of the first Intel Z77 based mainboards – Asus P8Z77-V Deluxe.

This is a junior model in the line-up, but with a full feature set and unique peculiarities. Moreover, in some aspects it is even superior to some of the higher-end models, and its functionality is extended with a number of additional onboard controllers.

Extremely large size of this mainboard makes it incompatible with many system cases out there. However, it doesn’t really matter, because it is not intended for everyday work, but rather for extreme overclocking experiments and setting overclocking records, and in this case standard dimensions, nominal modes and power-saving technologies aren’t necessary.

Fatal1ty mainboard series revived by ASRock offers extended functionality compared with the common models. So, what is so special about ASRock Fatal1ty X79 Professional and what are its unique distinguishing features?

This new mainboard from Asus belongs to the “Republic of Gamers” series for gamers and overclocking enthusiasts. It has excellent set of features, proved to be a great overclocking platform, and the Rampage IV Formula/Battlefield 3 modification also has a free game coupon to sweeten the deal even more.

Hybrid AMD processors from A8, A6, A4 or E2 families suit perfectly for Mini-ITX computer systems. Let’s see what platforms are currently available from the leading mainboard makers in this field. Today we are going to check out ASRock A75M-ITX, ASUS F1A75-I Deluxe, Gigabyte A75N-USB3 and Zotac A75-ITX WiFi.

The flagship mainboard from the microprocessor giant doesn’t strike you with unique design, specific features or functionality. However, it is phenomenally energy-efficient in its category, of course.

Together with the new platform Gigabyte introduced new technologies called “3D Power” and “3D BIOS”. At this time, there is still room for improvement, but even now you can enjoy broad functionality and rich feature set of the high-quality mainboard designed according to the high standards.

ASUSTeK mainboards are the leading brand today that is why this particular model seems to be an ideal choice for opening a series of articles dedicated to the new platform. We will dwell on absolutely everything about it: package, accessories, technical specifications, EFI BIOS functionality, new programs and utilities, overclocking potential, performance and power consumption.

We will discuss the package, accessories, PCB layout and features of this Socket AM3+ mainboard from Gigabyte. We will check out its BIOS functionality, operational and overclocking specifics, performance and power consumption in nominal and overclocked mode.

To study the design and functionality of the mainstream and entry-level chipsets for the AMD Bulldozer platform we decided to go with two mainboards from Asus: Asus M5A99X EVO and Asus M5A97 EVO, based on AMD 990X and AMD 970 chipsets respectively. In our today’s review we are going to compare them against one another as well as against the previously tested mainboards on the top Socket AM3+ core logic set.

At first glance Biostar mainboards are exactly the same as all others, but if you take a closer look at them you will find a lot of peculiarities and distinguishing features. Biostar TA990FXE is based on a combination of AMD 990FX North Bridge and AMD SB950 South Bridge, so it will be interesting to find out how it is different from similar products from other mainboard makers available today.

This mainboard belongs to the “TUF” series (The Ultimate Force), which stands out due to unique design and high-quality components. The primary advantages of the mainboards in this series are superior stability and long life span.

Today we are going to talk about three Socket AM3+ mainboards based on a combination of AMD 990FX North Bridge and AMD SB950 South Bridge from the leading mainboard makers. They are Asus Crosshair V Formula, Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD7 and MSI 990FXA-GD80. We will check out their packaging and accessories, design and functionality, BIOS options, overclocking potential, performance and power consumption.

It is not difficult to find all sorts of mini-ITX mainboards, but until recently there weren’t any products among them that could be able to overclock processors. The first mini-ITX mainboard like that, which appeared in retail, was the Intel Z68 Express-based Zotac Z68-ITX WiFi.

At first glance this mainboard doesn’t seem to differ from the previously tested MSI Z68A-GD80 (B3) except for the new standard support. However, this is not quite the case. The mainboard only look similar. Their features and functionality, as well as operation turned out completely different. Some of the innovations proved to be really great, some turned out more of a disappointment.

Since Intel Z68 Express chipset boasts a pretty good set of features by default, Biostar decided to add a minimal number of extras and roll out their TZ68K+ mainboard, which will be the main hero of our today’s article.