These two mainboards are quite different, because they belong to the entry and the top segment of the Intel Z77 Express based series from Gigabyte. Yet, they both boast convenient layout, rich functionality, good overclocking potential and a number of proprietary technologies such as 3D Power, 3D BIOS and Ultra Durable 4.

This mainboard based on the Intel Z77 Express chipset features numerous advantages including but not limited to high-quality electronic components, phenomenal functionality due to numerous onboard controllers, good performance and overclocking potential. As for the drawbacks, there are hardly any.

The functionality of this mainboard based on Intel Z77 Express chipset has been expanded with additional onboard controllers and is very contemporary. Moreover, this board belongs to the “TUF” series and therefore supports unique "TUF ENGINE!", "TUF Components", "TUF Thermal Armor", "TUF Thermal Radar" and "TUF Dust Defender" technologies.

Both these mainboards belong to the “Extreme” series. The major distinguishing feature of the top model is support of the Thunderbolt interface. Besides, both boards have new Intel Visual BIOS. They boast extensive functionality, work stably in nominal mode and even support overclocking. However, they are not completely issue-free, which may cast a shadow over the initial rosy impression from these boards.

Today we are going to introduce to you one of the top MSI mainboards based on Intel Z77 Express chipset. As usual, we will talk about the packaging and accessories, PCB layout and features, BIOS functionality. We will also touch upon MSI’s proprietary software bundle, check out the mainboard’s performance and power consumption in nominal mode as well as during overclocking.

This mainboard boasts very numerous advantages: high-quality packaging, remarkably rich accessories bundle, smart components layout. The functionality of the Intel Z77 Express chipset used in this board has been significantly expanded. However, if you decide on this particular mainboard for your next gaming rig, there are a few peculiarities that you should keep in mind.

Both these high-quality mainboards have very well thought-through design, rich functionality and a very convenient BIOS with a complete set of overclocking and fine-tuning parameters. They have a lot in common, but each of them has its own unique peculiarities, too.

This system board boasts good accessories bundle, features smart design and supports all contemporary interfaces including wireless ones. Its BIOS is pretty easy to work with; it contains a lot of settings that can be adjusted within extensive ranges. An additional advantage is “Asus AI Suite II” software suite including numerous functional utilities.

Intel Atom processors are now produced using 32 nm manufacturing process. They have also been enhanced with a new graphics core that supports Full HD video playback. Will all these improvements make the new Cedar Trail platform a worthy alternative to AMD Brazos?

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.