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.

The board is based on the new B3 revision of Intel P67 Express chipset, but unlike other similar mainboards it boasts a tremendous number of functions, features and technologies. We have already come across some of them on Asus mainboards, or those from other vendors, but we could never imagine that they could all be fit into a one single model at the same time.

Gigabyte G1.Sniper 2 mainboard is based on the latest and most functionally rich chipset for LGA1155 platform available today – Intel Z68 Express. The distinguishing feature of this product is its unique design, rich accessories set, and extensive functionality delivered by the chipset and the latest developments from Creative Technology and Bigfoot Networks.

The LGA1155 mainboards from ASUS we tested before stood out due to an integrated Bluetooth controller, great EFI BIOS implementation, rich functionality and good overclocking-friendly options. ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe, P8Z68-V Pro and P8Z68-V have all of the above.

Our final report from IDF 2011 is solely devoted to Sandy Bridge-E processors and LGA2011 platform. We gathered together everything that we learned about the upcoming processors, cooling systems and mainboards, and also found out how the new platform will overclock and what we could expect from the six-core Sandy Bridge-E CPUs.

The interesting thing about this mainboard is that it features an mSATA connector with a compact SSD drive from Intel with 20 GB capacity, which is specifically designed for Intel Smart Response technology. Read more about the features and functionality of this mainboard in our new review.

New AMD Socket FM1 (Lynx) platform for Llano processors looks very appealing for those who prefer integrated systems, and broad overclocking-friendliness make it even more interesting. Let’s see what AMD A8-3850 is capable of when paired with a pretty advanced Gigabyte GA-A75-ED4H mainboard.

The terms “gaming mainboard” and “overclocking mainboard” are very popular these days, but they somehow remain pretty vague and unclear. It turned out Gigabyte have their own idea of what the real gaming and overclocking mainboards should be like.

Miniaturization of computer systems is a very popular tendency. It is now settling in the desktop segment, where Mini-ITX platforms become more and more popular. We decided to check out all Intel H67 Express based Mini-ITX mainboards available in the today’s market for hit Sandy Bridge processors. So, today we are proud to offer you a roundup covering the following products: ASRock H67M-ITX/HT, ASUS P8H67-I Deluxe, ASUS P8H67-I, ECS H67H2-I, Foxconn H67S, Gigabyte H67N-USB3-B3, Intel DH67CF and Zotac H67ITX.

This mainboard supports a wide range of contemporary interfaces, such as eSATA, USB 3.0, SATA 6 Gbps and IEEE1394 (FireWire) including D-Sub, DVI-D, HDMI and DisplayPort video outs. It also supports the latest technologies offered by the Intel Z68 Express chipset – LucidLogix Virtu and Intel Smart Response.

Today we are going to talk about a mainboard that was designed very conveniently and correctly, supports all contemporary interfaces such as eSATA, USB 3.0, SATA 6 Gbps and IEEE1394 (FireWire), has all necessary Video outs. It does, however, suffer from a few issues during overclocking, although the produced results are quite exceptional.

This is the top-of-the-line solution in Asus’ Intel P67 Express based family. Only this one model features the full set of functions: deluxe accessories bundle, enhanced processor voltage regulator, integrated Bluetooth module, eSATA and Power eSATA ports, USB 3.0 on the back panel with an option to be connected to the front panel, IEEE1394 (FireWire) and two Gigabit network controllers.

Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3, GA-Z68X-UD4-B3, GA-Z68X-UD5-B3 and GA-Z68X-UD7-B3 mainboards do not have video Outs, that is why integrated graphics doesn’t work on them. They can use Intel Smart Response technology, but do not support any of the Lucid Virtu modes. Read our in-depth review to find out about other features of these mainboards.