ASUS P8Z77-V Deluxe Motherboard Components Review

Manufacturer: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
Model Number: P8Z77-V Deluxe
Product Name: Intel Z77 Express motherboard
Price: $274.99at Newegg

Full Disclosure: ASUSTek Computer Inc. provided the product sample used in this article. f

Note: Benchmark Reviews offers the ASUS P8Z77-V Deluxe Benchmark Performance Tests and Features Overview in separate articles.

ASUS' motherboard product line is so diverse that even reviewers need a score card. For LGA1155 alone, there are nine different chipsets in ASUS' current offerings, and subdivisions within each chipset line. There are eleven current ASUS Z77-based motherboards, and that's not counting a few that have been shown to the press but not formally introduced yet.

ASUS enthusiast motherboards fall into three broad catefgories: the Republic of Gamers series, with features that cater to extreme overclockers and gamers; specialty lines like the workstation oriented "WS" series, and the mainstream line. What Benchmark Reviews has today is the top end of ASUS' mainstream P8Z77 line, the P8Z77-V Deluxe.

Every panel on this box (including the flip-up lid over the display window, through which you can see your shiny new motherboard without having to open the box) is covered with layer upon layer of feature and specification listings. This motherboard seemingly has everything except the kitchen sink, but how much of it can you really use?

One problem with reviewing products like this is that there are so many features that a comprehensive review simply becomes too large and unwieldy, and most of our readers wouldn't have the time or inclination to wade through it. Starting with this review, Benchmark Reviews will split motherboard reviews into three separate articles: an overview, in which the motherboard's packaging, accessories, appearance, hardware, and features are discussed; a performance review containing our benchmarks, results, and a score and optional award if merited, and finally a features review in which unique or proprietary features are described and measured. We hope this new layout will provide our readers with a better experience, and we solicit your comments on it.

Closer Look: ASUS Z77 Motherboard

ASUS provides a number of accessories with the P8Z77-V Deluxe motherboard: along with the usual manual, driver disk, I/O port back plate, and latching SATA cables, there's an SLI connector, a package of "Q connectors" (which enable you to quickly attach and remove a bunch of wires to a single connector, such as the front panel header connector), two antennas (for WiFi and Bluetooth), and barely visible at the bottom right of this image, the WiFi Go! module, which supplied the WiFi and Bluetooth radios.

The WiFi Go! module is a separate item that plugs into a special connector on the back of the motherboard and is secured with a screw. Two antenna connectors are provided for the Bluetooth and WiFi antennas. ASUS' WiFi implementation fully supports 802.11n in hardware, including 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, and their provided software supplies DLNA streaming, remote control of the computer, Internet sharing including guest networks, and data transfer with iOS and Android devices.

The P8Z77-V Deluxe follows the layout we've seen with previous ASUS mainstream motherboards. Joining a growing number of other vendors, ASUS has eliminated PCI slots, providing three PCI-E X16 slots and four PCI-E x1 slots. Unlike most LGA1155 boards, this motherboard supports triple CrossfireX and quad SLI. How does it manage that given the dearth of PCI-E lanes in a typical LGA1155 system? We'll get to that in a moment...

The CPU socket area is bounded by "abstract cityscape" anodized aluminum heat sinks for the voltage regulator modules. ASUS has a 16-phase power supply for the CPU, four-phase power for the integrated GPU in Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge processors, and two-phase power for the memory. ASUS has led the industry in advanced power systems, and it's all part of the company's eighth-generation digital power supply, which they call "Smart Digi+". Digi+ provides very fine-grained control of the power circuitry on the motherboard for those who like to dive into the details; it's also used by ASUS' own EPU power-saving feature and TPU and Turbo V Evo overclocking features.

You'll notice ASUS appears to be using normal electrolytic capacitors as opposed to the flat tantalum capacitors some other vendors use. These are actually FPCAPs, or "functional polymer capacitors." These capacitors use a conductive polymer as the electrolytic instead of a fluid. This provides a significant advantage in specs like the capacitor's ability to handle ripple currents, leakage, and ESR (equivalent series resistance), as well as enabling stable performance over a wide temperature range. ASUS claims these capacitors provide overall performance superior to standard polymer or tantalum capacitors.

ASUS lights the underside of the Z77 Express chipset heat sink with blue LEDs for a little bling. At the bottom of this image you can see the POST code display reading "A0", which means that the board has successfully completed all parts of its power-on self test. In addition to the POST code display, ASUS provides separate "QLEDs" for the CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and boot device. Thes QLEDs light up in sequence as the motherboard POSTs; if an LED stays on, there's a problem with that component. Just look for the red glow.

Let's take a closer look at this board in the next section.

P8Z77-V Deluxe Components

Starting at the left, the back panel I/O comprises four USB 2.0 ports, the WiFi Go! module, two USB 3.0 ports atop two eSATA ports, an optical audio port above HDMI and DisplayPort connectors, two Ethernet/USB 3.0 panels divided by a "BIOS Flashback" button, and a standard analog audio port. Combined with the internal USB 3.0 header, the USB 3.0 headers on the back provide a full eight USB 3.0 ports! Four are provided courtesy of the Z77 Express chipset, and a pair of ASMedia ASM1042 chips provide two more each. This is the most USB 3.0 ports I've ever seen on a motherboard and it's really nice to have them.

As a high-end ASUS motherboard, the P8Z77-V Deluxe comes stuffed with third party and custom chips, some of which I've collected in the collage below. In the top row below are custom ASUS ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) that control the motherboard's power subsystems and automatic overclocking. In the second row, the Nuvoton NCT67790 is probably a sensor/controller chip for fan control and thermal sensors, the Realtek ALC898 provides sound capabilities, and the Intel 82579 and Realtek RTL8111F chip each handle one of the board's two Ethernet ports.

You might have noticed I've left the center chip for last. This is because it's one of the most interesting: a PLX Technology PEX8608. This is an 8-lane, 8-port PCI-E Gen 2 switch that ASUS uses to supply more PCI-E lanes to support the third PCI-E x16 slot in case you want to run three graphics cards, as well as the extra USB 3.0 and SATA 6G ports this board sports. It's not an inexpensive part and it complicates board layout, so you'll only see this in the top-end boards.

At the lower left edge of the board, we see the SPDIF out connector just above the front panel audio connector. Continuing to the right brings us to the EPU switch, which activates ASUS' power-saving feature: it will lightly undervolt the CPU (not affecting the clock speed) for a power savings of 3-10 watts. Following it are the on-board power and reset switches, and a mysterious "TB_HEADER" that's not mentioned in the manual (psst: it's for a future Thunderbolt add-in board). The clear CMOS button, helpfully molded in bright red plastic, is next, followed by an internal USB 2.0 header.

Continuing along the edge of the board brings us to the next USB 2.0 header, a fan header, a POST code readout, and the front panel header. Speaking of fan headers, the P8Z77-V Deluxe has seven of them, and they're all four-pin PWM enabled headers.

By the main ATX power connector are another fan header and the TPU switch, which activates the automatic overclocking feature. This provides a quick, predefined overclock that will take a 3770K CPU to about 4.2GHz. Just above the TPU switch is the Mem OK! button, which forces the board to use default memory timings should you render your board unbootable with an overly aggressive memory overclock or voltage setting.

The two rightmost SATA ports (in dark blue) implement ASUS' SSD Caching feature (although you can use them for standard SATA devices as well) and are connected to a separate Marvell SATA 6G controller. The two white ports to the left are the Intel SATA 6G ports, and the remaining four ports are the Intel SATA 3G ports. Just to the right of the SATA ports is the internal USB 3.0 header.

The two ASMedia USB 3.0 controllers are just behind the first three PCI-E slots.

In the next section I'll list the features of this motherboard. There are a lot of them!

Z77 Express Motherboard Features

All this hardware supports an almost staggering variety of features. (Features list provided by ASUS.)

TPU plus SMART DIGI+

TPU with the All-New SMART DIGI+ for a Blazing Performance Boost
Always at the forefront of power design, ASUS propels you into the future standard of power management again by SMART DIGI+ Technology, which works with the TPU (TurboV Processing Unit) to ramps up performance to its maximum. Enable the all-new SMART DIGI+ key with a single click and adjust CPU ratios manually in the TPU to increase CPU frequency up to an incredible 85%!

CPU Wattage Cut in Half!
SMART DIGI+ Technology also includes the Smart CPU Power Level profile, which reduces CPU power consumption to a specific indicated wattage with a single click, creating a cooler and quieter PC. With next generation Intel® VRD 12.5 future power technology, ASUS once again leaps to the future of innovation.

Wi-Fi GO!

It's a Home Theater, Extra Router and Even Acts a Portable PC on Your Tablet
ASUS Wi-Fi GO! makes enjoying home entertainment easier than ever! Exclusive Wi-Fi functions provide DLNA streaming so you can enjoy a home theater PC, while also providing remote access to your PC with a smart device. ASUS Wi-Fi GO! leads the market by integrating Wi-Fi connectivity, DLNA access and all smart devices with a one-stop utility for a futuristic connected lifestyle.

Wi-Fi hotspot setup for convenience: quickly set up and connect anywhere at home thanks to instant soft access point and device detection. Build your network without an extra router!

Turn smartphones and tablets into a remote control:

• Remote Desktop: access your PC from a tablet? No sweat! Control your PC in real-time from a mobile device for complete comfort. This function brings notebook-like convenience, by creating a virtual remote desktop, offering portable access to your data in desktop with a smartphone or pad.
• Motion control your PC: entertaining and customizable! Using natural gestures, you can move directionally to use applications with a smartphone or tablet's motion sensors. For example, in media players you can fast forward, go next, stop, or create a music playing motion control profile. You can even program sensor scenarios to design your own motion-based game!
• Remote keyboard and mouse: sit back and control your computer by using your tablet's built-in QWERTY keyboard to type and click !
  (Ensure to download Wi-Fi GO! Remote to your smart devices either from Android Market or App store.)

DLNA streaming made easy: enjoy HD content, music and photos from the PC on your DLNA devices via Wi-Fi connectivity, the perfect match for creating your own home theater!

Easy file and screenshot transfers:

• File Transfer: send and share files between your PC and smart devices* with only a right click on the mouse.
• Capture & Send: capture and send screen shots from your PC to smart devices directly by pressing the hotkey

Fan Xpert 2

Fan Auto Tuning Mode
Seeing an opportunity for more fine-tuned control, Hardware-level ASUS Fan Xpert 2 literally blows away the competition. It provides an exclusive Fan Auto Tuning Mode to scan each fan's characteristics through the exclusive automatic fan speed detection, giving custom speed settings of each fan with a single click, achieving the best balance of cooling performance and low noise.

RPM Fixed Mode
Fan Xpert 2 also includes an RPM Fixed Mode for users who wish to reduce noise levels to near 0dB with highly specific fan speed control. It reacts to system loads for greater control.

USB 3.0 Boost

Faster USB 3.0 Transmission with UASP
New ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), the latest USB 3.0 standard. With USB 3.0 Boost technology, a USB device's transmission speed is significantly increased up to 170%, adding to an already impressive fast USB 3.0 transfer speed. ASUS software automatically accelerates data speeds for compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without the need for any user interaction.

• World's 1st USB 3.0 UASP Support - 170% faster instantly
• Complete USB 3.0 Solution - Performance boost for most USB devices
• Simple Plug & Boost - Auto detection design ensures best performance always

USB BIOS Flashback

Simple Plug & Press - Hardware-based BIOS Flashback
A truly revolutionary hardware-based update solution. USB BIOS Flashback offers the most convenient way ever to update the BIOS! It allows users to update new UEFI BIOS versions even without hardware such as a CPU or DRAM installed into the motherboard. Just plug in a USB flash drive containing the BIOS file, and press the BIOS Flashback button for 3 seconds with the power supply connected. The UEFI BIOS will then automatically update without requiring further interaction. With its new, complementary Windows application, users can regularly check for UEFI BIOS updates and download the latest BIOS automatically. Hassle-free updating for the ultimate convenience!

Network iControl

Real-time Network Bandwidth Control
With a single-click on/off button, the application currently in use has its data and network bandwidth prioritized over other programs. Moreover, you can prioritize your favorite software easily by configuring profiles through the intuitive user interface. Within the profile, programs can be pre-scheduled to run in a specific time period to avoid network congestion and long-waits on downloads. Auto PPPoE network connection provides a one-step setup for enhanced online convenience. Overall, it's an intuitive network bandwidth control center.

ASUS SSD Caching

3X Faster Performance at a Click
SSD Caching from ASUS is easier than ever. At 3X faster, this feature boosts system performance by using an installed SSD with no capacity limitations as a cache for frequently accessed data. Harness a combination of SSD-like performance and response and hard drive capacity with just one click, no rebooting needed and instant activation for complete ease of use, and even prevent data loss with included backup functionality.

USB Charger+

3X Faster Charging for All Smart Devices
With a dedicated onboard controller, quick-charge all your smart devices such as iProducts. smartphones, tablets and more, all up to 3X faster, even when the PC is powered off, in sleep or hibernation modes.

UEFI BIOS

ASUS UEFI BIOS offers the first mouse-controlled graphical BIOS designed with selectable modes, providing a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard-only controls. It also natively supports fully-utilized hard drives larger than 2.2TB in 64-bit operating systems.

ASUS Exclusive Interface
EZ Mode displays frequently-accessed info. Users can choose system performance settings and drag and drop boot priorities. Advanced Mode for performance enthusiasts includes detailed DRAM settings via a dedicated memory info page for complete insight.

New Upgrade! Quick and Easy Info for Enhanced System Control

• F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey for sharing UEFI setup info and troubleshooting
• New F3 Shortcut for most accessed info
• ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) Information for accessing memory info, detecting faulty DIMMs and helping with difficult POST situations

Complete USB 3.0 Integration

Double USB Access, Double Convenience
ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panel - 8 USB 3.0 ports in total. Experience the latest plug & play connectivity at speeds up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0. This motherboard affords greater convenience to high speed connectivity.

Extra SATA 6Gb/s Support

Extra Ports, Extra Speed and Accessibility
The Intel® Z77 Express chipset natively supports the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) interface, delivering up to 6Gb/s data transfers. ASUS provides extra SATA 6Gb/s ports with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval and double the bandwidth of current bus systems.

DTS Connect

Expand Your PC Audio Experience
To get the most out of your audio entertainment across all formats and quality levels, DTS Connect combines two enabling technologies. DTS Neo:PC^TM upmixes stereo sources (CDs, MP3s, WMAs, internet radio) into as many as 7.1 channels of incredible surround sound. Consumers can then connect their PC to a home theater system. DTS Interactive is capable of performing multi-channel encoding of DTS bitstreams on personal computers, and sending encoded bitstreams out of a digital audio connection (such as S/PDIF or HDMI) designed to deliver audio to an external decoder.

DTS UltraPC II

DTS UltraPC II delivers exceptional 7.1 surround through the most popular PC audio setups - your existing stereo speakers or headphones. In addition to virtual surround, it upgrades original sound to new levels with Audio Restoration, recreating the dynamic range of audio files. Symmetry mode improves the balance of perceived loudness across different input sources and Enhance boosts audio quality through high and low frequency equalization. With these technologies, users experience better home theater audio with ease.

Quad-GPU SLI and Quad-GPU CrossFireX Support!

Flexible Multi-GPU Solutions, Your Weapon of Choice! P8Z77-V DELUXE brings you the multi-GPU choice of either SLI^TM or CrossFireX. The motherboard features the most powerful Intel® Z77 platform to optimize PCIe allocation in multiple GPU configurations. Expect a brand-new gaming style you've never experienced before!

P8Z77-V Deluxe Final Thoughts

With Intel having moved most so much support circuitry into the CPU in recent years, basic motherboard functions require just two main chips: the CPU itself and what we used to call the "south bridge", in this case the Z77 Express chipset. What this means is that any Z77 motherboard will have a defined set of base features and offer similar performance at stock clock speeds.

Vendors must then work to distinguish their products. They can do this in a number of ways, but for the P8Z77-V Deluxe ASUS has chosen to add tons of extra features. These features come with a hefty price tag, though: for $274.99 at Newegg, this is the second-most expensive Z77 motherboard Newegg currently offers, beaten only by ASUS' own P8Z77 WS workstation motherboard at $339.99.

But that high price buys you the most feature-laden Z77 board I've seen yet. If some of the features are of dubious utility (I don't personally know anyone who uses DLNA), many enthusiasts will definitely appreciate things like eight USB 3.0 ports and the ability to run more than two graphics cards. Toss in features like USB 3.0 Boost, prioritizable network traffic control, and Fan Xpert 2, and you've a board you'll be able to fine-tune to your exact needs.

Benchmark Reviews invites you to leave constructive feedback below, or ask questions in our Discussion Forum.

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