Video Transcoding

In this test a 450MB 1080i high definition MPEG2 video is transcoded via Cyberlink MediaShow Espresso 6 to a 640x360 MP4 video format suitable for the Apple iPhone 4.

Video Transcoding Test Without Intel QuickSync With Intel QuickSync Intel Core i5 2500K / Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H 57 sec 14 sec

Using an Intel Core i5 2500K / Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H test system this video transcoded in 57 seconds. Not bad, but with this same test platform reconfigured to run off the Intel HD3000 integrated graphics core and leverage Intel QuickSync, the video transcoded in 14 seconds!

Last but not least, Power Draw figures are next followed by closing opinions on the Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H motherboard.

System Power Draw

PCSTATS measures total system power draw (watts) with the aid of an Extech 380803 AC Power Analyzer and A-PFC compliant Seasonic SS-760KM power supply. The meter is placed between the 120V AC outlet and the PC power supply and the computer stressed. Total system power draw is recorded and compared to the PC's idle state.

Total System Power Draw - GA-Z77X-UD3H Idle CPU Loaded GFX Loaded Intel Core i5 2500K nVidia Geforce GTX470 80W 163W 247W Intel Core i5 2500K Intel HD 3000 IGP 30W 114W 65W (Idel @ desktop) (via Prime95) (via 3DM06)

Gigabyte's GA-Z77X-UD3H motherboard uses 'Driver MOSFETs' which combine the functions of a driver, high MOSFET and low MOSFET into one small power-efficient board mounted component. Judging by the total system power draw measurements, using CPU-IGP graphics is a good way to save power! At idle the system draws 80W with videocard, 30W on IGP. Likewise, CPU loaded power draw figures are 163W with VGA, 114W with IGP. The big difference in power draw is evident with a run of 3DMark...

Gigabyte VRM circuitry includes driver MOSFETS under the blue heatsink and LOW RDS Ferrite Chokes around the LGA1155 CPU socket.

This mobo uses a 4-layer PCB with 2oz. copper substrate that pulls double-duty as a board level heatsink for surface mount devices. Now it's time to wrap up this PCSTATS motherboard review up and tell you if the Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H worth your coin.

Much ado about Z77

The new Intel Z77 chipset + LGA1155 platform is compatible with both 32nm Intel 2nd Generation Core i7/i5/i3 Sandy Bridge and 22nm Intel 3nd Generation Core i7/i5/i3 Ivy Bridge processors. From the upgraders point of view, there's absolutely no need to look at Intel Z77 motherboards if you're currently running an Intel Z68 platform or perhaps even an P67/H67 board. Sandy Bridge (LGA1155) processors run the same on these chipsets, though features and onboard graphics options vary. The Intel Z77's most significant feature, native USB 3.0, is handled by third party controllers on previous LGA1155 boards so you're not missing out in that respect.

If you're assembling a new computer system the short answer to the question of whether to buy into Intel Z77 or pick up a more economical Intel Z68 chipset is this; either an Intel Z77 or Z68 based motherboard will do ya.

As you've seen in PCSTATS benchmark set, general system performance does not waver one bit between the Intel Z77/Z68/P67-B3/H67 chipsets. When Intel Ivy Bridge CPUs hit stores, those processors can be used with either Intel Z77 or Z68 platforms which is huge plus for mainstream users.

Intel launched the Z77 chipset with a few new capabilities (USB 3.0, RST and Virtu MVP), none of which are critical. 'Manufactured need' is often brought about by advancing model numbers up a notch, so from a jaded tech reviewers perspective there's not a lot of difference here. The up shot is that with Ivy Bridge processors you've got your pick of some really great Intel Z77 boards and very competitively priced Intel Z68 platforms that are superb value for workstation and office type PCs. From PCSTATS perspective, either path is fine for a new PC build.

To sum up, Gigabyte's GA-Z77X-UD3H motherboard is a well featured mainstream board that'll run you about $170 USD/CDN. If you're frustrated by the limits imposed by your current PC system, or if you find yourself needing dual or triple-screen IGP-based graphics, the Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H is a great motherboard to consider.

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