Introduction
First we would like to thank Gigabyte for providing this interesting review sample that combines the features of more expensive boards with the price of a mid grade board. I would also like to dedicate all work and any awards to Drew Briggs our Managing Director @ TechReaction.
A motherboard is nothing without a CPU, memory, video, sound hard disk drive, keyboard, mouse, case, monitor, power supply… So it is a big party inside and outside the box (where a modern home computer is concerned) and every component plays a part, with the MB being the core component. Is the motherboard the most important? No it is not; though, it is necessary.
Being necessary means that, just like the CPU, your motherboard can make or break your build and yes there is a magic sauce put into many boards. The Gigabyte Z77X-UD3H has some of that sauce! It is not the best board in the world for the newer Intel processors but there is no best board. So if there is no best how can it have the sauce? Well a little thing called value added.
This board has many value added features that move it a step above other boards in the same price range. In our view the most useful features of this board are the integrated POST code reader, the BIOS reset button (much more convenient that the jumper), power on/off button mounted to the motherboard, and more. If this sounds interesting to you and this board falls into your price range it could be the board for you.
Package and Porn/Specifications and features
The packaging is well done without any graphics to distract from what is in the box. Though plain in appearance, the packaging reveals many aspects of the contents that are neglected by some manufacturers.
Moving to the actual contents nothing really looks special at first glance but look twice and the picture will change a bit.
Features of note here are the on board mSATA slot located between the CPU and first x16 slot:
The POST reader at the lower left as well as the Dual Bios switch next to the power headers:
On the lower right are found many useful features which include a power switch, a reset button, a CMOS reset button and voltage test points for those moments when all else fails, you need to do advanced testing or you need to calibrate sensor software. Located in the left corner is the boot (POST) code reader which is an essential tool for many of us. This tool is the first step after K.I.S.S. (you know, is it plugged in, are the mouse batteries dead…). The POST codes for the GA-Z77X-UD3H are conveniently included in the back of the manual.
6 Comments
I Think posting, “[Review] Gigabyte Z77X-UD3H | TechREACTION” was just right!
I personallycan’t agree with you more! At last looks like I personallyidentified a internet site worthy of reading. Many thanks, Penni
Carol if the memory sticks (each) meet the compatibility requirements of the motherboard then the three sticks would run in single channel.
Does anyone know what would happen if I put 3 sticks of triple-channel ram in this motherboard?
Would it run as double-channel?
Single channel?
Not work at all?
Tim, thinking about it I do understand your issue. I don’t think it is that it is so much a matter of lazy as it is being strapped for time (I could be wrong). I honestly do not like doing a summary because it sums up my (our) opinions on things. We want you to form your own opinion.
When the review is being done we must pick and choose what gets covered. We look at what other sites have done (if we are not the first) and we try to compliment, supplement, possibly contradict findings and give a more full picture of the product.
This review focused on the value added components of the product instead of the OC prowess of the CPU or the video card. There are just too many variables involved where motherboard performance is concerned to jump into a benchmark frenzy.
This is why there is no summary. If there were to be a summary it would be half the size if the review itself. It would be focused on benchmarks that are dependent on variables that are not able to be controlled by Gigabyte and if we had some weak components it could cause this board to get a bad review.
Sorry about that. The conclusion is just that, it is a conclusion. What we decided about the product. It is not a recap, it is a conclusion. I am sorry you are lazy and can not find the time to look through the article.
In essence there was nothing negative to say about the board. Yeah there were things like more USB ports that could have been added, all x16 slots and nothing smaller could have been used, 8 -10 SATA connectors… but then we would have a more expensive board on our hands.
This was a conclusion not a summary and conclusion. Gold was the conclusion with a crusher award because of the work Team AU did with this board.
You see im lazy, I just like to read conclusions on articles because they should generally sum everything up. Yours doesn’t…