26 Sep Red Dragon. Testing MSI Z87-GD65 Gaming MSI
Technical characteristics
Supported processors: Intel Core i3/i5/i7 for Socket LGA1150
Form factor: ATX
Chipset: Intel Z87 Express
RAM: 4x DDR3-1066/3000 MHz to 32 GB
Graphic subsystem: 3x PCIE 3.0 x16
Expansion slots: 4x PCIE X1
Disk subsystem: 8x Sata Rev. 3, msata
Sound subsystem: Realtek Alc1150, 8 channels, Audio Boost
Network adapter: Atheros Killer E2205 (1 GB)
Rear panel: PS/2, 2x USB 2.0, 4x USB 3.0, Lan, S/PDIF (Optical, Coaxial), D-Sub (VGA), DVI, HDMI, Audio
Additionally: Contact panel for voltage measurement, post-code display
Dimensions: 304×244 mm
Price: 6500 rubles
Summing up last year, we noted that the deadlines for the release of new architectures are moving more and, most likely, the transition to the 14-nm technology process by Intel this year will be held later than planned. And, you know, they only sent the last issue to the print, as the confirmation of our words came on the same day: the launch of Broadwell shifts from the first quarter to the second half of 2014. And if so, we decided not to wait until Intel establishes sales, and talk about what you can buy today. On the tests we have the MSI Z87-GD65 Gaming motherboard, which forms the basis of our editorial stand.
Chipset
For such a responsible task, it was this motherboard that was not chosen by chance. To begin with, it is based on a top chipset Intel Z87 Express. Like the last Z77 Express, the main advantage of senior logic is the ability to work with unlocked crystal multipliers and operate the capacity of graphics integrated into stones. Immediately the support of most branded intel technologies. Rapid Storage allows you to collect RAID masses of levels of 0, 1, 5 and 10, as well as use fast SSD as a cache. Function Rapid Start He knows how to almost instantly withdraw a computer from the gibbernation, thereby his relatives with ultrabooks, but Smart Connect In sleep mode, I can update mail and social networks on the machine. The main difference from the past generation is a changed set of ports. Old Sata 2 gave way to SATA Rev. 3, number USB 2.0 is now equal to ten pieces, and USB 3.0 – four.
For the test
It’s clear, only because of this list of the Z87-GD65 Gaming we would not have taken, for the motherboard on the test stand, other qualities are much more important. For example, a power system. At the board it is built according to a 12-phase scheme and counted on Military Class 4. Behind the cunning name hides a high -quality element base, dedicated by solid -state capacitors, reels with ferrite cores and low -profile transistors, occupying a minimum of space around the socket. According to MSI, the system is reliable as a tank and will last many years. Is this so, time will tell, but we do not see reasons not to trust the manufacturer – our past MSI Eclipse Sli I recently celebrated its five -year period and is not yet going to retire.
I made a good supply of MSI from memory. Four slots for DDR3 are ready to provide a frequency of 3000 MHz and accept the planks with a total volume of 32 GB. The maximum number of video cards for the Z87-GD65 Gaming is three pieces operating according to the X8+X4+X4 scheme. In this case, the ligament can be from any manufacturer – there is support as NVIDIA SLI , So AMD Crossfirex. And if you buy MSI Gaming series boards, then the motherboard will also take on all the duties https://golden-genie-casino.co.uk/ of acceleration, increasing the voltage of chips.
For life
Naturally, as befits a top board, there is enough in the Z87-GD65 Gaming, so to speak, life technologies, concealing the assembly and expanding the possibilities of home systems. For example, MSI was not too lazy and through the chip AsMedia asm1061 increased the number of available SATA Rev. 3 from six to eight pieces, and also put the MSATA slot to connect small SSDs. The engineers and the issue with USB worked. Moreover, interestingly, not in a quantitative way, but in qualitative. Two USB 3.0 on the input/output panel was equipped with gilded contacts and set a function to them Gaming Device Port , reducing delay in a survey of high -speed mice. How much it helps in games, we, however, did not understand (the editorial Razer Naga worked perfectly on ordinary connectors), but the fact itself is pleasant. The same with the network card. The chip is responsible for the Internet Atheros Killer E2205. Turn a weak signal into a powerful gigabit stream is beyond its power, but to prioritize so that the ping decreases a little in games – a trifle business.
Well, the last thing to mention is a sound. The fee supports eight channels, is equipped with a headphone amplifier up to 600 Ohms and supports Creative technologies to create a virtual “sound around”, strengthen the bass, as well as “improve” compressed compositions using Crystalizer.
Possibilities
You can tune all this good in different ways. The easiest – complete utilities for Windows. With their help, not only the network and the sound are adjusted, but almost all the main system parameters, including the multipliers of the crystal and memory. However, it is more convenient to do all this through BIOS. UEFI local shell is not only beautifully drawn, it is also extremely understandable in use.
Fans of discovering in parameters, it allows you to change almost all basic values, starting with the BCLK crystal and ending with the voltage of the RAM. And you will not have to be particularly afraid for the exhibited numbers. Firstly, the loading process can be monitored along the Post-Code screen. Secondly, the Z87-HD65 Gaming is equipped with a double BIOS and, if something goes wrong, with a special levers standing next to the power port, will allow you to switch to a reserve set of settings.
Those who are reluctant to bother with the selection of the best combinations for unlocked crystals of K-haier MSI offers a function O.C. Genie , ready to take on all the troubles. It is launched either through BIOS or by pressing a special button at the bottom of the board. There are two modes of operation: the frequency is higher or at the level of the factory Turbo Boost.
Another interesting gift from the manufacturer is the Hardware Monitor menu. In addition to the meaningless opportunity to track the temperature of the unloaded stone, it allows you to configure absolutely all the fans connected to the system. And not only to set the maximum turns of the turntables, but also to tie them to the heating of the processor or computer as a whole.
Strange, but, despite such an abundance of functionality, communication with the Z87-GD65 Gaming does not leave the feeling of overload, as often happens with similar boards. Bonus capabilities are successfully woven into a chipset and at the same time are really useful in everyday life.
Does not bring a fee on the main line. The system on it gathers without unnecessary difficulties and is perfectly chasing. Our Core i7-4770k easily rose to 4.4 GHz, and the memory earned on his native 2100 MHz. For 6500 rubles – an excellent indicator.
Pros:
A lot of really useful opportunities
Good overclocking functions
Great power system
A competent cooling system
reasonable price
Cons:
There is not enough additional PCIE controller
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