Z68 Motherboards are Now Available - Which one should I buy?

[Mr. Meoff]

Considering: GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD7-B3 or GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD5-B3, with an i7 2600k
Meoff

Now I am considering the GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD4-B3. I feel the PCI layout is best for my audio system, plus $60 cheaper.

http://www.vortez.net/articles_pages/gi ... eview.html

Oh wait... they have the 2 x Etron EJ168 chips, not sure I want to dick with that for my first build.

 

[kolios13]

According to this topic http://news.softpedia.com/news/Gigabyte ... 8751.shtml you can use the integrated graphics through the discrete graphic card using a program called virtu.

So even if you choose a Gigabyte which does not have and HD graphics output (like ud3p or ud4) you can use it! And also take advantage of Quick Sync! However this program Virtu does not have support for Mac.

More info: http://www.lucidlogix.com/product-virtu.html

After a little research a virtu like program might be released from apple for imacs!

 

[blaenk]

I ordered the Asus P8Z68 V-PRO, since I already liked the P8P67 Deluxe that I'll be returning.

 

[mwparrish]

According to this topic http://news.softpedia.com/news/Gigabyte ... 8751.shtml you can use the integrated graphics through the discrete graphic card using a program called virtu.

So even if you choose a Gigabyte which does not have and HD graphics output (like ud3p or ud4) you can use it! And also take advantage of Quick Sync! However this program Virtu does not have support for Mac.

More info: http://www.lucidlogix.com/product-virtu.html

After a little research a virtu like program might be released from apple for imacs!

The Virtu software has to be licensed by the mobo manufacturer right now and it appears Gigabyte is taking a big swing and miss on that. That's why most of their boards still require a discrete card too.

So... that's big disappointment there, in my opinion.

 

[NurkJon]

I'll be upgradring soon and I'm wondering if there's any real advantage in choosing a z68 over a P68, I will not use on die GPU or Hybrid SSD so the new features aren't anything for me. I was considering a P8P67, 2600k, 16GB 1600MHz ram, Vertex3MI 120GB, HD6870 but will I gain anything if I switch the P8P67 for a Z68 in OS X (still don't care about the GPU and Hybrid SSD) or will a P67 work fine?

If yes what does not work on a P67 that'll work on a Z68?

 

[wiraone]

Brought back my P8Z68-V PRO tonight, replaced the older P8P67LE motherboard .. everything working smoothly as before. Just need to rerun multibeast and install kext for Intel gigabit NIC. Haven't test anything else and haven't done any overclocking yet.

 

[Mr. Meoff]

"Gigabyte is offering even more options to implement it in their newly announced models; the Z68XP-UD3, Z68XP-D3, Z68AP-D3, and Z68P-DS3. The new models are due to be released in June 2011."

http://www.pcper.com/news/General-Tech/ ... SSDs-and-S

 

[kolios13]

According to this topic http://news.softpedia.com/news/Gigabyte ... 8751.shtml you can use the integrated graphics through the discrete graphic card using a program called virtu.

So even if you choose a Gigabyte which does not have and HD graphics output (like ud3p or ud4) you can use it! And also take advantage of Quick Sync! However this program Virtu does not have support for Mac.

More info: http://www.lucidlogix.com/product-virtu.html

After a little research a virtu like program might be released from apple for imacs!

The Virtu software has to be licensed by the mobo manufacturer right now and it appears Gigabyte is taking a big swing and miss on that. That's why most of their boards still require a discrete card too.

So... that's big disappointment there, in my opinion.

But Some Gigabyte Motherboards are Virtu Licensed

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/produc ... id=3853#ov

 

[emilin]

Since this is the first post I've seen about Z68 buying advice:

Be very wary of what chips are in your selection- most of the new motherboards are using a different USB 3.0 chip that is currently unsupported by Mac OS X.

I'll try to assemble some kind of master list of safe bets, but for now- these are the only ones I know of that are using the NEC/Renesas chip that we have drivers for:

Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD5-B3
Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD7-B3
MSI Z68MA-ED55 (B3)
MSI Z68M-E8 (B3)

Tony, Do you know if any of the mATX Z68 boards available is also a safe bet?

Thanks!

 

[cakemonster]

Any comments on gigabyte vs. Asus Z68 for Hack purposes? Pros/Cons?

Prefer mATX as only need one video card, but would be nice to OC to 4ghz with 2600k...

Looking for bang for buck, but compatibility...I guess folks don't really know yet...