ASUSTEK GRYPHON Z87 Socket 1150 BIOS update. ASUS GRYPHON Z87 Motherboard Review. New TUF series. Configuration of the test system

Hi friends! In today's article we are with you update the BIOS motherboard ASUS. It's a serious matter and refer to it, respectively. The process of updating the bios of any motherboard, although very simple, but any error in it will cost you expensive - to return the motherboard to life will have to be in the service center, since you probably do not have a special programmer. At the beginning of the article in a nutshell I will remind you what BIOS is.

How to update BIOS on the motherboard asus

BIOS is the most important element of the computer - a firmware recorded on the chip, which in turn is on the motherboard.

BIOS - provides basic OS access to computer hardware capabilities.. Simple words, Bios explains the operating system how to use a particular component of the computer.

Immediately after inclusion system Block, Bios.checks all devices (POST procedure) and if any component is faulty, thenthrough a special speaker, a signal is distributed through which you can identify a faulty device. E.if everything is fine,BIOS will start searching the OS bootloader on connected drives and finding it transmits the relay wand operating system.

Now about not very good. The BIOS update process itself lasts a couple of minutes, but if at this time, electricity will be disconnected in your house, and your computer is not connected to a uninterruptible power source.(UPS), that firmware will be broken and you just do not turn on the computer. For recovery will have to seek a special programmer (BIOS recovery is a separate article).

I must say that manufacturers have provided full seriousness of the question and at the dawn of the production of motherboards completely excluded the possibility of updating or flashing BIOS, Only quite recently, Bios became equipped with a special program for its update. But still,the renewal of the bios of any motherboard is usually once in her life, and sometimes never.

The most important rule, if the work of the computer or laptop youit is quite suitable, I don't need to update anything, butif you still decidedupdate BIOS, then there must be weighty reasons. Here is some of them.

In your bios there are no new features. For example, no technology AHCI, and there is only outdated IDE, but you bought a new hard disk interfaceSATA III (6 Gbit / s) or generally solid SSD drive. Technology AHCI will allow your drive to use modern features and operating system on a new hard disk will work faster than in IDE. Wanted to the site of the manufacturer of your motherboard, you saw that a new update on the BIOS was published, you also learned that after updating your motherboard will supportAHCI! So, in this case, you can upgrade the BIOS without inflatable.

One of my friend disappeared on a computer, reinstalling Windows and drivers did not help, he decided that the built-in sound card burned down and bought a discrete, so the systemket was worked for 7 years, then the processor had to be replaced on this computer, it required BIOS updates, after updating the built-in The sound card has earned.

Another case. The client constantly rebooted the computer and reinstalling the operating system did not help, replaced everything that could be changed in the system, did not change the motherboard and the processor. We decided to finally install a new firmware on the BIOS and helped!

In the window that opens, I see the BIOS version - 2003

Now go to the official website of the manufacturer of our motherboard ASUSP8Z77-V Pro and choose "Drivers and utilities"

Select any operating system and reveal the "BIOS" item. We see that there is a update 2104 (a newer version than we have).

Click on the "Global" button And download the firmware.

Fresh firmware on BIOS (P8Z77-V-PRO-ASUS-2104.cap) downloaded in the archive. Remove it from the archive and copy toUSB-F. leshka. The firmware weighs 12 MB.

USB-F Leszka must necessarily be formatted into FAT32 file system and except for updating on the BIOS should not contain anything.

We reboot and enter BIOS.

In the initial BIOS window we see the old version of the firmware 2003.

Click "Additionally" And in more details of the BIOS.

(Click on the screenshot of the left mouse to increase)

We enter the "Service" tab

Choose the BIOS firmware utility - ASUS EZ FLASH 2 Or you may have ASUS EZ Flash 3.

In the ASUS EZ Flash 2 window we see our USB flash drive with firmware P8Z77-V-PRO-ASUS-2104.CAP.

Close on the file with the firmware with the left mouse button.

Click "OK"

Refresh BIOS?

Following the senior representative of the TUF series for Haswell processors - Sabertooth Z87 - younger fee got to the laboratory - Gryphon Z87. It is designed for more economical users for which there is no need to use numerous expansion slots, but the requirements for reliability of the components are definitely put at the head of the corner. Thermal Radar 2 technology is also not forgotten here, which is designed to ensure the proper level of cooling system components. In order to reduce the cost of the other technology from the TUF product list - Dust Defender - found itself in the list of options. In other words, there is no thermal armor in the basic configuration and other accessories, which, if desired, can be purchased separately.


The functionality of this product is unusual modest, as to solve this level. All items are a basic set for any modern board. There are no third-party controllers. However, the existing capabilities of the Z87 is entirely enough for modern realities.

Model
Chipset Intel Z87.
Processor connector Socket 1150.
Processors Core i7, Core i5, Core i3, Pentium (Haswell)
Memory 4 DIMM DDR3 SDRAM 1333/1600/1866, maximum 32 GB
Slots PCI-E 2 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 (x16 + x0, x8 + x8)
1 x PCI Express 2.0 [Email Protected], 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1
Slots PCI -
Built-in video Intel HD Graphics 4600
Video invoices HDMI, DVI-D
Number of plug-in fans 7 (6X 4PIN, 1X 3PIN)
PS / 2 ports -
USB ports 6 x 3.0 (4 connector on the back panel, z87)
8 x 2.0 (4 connector on the back panel, z87)
Serial ATA 6 x SATA 6 Gb / s (Z87)
RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 (Z87)
Built-in sound Alc892 (7.1, HDA)
S / PDIF. Optic
Network features Intel i217V (Gigabit Ethernet)
Firewire. -
LPT. -
Com. -
BIOS / UEFI. Ami UEFI
Form factor uatx
Dimensions, mm. 244 x 244.
Additional features The ability to connect a TPM module, Thunderbolt Header, AMD Quad Crossfirex and NVIDIA Quad SLI, TUF THERMAL ARMOR (comes separately), TUF THERMAL RADAR 2

We note the complete absence on the panel of dying PS / 2, COM and PCI ports.

Packaging and equipment

Thermal Armor and adjacent accessories are combined into a product called Gryphon Armor Kit, the cost of which fluctuates within $ 50.


The design of both boxes is made in a single strict style that are not overloaded by advertising slogans and pictograms. The rustling of their few number is a message about a five-year term limited warranty.


The reverse part of the board box contains its image, a back panel photo and a table with the main characteristics, where the models of sound and network adapters are precisely indicated. Advertising information reveals the part of the concept of The Ultimate Force, which is implemented here. The missing part is located on the back of the box from Armor Kit. In addition to the photo, it was not forgotten to place a very important table, where the list of all is included in the package.


The set includes: two thermal armor plates, plastic plugs for all internal and external ports, three remote thermocouples, one three-way fan and a dust filter to it, scolding, instructions for making installation (in four languages).


In another box, in addition to the motherboard, are:
  • user's manual in which the UEFI subparagraphs (in English) are described in detail and are described;
  • QR code DIY Guide, leading to the page of the official website, where is located detailed instructions on the assembly of PC;
  • documents on the conditions of a limited five-year warranty;
  • quality Certificate (reliability) TUF components;
  • drive with drivers and brand software;
  • sticker with company logo;
  • the plug for the case, complemented by a sticker in black tones with the symbolic designation of all sockets;
  • four SATA 6GB / S cables, two of which with a M-shaped connector at one end;
  • one flexible bridge for organizing SLI from two video cards;
  • a set of adapters for conveniently connecting the ASUS Q-Connectors enclosures.

Appearance

The size of the board comply with MATX standards. Next to the processor socket is located the most speed slot PCI-E X16. This may affect compatibility with dimensional CPU cooling systems.


The reverse side is practically devoid of elements. The small group is located in the VRM processor area. Thus, engineers have released a place on the front side for the possible installation of the fan.


The chipset is cooled by a massive radiator fixed to the board by means of spring-loaded screws.


SATA-NENDDS is only six, all of them are placed in pairs along the PCB.


The directkey and BIOS Flashback buttons are located at the right lower corner. There are also concentrated connectors for connecting a remote thermocouple.


Memok button! It is in the usual place for it, namely close to the Nests of RAM.


In one row - along the bottom face - all sorts of pads are located for connecting the periphery. The configuration of the expansion slots is quite classical and for organizing a bundle of two video cards, slots are used through one relative to each other.


All sockets for connecting fans are along the edges of the board, which adds convenience when used.


Eight-phase processor power supply subsystem. It is identical to the Z87-Plus fee.


Only cooling the power elements is more significant. The heat tube and the screw fastening are involved, plus the total area of \u200b\u200bdispersion of radiators is clearly greater.


Power subsystem Despite its "modest" characteristics, it is completely inspired by trust, especially since there was no problem with a similar VRM on the usual product.


Fullness of the rear panel is minimal, there is nothing superfluous, all the necessary connectors for the modern system in place and in due quantity.


As for Armor Kit, the installation passed painlessly.


The location of the fan is the same as the full-fledged product of the TUF series - directly at the radiator of the processor power supply subsystem.


The installation of the dust filter is not mandatory. Its use may worsen air flow, but within the Concept of the Dust Defender, it is an indispensable attribute of the assembled system.


Mounted Thermal Armor Protection will not create problems when installing cooling systems, which are installed in the area of \u200b\u200bamplifying plates.


At the end of the Rear Panel Photo Section in the complex with Armor Kit.

UEFI features

The procedure for updating the microcode through the EZ Flash utility has passed without problems.


The appearance and features of EZ MODE are already familiar with our regular readers from the Sabertooth Z87 review.


In the updated version of this menu it is possible to install current date and time, activate the XMP profile from a suitable set of RAM, select one of the ready-made fan management scenarios. In addition, the basic information about the components of the system and the mode of its operation is available here, and is also available for controlling the priority of boot devices.


Thinner settings are focused on Advanced Mode.


Let's start a review with the Advanced submenu, where most of the settings of all components of the system gathered.


CPU Configuration In addition to reference information about the CPU used provides the ability to configure its operation modes, for example, you can change the number of active cores.



The CPU Power Manager Configuration tab opens access to Turbo Boost and energy-saving processor scenarios.


In the chipset settings, you can limit the operation mode of PCI-E ports, lowered their bandwidth.


SATA devices can still work in an IDE mode compatible.


System Agent Configuration Allows you to send audio streams via DVI port, enable multimonitorial configuration support, set upload priority among video adapters, limit the bandwidth PCI-E x16.


Organize sound hDMI output You can in the HD Audio Controller settings.


ERP settings are located in the APM section.


Moving to the Monitor section. Here are the data on the current stresses in the system, turnover of all seven fans, as well as the choice of profiles with their work scenarios.


The point with the speaker name Fan Overtime, which allows you to configure the operation of the fans after the system is turned off (we are in the reference field of two) in order to remove excess warm air from the housing.

Since the board does not have a separate switch-on button, this role can be taken over by DirectKey, if you make the appropriate changes that are available in the Boot section.


You can also select the default UEFI menu display mode.


The CSM module is still included for better compatibility with various equipment. The default UEFI-boot is deactivated - more loyal is on, which supports third-party (Legacy).


Setting up using various security keys available in Secure Boot Menu.


In the Tool section, there are tools that allow: Save a profile with settings into one of the eight slots (or on an external drive) with the task of the labels, update the firmware, view the contents of the SPD memory modules.




Now focus on the main section of the UEFI - AI Tweaker. We have not been noticed any truncation or simplification against the background of older boards - Sabertooth Z87 and Z87-PLUS.


To start the overclocking procedure, you need to change the value of the AI \u200b\u200bOverclock TUNER field. In addition to manual mode, an option is available when the XMP memory profile is used, which reduces the number of steps on the fine system setting.



The first in the queue is the components designed to help achieve the greatest reference frequency.


To adjust the frequency formula, the CPU must be determined with the method of achieving the greatest value. You can set a multiplier, one for all nuclei and any type of load, or try to increase the frequency, a little more way to specify individual multipliers for each of the types of load in TURBO BOOST mode.



The highest frequency of RAM can be 3200 MHz at a base frequency of 100 MHz.


The configuration of the memory delays is very rich.


The head list with the parameters is closed by the automatic acceleration points of the system and its transfer to the mode of reduced power consumption.


All the settings of the processor and memory power subsystems combined under Digi + are followed in the list. Last time, testing ASUS Z87-PLUS, we did not need to interfere with their work.


For them are the thin settings of the built-in voltage regulator CPU Power Manager.


The latter in the section Ai Tweaker follows the fields with voltage values \u200b\u200bon various nodes of the CPU and the fees in general. All values \u200b\u200band limits are absolutely identical to the Z87-Plus board.


Voltage control on the CPU is also available three different ways: Offset, adaptive and manual.


We will reduce all the important parameters in a single table:

Parameter Range adjustment Step
BCLK FREQUENCY (MHz) 80-300 0,1
Pll selection AUTO / LC PLL / SB PLL
Filter Pll. AUTO / LOW BCLK MODE / HIGH BCLK MODE
INTERNAL PLL OVERVOLTAGE AUTO / Enabled / Disabled
CPU Core Ratio (Multiplier) 8-80 1
CPU Load-Line Calibration AUTO / LEVEL1 ... 8 1
CPU CURRENT CAPABILITY (%) AUTO / 100 ... 140 10
CPU POWER THERMAL CONTROL 130-151 1
CPU Core Voltage Override (B) 0,001-1,92 0,001
CPU INPUT VOLTAGE (B) 0,8-3,04 0,01
CPU Cache Ratio (Multiplier) 8-80 1
CPU Cache Voltage Override (B) 0,001-1,92 0,001
DRAM FREQUENCY (MHz) 1400-3000, 800-3200 200, 266
DRAM CURRENT CAPABILITY (%) 100-130 10
DRAM POWER PHASE CONTROL AUTO / OPTIMIZED / EXTREME
DRAM Voltage (B) 1,20-1,92 0,005
CPU System Agent Voltage Offset (B) (+/-) 0,001-0,999 0,001
PCH Core Voltage (B) 0,70-1,50 0,0125
PCH VLX Voltage (B) 1,20-2,00 0,0125
Vttddr Voltage (B) 0,60-1,00 0,0125
Max. CPU GRAPHICS RATIO (MULTIPLIER) 8 (by CPU) -60 1
CPU Graphics Voltage Override (B) 0,001-1,92 0,001

Recall that now all changes made can be monitored before they are final saving and rebooting the system.


Relying on the identical capabilities of VRM and UEFI on the AI \u200b\u200bTweaker parts of the boards of Z87-Plus and today's - Gryphon Z87 - you can assume the complete repetition of the overclocking results of our Core i5-4670K sample, and even perhaps the identity of the results of consolidated performance testing.

Complete PO

The design and content of the accompanying CD product is not particularly different.


Using ASUS Install passes without problems - we have a list of drivers and software, among which it is necessary to note the products you are interested in. After that, the wizard will independently make them install without unnecessary dialog boxes.

Ai Suite a third revision One set of utilities that allow you to maximize the potential of the board by fine-tuning a variety of modules placed on it. Installation passes in the visible mode so that you can refuse the utility unnecessary parts for the user.


Composition I. appearance Absolutely coincide with those of the SABERTOOTH Z87 review.


The central place in the main window of the complex is assigned to the pictograms of individual utilities, among which the most interesting THERMAL RADAR 2. The lower part is filled with various information collected from the board sensors. Eight thermal sensors are pre-installed on the board, three more thermocouples are supplied complete with Gryphon Armor Kit.


The first tab - Thermal Tuning - allows you to configure the operation of all system coolers. To do this, by pressing the laconic button "Start", a master starts.


For the selection of optimal cooling algorithms, all fans must already be connected and their positions are correct. True, this should be engaged in the third paragraph of the Fan Control menu.


It is there that are provided with all the tools for the correct schematic numbering of coolers and the subsequent editing of their work scenarios.


We described the full selection and setup procedure in the past view of the ASUS Z87-PLUS, it is completely identical. As an example, a three-contact 120-mm fan connected to the cha_fan1 jack was used.


When all fans are finally connected and properly represented by the system, you can return to thermal tuning and automatically set up their work.


At this time, a "passport" is created for each of them, and measurements occur in one right occur.



Now you can make your own adjustments to the created scenarios of their work.



Two scenarios are still available - automatic Smart Mode and RPM MODE, in which turns are fixed at a certain level until the temperature is output beyond 75 ° C. Obviously, in this method we are talking exclusively about the temperature of the processor.


For an automatic mode, the degree of influence on the total temperature can be changed by choosing (up to) three temperature sensors and tasks the importance of each of them in percentage ratio. For each of the fans, various indicators and corresponding sensors have already been defined.


After executing all the settings, rationally go to the second tab of Thermal Status. Here you can make an assessment of the introduced changes, which is started by the only Assessment button.


The adjustment procedure is still a little confused, but at the same time such a functionality and there is no one of the competing products.



By completing the software view, we cannot but check the correctness of the system information available from the AI \u200b\u200bSuite complex 3. Everything turned out to be in perfect order. The ability to set the RAM, the type of processor and the firmware version of the board itself turned out to be correct.

Acid potential

Similar design VRM and the possibilities of UEFI Gryphon Z87 and Z87-Plus pushes us to the idea of \u200b\u200bthe unity of their abilities on the automatic acceleration of the system. The reserved "motherboard" does not have mechanical switches located on the board, so today we will force overclocking from UEFI.

When activating the first item - Ratio First - we really repeated the results previously obtained. The processor earned at a frequency of 4.0 GHz at a voltage of 1.24 V. Uncore frequency did not exceed its nominal value In 3.8 GHz, the RAM functioned according to the XMP profile.


For cases of insignificant load, the scenario of the CPU has changed a bit. The voltage decreased below the level of 1.17 V, and the frequency was constantly taped between the values \u200b\u200bof 4.1 and 4.0 GHz. The established meaning was 4038 MHz.


In simple energy-saving technologies functioned in full: the frequency of the processor, and the voltage and voltage were reduced.


The following scenario - BCLK First - fully repeated the development of events. With any load, the total frequency of the CPU was 4.126 GHz at a voltage on the kernels of 1.17 V, the uncore part functioned on a slightly reduced relative to the nominal 3750 MHz, the reference frequency was 125 MHz. In a simple multiplier, it dropped to the minimum, and the voltage was recorded on a single mark. The memory operation was again based on the XMP profile.




Go to more serious experiments. The basic frequency we managed to increase to 189.1 MHz.



No problems with maintaining the maximum accessible CPU frequency in 4747 MHz did not occur. The voltage was recorded at the level of 1.285 V. The frequency of "Northern Bridge" was 4,444 GHz.

Test stand

Changes in the booth did not happen:

  • processor: Intel Core i5-4670K (3.4 GHz);
  • cooler: Silverstone Heligon HE-01;
  • thermal interface: NOCTUA NT-H1;
  • memory: G.skill F3-17000CL9D-8GBXM (2x4 GB, 2133 MHz, 9-11-10-28-2T, 1.65 V);
  • video card: Gigabyte GV-N580SO-15i ( GeForce GTX. 580);
  • drive: ADATA PREMIER PRO SP900 (128 GB, SATA 6 Gb / s, AHCI MODE);
  • power supply: XFX XPS-850W-BES (850 W);
  • operating system: Windows 8 Enterprise X64 (90-day introductory version);
  • drivers: Intel Chipset Device Software (9.4.0.1017), Intel Management Engine Interface (9.0.0.1287), ForceWare 320.18 (9.18.13.2018), PhysX 9.12.1031.
OS were disabled: UAC, paging file, firewall and Windows Defender. There were no antivirus products installed, other thin settings were not performed. All OS updates available for download via Windows Update Center have been installed.

The following applications were used as tests:

  • AIDA64 3.00 (Cache & Memory Benchmark);
  • Futuremark PCMark 8 (in the complex with Microsoft Office 2013 Standard);
  • Futuremark 3DMark 13;
  • WORLD IN CONFLICT: SOVIET ASSAULT;
  • F1 2012;
  • Hitman: Absolution.
Test results

When conducting experiments on the acceleration of the system, we encountered the unpleasant fact of incorrect operation of Turbo Boost. In normal mode, the behavior was very similar. With uncomplicated tasks, the CPU frequency has constantly changed, while most of the time being at the boundary of 3.6 GHz. Therefore, without exaggeration, we can talk about the actual frequency of the CPU of 3.6 GHz for any types of load.












Game applications allow Gryphon Z87 to compete except with the Z87-Plus protagonist; their level of performance was below average among tested on this moment motherboards.

Power consumption system

Measurements were performed after passing all other tests in the "well-established" computer mode using the Luxeon AVS-5A device. The technique was to fix the weighted average value of the test stand "from the outlet" during the PRIME95 test using the In-Place Large FFTS profile as well as with a simple computer after completing the test.


The product under consideration turned out to be the most economical among those who took part in our reviews. Surely such a result contributed to the absence of third-party controllers on the board.

The activation of the EPU energy-saving profile reduces the cost consumption of 5 W to the level of 82-154 W while maintaining the operation of Turbo Boost in a constant form.

During the maximum acceleration, the level of consumption of electrical energy was fixed at 88-242 W.

Output

To sum up in the right key, you must remember the target audience for which this fee is created. The chapter is the reliability of the components, the correct work, which means the minimum heating, a variety of tools, which should have a fee to increase its life. All these qualities are entirely inherent in Gryphon Z87. The use of the element base causes confidence in the long life of the board, the Thermal Radar 2 software complex, based on the readings of numerous thermal machines, allows you to control computer fans as no other product on the market.

To reduce the cost of this MATX solution Thermal Armor and related elements of the Dust Defender technology were highlighted in a separate Gryphon Armor Kit product. Thus, the price of the board is at the level of attractive $ 165. At the same time, partial refusal to the usual image of the product of The Ultimate Force series did not affect the provision of a warranty for a period of 5 years.

The cost of maximum cheaper has become third-party controllers, which are completely deprived of this fee. On the other hand, such measures have beneficially affected the final level of energy consumption.

In the flaws of the board, you can record the wrong operation of TURBO BOOST technology, which in comparative testing Move the results at the end of the overall rating. The absence of PCI ports will not allow you to use the old, proven sound card. On the quality of the built-in sound, it is necessary to mention - here is the simplest codec of Realtek - Alc892. On its basis, quite decent products were out. This cannot be said about Gryphon Z87, the sound quality in it leaves much to be desired. Choice of "Headphones" profiles or "Desktop stereo speakers" probably activates some profiles that are designed to deal with the laptops of sound; But it only prevents the correct perception of sound. However, for undemanding users of the sound of such quality, perhaps, it is entirely enough.

The fee pleased with its stability and predictability. And yet if the product form factor does not play for you a decisive role, it is better to pay for its attention to a more functional model from ASUS - Z87-PLUS.

Equipment for testing was provided by the following companies:

  • ADATA - ADATA PREMIER PRO SP900 Drive;
  • Asrock - maternal board asrock Z87 extreme6;
  • ASUS - Motherboards Asus Gryphon. Z87, Z87-PLUS and SABERTOOTH Z87;
  • G.Skill - G.Skill F3-17000CL9D-8GBXM memory kit;
  • Noctua - thermal interfaceNoctua.NT-H1;
  • Silverstone - SilverStone Heligon HE-01 processor cooler.

Buying a set of new components, a situation may arise that the processor is so new that the motherboard also "knows". A few more processor would need to update the BIOS or would have to spend time camping in service center. But now with the advent of ASUS USB BIOS FlashBack technology, the problem will be solved even easier.

USB BIOS Flashback is the easiest way to update BIOS on ASUS motherboards. Only a USB drive with a BIOS file recorded on it is just enough to upgrade. Neither the processor nor the RAM and other components are no longer needed.

1. System requirements:

power Supply; USB drive FAT16, FAT32 or NTFS (for Intel X79 only FAT16 and FAT32); Asus Motherboard at Intel X79, Z77, H77, Q77, B75 chipset (ASUS motherboard list that supports USB BIOS technology Flashback is presented in table clause 3).

2. Load and unpack the BIOS ROM file from the official site asus (www.asus.ru)

3. Rename the BIOS file as it is written in the table, and then save it to the USB drive in the root directory.

Name model

NameBios.

P9x79 Deluxe

P9x79d.rom.

P9x79 pro.

P9x79pro.rom.

P9x79.

P9x79.rom.

Sabertooth x79.

Saberx79.rom.

Rampage IV Extreme.

R4E.ROM.

Rampage IV Formula.

R4F.ROM

Rampage IV Gene.

R4G.ROM

P8Z77-V Deluxe

Z77vd.cap

P8Z77-V Pro

Z77vp.cap

P8Z77-V.

Z77vb.cap

P8Z77-V Le

P8z77vle.cap

P8Z77-V LX

P8z77vlx.cap

P8Z77-V LK

P8z77vlk.cap

P8Z77-M Pro

P8z77mp.cap

P8Z77-M.

P8z77m.cap

SABERTOOTH Z77

Z77st.cap

Maximus V Gene.

M5G.cap

P8H77-V.

P8h77v.cap

P8H77-V Le

P8h77vle.cap

P8H77-M Pro

P8h77mp.cap

P8H77-M.

P8h77m.cap

P8H77-M LE

P8h77mle.cap

P8B75-V.

P8b75v.cap

P8B75-M.

P8b75.cap

P8B75-M LE

P8b75le.cap

P8Q77-M.

P8q77.cap

P8H77-I.

P8h77i.cap

4. Connect 24-PIN motherboard power connectors and 8-PIN processors.

5. Connect the USB drive into the USB BIOS Flashback / Rog Connect connector (for Intel X79 boards is a white USB 2.0 connector, for boards on other chipsets - this is a USB 2.0 connector marked with color and an inscription USB BIOS Flasback / Rog Connect on the panel Q-SHIELD) and hold 3 seconds before launching the light indication.

6. Wait for the light display of the USB BIOS Flashback / Rog Connect button, which means that the update is successfully completed.

1. Do not remove the USB drive, do not disconnect the power of the motherboard and do not press the CLR_CMOS reset button during the BIOS update.

2. If the USB BIOS Flashback / Rog Connect button flashes for five seconds, it means USB BIOS Flashback is not correct. This can be caused by improper installation of the device, error in the file name or incompatible file format. Restart the system and check the correctness of the file name and format.

3. In case of any download problems after updating Bios, contact your local ASUS support center for further assistance.

ASUS motherboards are best-selling and awarded fees in the world.

Prefaces of communication with the transition to the new Microsoft Windows 8.1 operating system and a small change in the configuration of the test stand, we have started a second series of motherboards based on Intel Z87 logic and intended for LGA1150 processors. List of tested models Already over a top ten and it can be said that we managed to get acquainted with the bulk of the most interesting fees. Of course, to test absolutely all fees are unrealistic, if only because manufacturers are systematically expanding the range and regularly announce new models. In addition, a certain number of boards attractive from different points of view has not yet fallen into the sphere of our interests. For example, from Asustek motherboards, intended for game lovers and accelerations, which belong to the Rog series, we tested only one model, but the whole varieties of such LGA1150 boards are five, and a series of high reliability boards With an increased period warranty service "TUF" (The Ultimate Force) remains at all out of our attention.

As a matter of fact, it was the traditionally armored model ASUS Sabertooth Z87 that we were going to explore in the nearest review, but then thought and changed their plans. The fact is that, first of all, we usually test full-size ATX form factor board or even large E-ATX models, meanwhile, Microatx format boards are gradually becoming more attractive. Their width is the same as in ATX-cards (although it can be less), and the length is shorter and equal to the width, they are usually square with parties 244 mm. The difference in length is reflected in the number of connections for the extension cards, which can only be four, and not seven, as on ATX boards. It may seem that only shortened length and because of this, fewer microatx-board connections differ from full-sized, but it is not quite so. Modern computers infrequently include more than two expansion cards, four connectors would be quite enough in most cases. Not because of this, enthusiasts dislike the MICROATX models, but because they are uncomfortable for assembling and modifications.

Optimal places for placing elements on boards have long been known. Most manufacturers followed by the past years. Principles and ATX fees with an unsuccessful design almost ceased to meet. The basic rule when creating an ATX fee is to mostly accommodate all the necessary features. For microatx-fee, this rule sounds like, but the essence is changing - it is necessary to somehow place the desired elements on a limited area. As a result, it is necessary to suffer with microatx boards, where the video card is so close to the processor jack that it is impossible to install a large cooling system. Where it is difficult to change or add memory modules, since you cannot open the latches, because they rest in the video card. Where a large extension card overlaps SATA ports, a power connector sticks out from somewhere from the middle of the board, but about the optimal location and a sufficient number of other elements, such as connectors for fans, can not even remember. The reduced size of the board is not strongly affected by the reduction of the dimensions of the system unit, so that the enthusiast, almost not losing anything, passed to the ATX fees and forgot about a little more compact and inexpensive, but very uncomfortable MICROATX models for a long time.

However, all this was in the past, but now the situation is changing. Modern logic sets include all the necessary basic capabilities and support topical interfaces, so there is no need for the use of a large number of additional controllers. Even if additional chips are required, the norms of their production and microcircuits of network controllers or audio codecs have become much more compact than before. The boards disappeared large IDE, FDD and LPT connectors, modern SATA and USB occupy a smaller area, which also saves a place. It is possible that we are too long in captivity of obsolete delusions. Choosing the ATX-cards, we ourselves are deprived of themselves to purchase an equal model of MicroAtx format for the abilities only cheaper. In this regard, we decided to make a small excursion and as part of the second series of reviews to study several microatx boards of different manufacturers. Without forgetting about the need to look at the TUF series fee, we considered that the Asus Gryphon Z87 motherboard can be performed as a starting model.

Packaging and equipment

The design of the Box with the Asus Gryphon Z87 motherboard is somewhat different from the usual models of Asustek, but the principles remained the same. On the front side, we see the name of the board and logos, among which the emblem is allocated, reminiscent of the five-year period of warranty service. On the reverse side, you can find the image of the board and its rear panel of the connector, a short list of technical characteristics and information about some features.

The list of incoming accessories turned out to be unusually long for such a small fee. It includes:

four Serial ATA cables with metal strings, half with straight, half with g-shaped connections, all cables are specifically designed to connect SATA 6 Gb / s devices (differ in white inserts on connectors);
flexible bridge for combining two video cards in SLI mode;
plug to the rear panel (I / O Shield);
aSUS Q-CONNECTOR adapter kit, which includes modules to simplify the connections of the buttons and the front panel indicators of the system unit, as well as the USB 2.0 connector;
user's manual;
poster with brief assembly instructions;
certificate of reliability with the methods of testing components;
notification of the five-year warranty period;
DVD with software and drivers;
sticker "Powered by Asus" and the "TUF INSIDE" for the system unit.


Design and opportunity

A description of the basic features of various motherboards, which we test, often looks like almost the same, which is not surprising at all, because they are all based on the Intel Z87 chipset. So now we can say that the ASUS Gryphon Z87 board supports all modern models of LGA1150 processors. In this it helps the digital power system operating according to formula 8 +2, created on the basis of high-quality elements. However, at this point, it is possible to detect differences, because the element base passing enhanced testing is approximately the same as in products intended for the needs of the army or to create servers, allows Asustek to provide a five-year warranty period for the TUF series cards. Four connections for DDR3 memory modules are able to accommodate the maximum amount of 32 GB, as on other models, but the frequency of 1866 MHz is indicated as the maximum, and not the usual 2933 or even 3000+ MHz. However, you should not fear this limitation. BIOS fees Allows you to install any available coefficients to set the memory frequency, so our modules worked on the board at a frequency of 2133 MHz no worse and not slower than on other models.



The six SATA 6 Gbit / s ports are quite enough for a small board, it successfully costs without additional drive controllers, like many other models of this form factor, but a set of connections for expansion cards again is non-standard. Since the Intel Z87 logic set allows the division of PCI Express processor lines, it would be quite expected to see two PCI EXPRESS 3.0 X16 connections, although quite a few models cost only one. However, on the ASUS GRYPHON Z87 board, there are three PCI Express X16 connections at once, and supporting the collaboration technology of AMD Quad-GPU CROSSFIRX or NVIDIA Quad-GPU SLI is implemented. The first two connectors belong to the third generation of this interface and can divide the PCI-E 3.0 processor lines (1x16 or 2x8). The third is based on the second generation chipset lines and provides maximum speed x4. In addition, the board is equipped with a single PCI EXPRESS 2.0 X1 connector, but there was no place for the usual PCI connector.



The refusal of obsolete interfaces is a conscious decision characteristic of the many Asustek boards. ASUS GRYPHON Z87 You will not find a serial COM port, do not detect the PS / 2 connections for the keyboard or mouse on the rear panel and even the analog video output D-Sub is missing. In general, the rear panel of the connector does not inspire, too much unused free space remains, but the basic set of necessary interfaces is present:

four uSB ports 2.0, and four more can be connected to two internal connectors on the board;
dVI-D and HDMI video detection;
four USB 3.0 ports (blue connectors) appeared due to the capabilities of the Intel Z87 logic set, and two more additional ports USB 3.0 can be displayed using one internal connector;
local network connector ( network adapter Built on a gigabit controller Intel WGI217V);
optical S / PDIF, as well as six analog sound connections, the work of which provides the eight-channel REALTEK ALC892 codec.



By the way, we completely forgot about one characteristic feature of motherboards that belong to the TUF line. Only logos and characteristic camouflage color, and where are the famous armor speak about belonging to the ASUS GRYPHON Z87 model. It is, but now it is not established initially, it can be purchased separately if desired. The GRYPHON Armor Kit kit includes panels for both sides of the motherboard, scolding and the necessary set of mounts, plugs from dust and a small fan with a diameter of 35 mm. So our claims are not entirely true, free space over the video output DVI-D is left specifically, even in the plug of the rear panel connections in this place there are holes for air exchange, because it is planned to place this optional fan behind.



We have repeatedly seen the plugs that protect the dust from scoring are infrequently used connections. Modern motherboards are almost always equipped with video outputs on the rear panel, but many of them are focused on using discrete video cards. Therefore, some manufacturers began to install protective caps and plugs for video outputs, and several inserts for protection are attached to individual models. uSB connections. In addition to the listed plugs of the "TUF series", in addition to the listed plugs, the Dust Defenders plates are included for unoccupied extension card connections and memory modules, but the arrows for audio connections met for the first time. Very cute.


We are just left to look at the board scheme to assess the convenience of its design and pay attention to additional features. For example, for small microatx boards, it is usually considered sufficient for only three connectors for connecting fans, but the ASUS GRYPHON Z87 model has their number unprecedentedly large. The entire connectors are seven, of which are two processor, and the only three-contact intended for a small additional fan. From the first buttons, you should mention the "USB BIOS Flashback", which will help update the firmware without fully assembling the system, it is enough to bring meals to the board. Except for it there is a "Memok!" Button, which gives you the opportunity to successfully start even if there are problems with RAM and the "DirectKey" button that allows additional action Log in BIOS.


It is worth noting the "Q-Design" technology complex, which simplifies the assembly and operation of the system based on Asustek motherboards. The ASUS GRYPHON Z87 is equipped with almost all those included in this complex with features with the exception of the post codes indicator, but the Q-LED LEDs (CPU, DRAM, VGA, BOOT Device LED) will help determine the source of problems at startup, with their help to diagnose less. accurate, but it is done much easier and faster. "Q-SLOT" is a convenient wide latch on connectors for video cards, and "Q-DIMM" is one-way connections for memory modules, on a small board, they are more appropriate, because they will allow you to replace or add modules without having to remove the installed video card . Q-Shield "is a stub on the rear panel (I / O Shield), but instead of the extruded tongues, which are staring at the installation during the installation, is a soft conductive gasket from its reverse side. "Q-Connector" is a set of adapters that includes modules to simplify the connection of buttons and the front panel indicators of the system unit and one internal USB 2.0 connector.

All the main specifications of the Asus Gryphon Z87 motherboard, we were composed into a single table, and clicking on it, you can open a summary comparative table with the specifications of all previously tested LGA150-card models:

ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Professional;
ASRock Z87 Extreme4;
ASRock Z87 EXTREME6 / AC;
ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO;
ASUS Z87-DELUXE;
ASUS Z87-K;
ASUS Z87-PRO;
Gigabyte G1.Sniper 5;
Gigabyte GA-Z87X-D3H;
Gigabyte GA-Z87X-OC;
Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H;
Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD5H;
Intel DZ87KLT-75K;
MSI Z87-G43;
MSI Z87-GD65 Gaming;
MSI Z87 MPOWER.


Features bios.

In previous reviews, we have repeatedly brought enough to consider the possibilities of ASUSTEK BIOS LGA1150 boards. This time we have a small fee, but it is almost exactly the same BIOS, only his color scheme is different, so only running through the partitions and refreshing the main features in memory. As before, by default, at the entrance to the BIOS, we are encountered simplified "EZ MODE" mode. It allows you to learn the basic characteristics of the system, select the economical or productive mode of operation and set the order of polling the loading devices by simply dragging them with the mouse. In addition to setting the right time and date, as well as select the mode of operation of the fans, you can apply "X.M.P." profiles For memory modules and familiarize yourself with information about connected drives. The "F7" key serves to switch from EZ MODE to the Advanced Mode mode, or you can use the "F3" key, which allows you to quickly move to one of the most frequently used BIOS sections.



You can switch from the "EZ MODE" mode into the "Advanced Mode" mode, you can use the F3 key, which, by the way, works in all other BIOS sections, but it will be much more convenient if the "Advanced Mode" mode is done Starting in the settings. In this case, the familiar section "Main" will appear first before our eyes. It reports basic information about the system, allows you to specify the current date and time, it is possible to change the BIOS interface language, including Russian. In the SECURITY subsection, you can set user and administrator access passwords. However, the "Main" section is no longer the first in the list, before him appeared new section "MY FAVORITES". It is intended to collect in one place all the most frequently used parameters. Initially, the section is empty and contains only reference informationexactly how to add or remove options with a mouse or keyboard. It must be said that there are a number of prohibitions to select parameters, and they apply not only to entire sections or subsections, but even on separate parameters that contain the submenu. From such annoying restrictions, a list of options displayed by pressing the "F3" key, which can now be edited, deleting unnecessary and adding the necessary items. So the maximum flexibility can be obtained only from the sharing of the "My Favorites" section and the menu with the most common links, which is not so comfortable as it could be in the absence of restrictions. In addition, the "My Favorites" section turned out to be as it were, it is impossible to choose it as a start, as, however, and any other section, so this is also a lack.



The main mass of the options necessary for overclocking is concentrated in the "AI TWEAKER" section. He used to be rather big, but became even more, because the number of information parameters has increased at the beginning, multipliers were added to change the cache-memory frequency in the middle and the voltages control the parameters closer to the end of the section. Moreover, initially you see a far from the full list of parameters, since all of them are set by the board automatically, but as soon as you go to the manual setting, a lot of previously hidden over the unnecessary options appears.

For example, you only need to change the value of the "AI OverClock Tuner" parameter to "x.m.p." to automatically change the operation parameters of the memory subsystem, or on "Manual", the options intended for changing the base frequency will immediately appear and to control the processor multiplication coefficients. Voltages can be defined both above and below the nominal value, the current values \u200b\u200bare listed next to the parameters that are changed, which is very convenient. When the voltage changes on the processor can now choose between three different options. It can be hardly fixed on a specific value, you can only add or remove the required value in the "Offset" mode, and you can use an adaptive (interpolation) option. More about the differences between the three ways to change the voltage on the processor, we have already been told in the review of the ASUS Z87-K card.

Part of the parameters is traditionally submitted to the subsections to excessively not clutch the main one. A change in memory timings was made to a separate page, their number is very large, but it is quite convenient to use the capabilities of this subsection. Taking advantage of the scroll bar, it is not difficult to see all the timings that are set by the board for two memory channels. You can only change a few of them, for example, only the main, leaving for the remaining default values.



It is impossible not to notice a large number of options relating mainly to power and power consumption that appeared due to the digital system of "Digi +". Directly in the BIOS can be controlled by branded energy-saving technologies, allowing you to change the number of active processor power phases depending on the level of loading it. The technology to counteract the voltage drop on the processor under the load "CPU Load-Line Calibration" can not be easily enabled or disconnected, but also to dose the degree of opposition.



Asustek's boards have an advantage in the form of numerous options for the "CPU Power Management" subsection. In addition to the usual, available ones of other parameter manufacturers, which allow you to increase the permissible limits of the processor consumption, row additional options Let it be possible to speed up the reaction time and reduce power consumption alone.



At this feature of the section "Ai Tweaker" are completed, meanwhile, we have not yet found a whole group of very important options manageing processor energy-saving technologies. This is a characteristic drawback not only asustek boards, but also most boards of other manufacturers. The root of the problem lies in the AMI BIOS, which underlies the UEFI BIOS modern plants and in its irrational base layout.

The capabilities of the subsections of the "Advanced" section are generally familiar to us and are clearly understood by their names. They allow you to configure the operation of a set of logic and additional controllers, various interfaces, enable specific technologies, such as Intel Rapid Start and Intel Smart Connect.



In the CPU Configuration subsection, we learn basic information about the processor and manage some processor technologies, for example, virtualization technology. However, we still do not see the parameters related to the processor energy-saving Intel technologies, since they are put on a separate page "CPU Power Management Configuration". In fact, it is originally visible on the screen only the first three parameters, since the "CPU C STATES" option is set to "AUTO", and all subsequent parameters are hidden. We specifically changed the value of the option "CPU C STATES" to "Enabled" to demonstrate a large number of previously hidden parameters available for change. They have a very significant impact on the power consumption of the system at rest, so it is better to set their values \u200b\u200bmanually, and not to leave at the discretion of the board.



The "Monitor" section reports the current temperatures, voltages and the speed of rotation of the fans. For all fans, you can select the preset modes for adjusting the number of revolutions from standard Set: "Standard", "Silent" or "Turbo", leave the full speed of rotation, or choose the appropriate parameters in manual mode.

The characteristic disadvantage of many modern motherboards was lost ability to regulate the speed of rotation of three-contact processor fans, but now this function finally returned to Asustek's fees.


Next is the section "BOOT", where we select the parameters that will be applied at the start of the system. Here, by the way, you need to change the start mode "EZ MODE" to "Advanced Mode". At the same time, on the setup time, you can disable the "Fast Boot" parameter so as not to encounter problems when entering the BIOS due to the fact that the board starts very quickly and just do not have time to press the key on time. The next section "Tools" contains a pair of extremely important and regularly used subsections and one is almost useless. The built-in utility for updating the ASUS EZ Flash 2 firmware is one of the most convenient and functional programs of this kind. As one of the advantages, you can note the reading support from sections formatted in the NTFS system. Such a feature is still possessed by asustek and Intel fees. Unfortunately, the ability to save the current version of the firmware before the update was generally liquidated. The "ASUS OverClocking Profile" subsection allows you to save and quickly download eight full BIOS settings profiles. Each profile can be brief, reminiscent of its contents. Profiles can be exchanged by keeping them on external media. The minus is that the error has not yet been fixed, in which the profiles are not remembered to disable the output of the starting picture.



In addition, in the "Tools" section there is a subsection "ASUS SPD Information", in which you can familiarize yourself with the information covered in SPD memory modules, including XMP profiles (Extreme Memory Profile). However, the place for this subsection was chosen unsuccessfully, because the memory delays change completely in another subsection, very far from here and use the information provided uncomfortable.

In the center of the right side of the screen, over a constantly resembling a list of hot keys, two buttons are visible - Quick Note and " Last modified.».


The first allows you to write down and leave some important reminder, and the second outputs the list of recent changes, it is saved even when it is rebooting or turned off the system. You can always look and remember which changes in the BIOS settings were made for the last time, and now it is not even necessary to enter the BIOS for this, since the "Save to USB" button allows you to save a list of changes on the outer medium.



Extremely convenient turned out to be similar to "Last Modified" The BIOS Setting Change pop-up window, which automatically shows the list of changes each time the settings are saved. Looking at the list, you can easily monitor the correctness of the specified values \u200b\u200bbefore applying changes, make sure there are no erroneous or forgotten options. In addition, it is easy to find out the differences in current settings from the values \u200b\u200brecorded in BIOS profiles. By downloading the profile, you will instantly see absolutely all of its differences from the previously set parameters in the "BIOS Setting Change" window that appears.



Summing up, it can be said that the possibilities of ASUS EFI BIOS were very good, and therefore there was no need for deep processing, only a certain correction was required to eliminate deficiencies. It was carried out in the new BIOS modification, you can detect a lot of changes to the better. Some are not too significant, for example, an easy increase in functionality to the almost very useless "EZ MODE" mode. Others are more important, including the new section "My Favorites", the appearance of the possibility to leave notes and edit the list of the most commonly used BIOS sections, which can be displayed at any time by pressing the "F3" key. The list of last modified changes "Last Modified" is useful and it turned out to be an extremely useful BIOS Setting Change pop-up window with a list of current changes that will be applied. It pleases the returnable ability to regulate three-contact processor fans, although in this case instead of the proverb "Better late than ever" more correctly use the other - "good spoon to dinner."

At the same time, the error has not yet been fixed, on which the profiles are not remembered to disconnect the output of the starting picture. Playing a very important role in the energy saving system The parameters of the page "CPU Power Management Configuration" have not yet been made to the section "Ai Tweaker", it is too inconvenient to get. Wide use of the "My Favorites" section interferes with serious restrictions on adding parameters and the impossibility of selecting it as a start-up, as, however, and any other section. The "EPU Power Saving Mode" parameter, which includes branded energy-saving technologies, lost the flexibility of the setting. Previously, it was possible to choose the most appropriate level of economy independently, and now it can only be turned on or off.

Configuration of the test system

All experiments were carried out on the test system, including the following set of components:

Motherboard - ASUS GRYPHON Z87 REV. 1.03 (LGA1150, Intel Z87, version BIOS 1603);
Processor - Intel Core i5-4670K (3.6-3.8 GHz, 4 kernels, Haswell, 22 Nm, 84 W, LGA1150);
Memory - 4 x 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM G.SKILL TRIDENTX F3-2133C9Q-32GTX, (2133 MHz, 9-11-11-31-2N, supply voltage 1.6 V);
Video card - Gigabyte GV-R797OC-3GD ( AMD Radeon. HD 7970, Tahiti, 28 nm, 1000/5500 MHz, 384-bit GDDR5 3072 MB);
Disk subsystem -Crucial M4 SSD (CT256M4SSD2, 256 GB, SATA 6 Gb / s);
Cooling system - Scythe Mugen 3 Revision B (SCMG-3100);
Thermalcase - Arctic MX-2;
Power supply - ENHANCE EPS-1280GA, 800 W;
The case is an open test stand based on the Antec Skeleton housing.

Microsoft Windows 8.1 Enterprise 64 Bit (Microsoft Windows, Version 6.3, Build 9600), Drivers for Intel Chipset Device Software 9.4.0.1027, Driver Video Card - AMD Catalyst 13.9, was used as the operating system.

Nuances of work in nominal mode

Initially, we had certain fears regarding the assembly of the test system based on MicroatX-card ASUS Gryphon Z87. The Scythe Mugen 3 cooling system used does not apply to a giant, but still quite large, this is a tower cooler under a 120mm fan. It did not want to change it to maintain the possibility of comparing with previously distidious ATX payments tested. Fortunately, absolutely no problem assembly delivered, the system was successfully involved and earned. Using the built-in utility bIOS firmware It was updated to the very last at the time of the verification of the version, but then I had to face the traditional Motherboards of ASUSTEK a series of errors and flaws.

When starting the ASUSTEK fee, you show the boot picture on which it is prompted to enter the BIOS by pressing the "Del" or "F2" keys. However, these are standard features that do not require reminders, and the remaining keys, individual for different manufacturers, are traditionally forgotten. For example, to display a menu that allows you to select the starting device for an extraordinary load, the ASUS board use the "F8" key. Information about this is in the manual, but the tip would be more appropriate and would be very useful at the start of the board, just for some reason it is still not.



The output of the boot picture can be disabled forever with the appropriate setting in the BIOS or temporarily, only for the current start using the TAB key, but we will not wait for the appearance of the prompts, but we will see another characteristic flaw. As the starting procedure passes, the board will display a lot of useful information about the name of the model, the BIOS version, the name of the processor, the volume and frequency of memory, the quantity and type of USB devices, as well as the list of connected drives. However, it is impossible to find out the real frequency of operation of the processor, the board reports only nominal. In fact, its frequency will be higher not only when overclocking, but even when working in normal mode, since under load it will increase the technology "Intel Turbo Boost". This disadvantage is all the more permit, since we know that Asustek fees, which relate to the Rog series, are able to correctly determine not only the nominal, but also the real frequency of the processor.



We know the advantages of Asustek motherboards, there are a lot of them, they belong to the most different areas, most are serious and significant. Familiar and disadvantages, some can be corrected, with the others you have to simply accept and try not to notice. Among the flaws there is no critical that, in principle, did not allow the use of fees for their intended purpose, but the number of minuses is also very large, and this is significantly poisoning the pleasure of working with fees. To be clearer, let's try to list the actions that need to be performed to ensure the efficient work of the board in the nominal mode.

After logging in to the BIOS, we load the default settings, set the correct time and the date, determine the procedure for the start of the drives. You may need to customize the operation of the extension cards, the inclusion of specific technologies or other changes in the parameters. These are the standard procedures from which any fee begins, so we will not take them into account, but when entering the BIOS of Asustek's boards, we turn out to be in the "EZ MODE" mode, so for the beginning we need to go to Advanced Mode mode - this Once, and at the same time, immediately make it starting in the "Boot" section - these are two. There, you should disable the "Fast Boot" parameter, so as not to encounter problems at the subsequent inputs in the BIOS - these are three.

It is simply wonderful that the boards automatically adjust the speed of rotation of the fans depending on the temperature. However, in the pictures of BIOS, it was possible to see that the number of revolutions of the processor fan is highlighted in red. This means that the board itself reduced the speed of rotation, but immediately it was frightened that it became too small, and therefore each time the starting system starts to be suspended. A warning inscription will appear on the screen too low revolutions and the system will expect your solution. Previously, it was necessary to simply ignore this parameter, now you can reduce the minimum permissible fan speed in the "Monitor" section - these are four.

In the "AI Tweaker" section, there is no need to adjust anything, but in its Digi + Power Control subsection, you need to enable the optimal mode for the parameters "CPU Power Power Control" and "DRAM POWER PHASE CONTROL" - it was the fifth stage. With high load on the processor, the Intel Turbo Boost technology is now turned off at the processor, the Intel Turbo Boost technology is turned off and they reset the processor frequency to nominal. If the load is typical and not too large, then the fall is short, then we will see that they do not affect the performance of the system. However, at high load, the frequency will remain all the time to remain low and the speed drop will be significant, and in order to correct this, in the "CPU Power Management" subsection, you should manually increase the allowable consumption limits. At the same time, you need to read contextual prompts by the rest of the parameters of the subsection, they relate to the Haswell processors integrated into the processors and some of them also allow you to reduce energy consumption. It was the sixth point.

In the BIOS of the Motherboards of Asustek, to playing a very important role of the parameters that control power-saving Intel technologies, to get so long that it is impressed as if they for some reason are hidden specifically. To find them, you need to go to the "Advanced" section, then go to the CPU Configuration subsection, followed by a separate page "CPU Power Management Configuration". Initially, only the first three parameters are visible on the screen, since the "CPU C STATES" option is set to "AUTO", and all subsequent options are hidden. If you change the value of this parameter to "Enabled", you can find a considerable number of previously hidden options. Now most of them are already working, and for the proper operation of energy-saving technologies, the Package C State Support parameter remains. Seven. At the end of this epic in the "APM" subsection of the Advanced section, you need to enable the ERP Ready option to save the energy in the off state.

Total we need to go through eight basic stages, many of which include several separate actions at once and all this is just just to ensure the normal, optimal and economical mode of operation of the system. Honestly, I would very much like all the necessary parameter values \u200b\u200bset by the board automatically when you select the "Load Optimized Defaults" option, without requiring a long, boring and tedious manual adjustment.

Features of acceleration processor

To start, let's see what automatic methods Increased performance offers us the Motherboard Asus Gryphon Z87. As well as on other Asustek fees, it is easy to use the ASUS MULTICORE ENHANCEMENT function, which, at any level of load, will increase the processor multiplication ratio to the maximum value provided by Intel Turbo Boost technology only for single-threaded load. Initially, the parameter is set to "AUTO", but it does not function, and to enable it, you must specify the "AI OverClock Tuner" option to set the values \u200b\u200bof "Manual" or "x.m.p.". To achieve more significant results, it is proposed to use the OC TUNER parameter. If you select "Ratio Only", acceleration is carried out by increasing the processor multiplication ratio, and in addition to changing the multiplier, the basic frequency increases. However, any methods of automatic overclocking are imperfect on any motherboards, so we usually do not recommend using them. With a painstaking selection of the most optimal values \u200b\u200bof the parameters affecting overclocking, we always get the result much better. Or the final values \u200b\u200bwill be higher or comparable, but with lower power consumption and heat dissipation.

The most rational is the acceleration of the processor without increasing the voltage on it, but on the ASUS board it is impossible to simply increase the processor multiplication ratio and nothing else to change. In this case, the voltage on the processor kernels will automatically increase the board, and the voltage converter integrated into the processor will immediately detect the increase and independently will begin to lower the voltage under load. All this, most likely, will lead to overheating and accurately to useless waste of energy and no energy-efficient overclocking with us. To avoid automatic raising voltage of the board when overclocking the processor, you must translate the "CPU Core Voltage" parameter in manual mode, but nothing else to touch. In this case, the voltage does not increase the board, and therefore does not overestimate and integrated into the Haswell processors by the converter. Just in case, you can still disable the technology to counteract the voltage drop on the processor under the load "CPU Load-Line Calibration" and the "Internal Pll Overvoltage" parameter. They may only be needed with very high acceleration, and when ordinary is not needed.

Only acceleration without increasing the voltage can be energy efficient. It will noticeably increase productivity, accelerate the calculations and at the same time the total energy costs, despite the growth of power consumption per unit of time, will even be reduced, because due to the acceleration of the calculations, the amount of electrical energy required for the same amount of calculations will decrease. Only such overclocking will minimally affect the pollution of the environment, will not have a negative impact on the environment, which has long been convincingly proven in the article " Energy consumption of overclocked processors" However, during the tests of motherboards, we have a different task. It is necessary to ensure the maximum possible and most diverse load, check the fees when working in various modes, which is why we use a non-optimal way of overclocking, and one that allows you to achieve the highest results. For the tests of motherboards, the higher the frequency and voltage, the better, then the greater the load on the fee. Only when working in extreme, close-to-limit conditions, it is possible to identify problems, detect errors and flaws.

Earlier, we have always increased the voltage in the "Offset" mode, plus for LGA1150 processors became available similar on the principle of action adaptive or interpolation mode, however, for Haswell processors, both options were unacceptable. As you already know, when adding any, even the smallest value to normal voltage, integrated into these processors, the stabilizer immediately notices the changes and when the load appears, it starts to increase even more voltage. All this naturally leads to an increase in heat dissipation, temperature, and as a result, this method of acceleration turns out to be inapplicable due to overheating. To avoid this negative effect, you have to accelerate the Haswell processors with constant, unchanged and fixed voltage. It is for this reason that, during testing motherboards, we accelerate the processor to 4.5 GHz when fixing the voltage on the kernels at the level of 1,150 V with simultaneous use for the parameter memory modules recorded in the "x.m.p." profile.



Of course, during acceleration with the fixation of the voltage on processor nuclei, the energy-saving technologies are partially stopped, the processor multiplication coefficient is falling, but the voltage is no longer reduced and remains unnecessary. We have to calm ourselves that it is not for long, only if necessary and only for test time and, moreover, it usually doesn't affect the energy consumption of the system at rest.



By the way, earlier we published an article " Haswell LGA1150 Processors - Proper work in regular mode and acceleration methods" This material is intended to explain the new users of the LGA1150 platform basic principles for the selection of optimal parameters to work in nominal mode and for overclocking Haswell processors on motherboards of various manufacturers. There you will find illustrated recommendations on the inclusion of Intel energy-saving technologies and increasing the permissible limits of processor consumption, how to overclock them with an increase in the voltage on the kernels without that.

Comparison of productivity

We are traditionally carrying out a comparison of motherboards in two modes: when the system works in nominal conditions, as well as when overclocking the processor and memory. The first option is interesting from the point of view, which allows you to find out how well motherboards work with default parameters. It is known that a significant part of the users is not engaged in a fine tuning system, they only install in BIOS standard values \u200b\u200bof parameters that are not optimal, and nothing else changes. So we conducted a check, usually almost in no way intervening in the default settings specified by default. Unfortunately, for most LGA1150 boards, this test version turned out to be unbearable, because for many models it was required that or another correction of values. As a result, we were forced to publish a long list of changes made by us in the settings of certain models, and the meaning of testing in this mode was lost. Instead of seeing which card indicators will provide the default settings, we demonstrated almost the same results of our correction.

In the new series of LGA1150 boards reviews, we decided to return the informative tests with standard settings. We do not change anything else and do not adjust anything. What parameter values \u200b\u200bboard installs with default settings, with those it is tested, even if they differ significantly from the nominal. At the same time, it is necessary to understand that it is very bad when some kind of model is slower than everyone else, but it is not equally suitable if the board is faster than all rivals. In this case, this does not mean that it is better than others, but means only the fact that the standard mode of operation is not respected. Only medium, close to most results are permissible and desirable, since it is well known that the relative models for work in equal conditions demonstrate almost the same level of speed. In this regard, we even thought to abandon the designation of the best results in diagrams, but then left traditional sorting as productivity descending, and the indicators of the ASUS Gryphon Z87 model for clarity are highlighted in color.

In the test for measuring the speed of photorealistic three-dimensional rendering Cinebench 15, we are five times spending processor tests and average the results obtained.



The Fritz Chess Benchmark utility is used in tests for a long time and has proven itself well. It gives well repetitive results, performance is well scaled depending on the number of computing streams used.



Test X264 FHD Benchmark v1.0.1 (64bit) allows you to evaluate the system performance in video coding speeds compared to the results available in the database. The original version of the program with the Version version R2106 allows you to apply the AVX processor instructions for encoding, we replaced the executable libraries to the R2334 version to be able to use the new AVX2 instructions that appear in Haswell processors. The average results of five passes are presented in the diagram.



Performance measurement B. Adobe Photoshop. CC We carry out using your own test, which is a creative recycled Retouch Artists Photoshop Speed \u200b\u200bTest, which includes typical processing of four 24 megapixel images made by a digital camera.



The processor performance during cryptographic load is measured by the built-in test of the popular TrueCrypt utility using the "Triple" encryption of AES-TWOFISH-Serpent with a buffer size of 500 MB. It should be noted that this program Not only can effectively download work any number of cores, but also supports the specialized set of AES instructions.



Computer game Metro: Last Light is very beautiful, but strongly depends on the performance of the video card. We had to use the medium quality settings "Medium Quality" to save playability while resolving the screen 1920x1080. The diagram presents the results of the five-time passage of the built-in test.



F1 2013 races are much less demanding of the computer's graphics subsystem. With a resolution of 1920x1080, we have set all the settings to the maximum by selecting the Ultra High Quality mode, and additionally included all available image quality improvement features. The integrated test is carried out five times, and the results are averaged.



In most tests, the ASUS Maximus VI Hero motherboard is noticeably ahead of its rivals - it definitely says that the nominal mode of operation of the board system is not respected. From the review of this model We know that it opens the frequency of the processor by 200 MHz with multi-threaded loads. It is extremely important to note that when the parameters change the full-time rules of operation of the Intel Turbo Boost technology in BIOS of other models, you can get exactly the same results, and the options of the option "K OC" on the Gigabyte boards allow you to achieve even higher indicators in individual tests. . Starting the same mode of operation on other boards, if necessary, it is very simple, but with a disconnection of it on the model "ROG" series there were serious difficulties, and therefore such behavior of the fee has to be considered as a particularly unpleasant lack. As for the ASUS Gryphon Z87 model, it is obvious that short-term drops of the frequency of the processor do not affect its productivity to nominal. In typical loads, the board demonstrates a normal speed, a little different from others, providing the nominal mode of operation of the system, related models.

Now let's see which results will demonstrate the systems while increasing the frequencies of the processor and memory. The same indicators were achieved on all boards - the processor was overclocked to a frequency of 4.5 GHz when fixing the voltage on the kernels at the level of 1,150 V, and the frequency of memory is raised to 2133 MHz during the timings of 9-11-11-31-2N according to the "XMP" "





















When overclocking the processor and increasing the frequency of memory, the performance of motherboards was almost the same, which should be expected. It is a pity that we have not seen a similar situation when comparing boards with standard settings. Depending on the test application, the boards periodically change places, but the difference in speed is small. In this case, the performance of the ASUS Gryphon Z87 board does not differ from the rest, since during acceleration, we manually raised the permissible limits of the processor consumption and its multiplication factor does not fall under load.

Measurement of power consumption

Measuring the power consumption of systems when working in nominal mode and during overclocking is carried out using the EXTECH POWER ANALYZER 380803. The device is turned on in front of the computer power supply, that is, measures the consumption of the entire system "from the outlet" system, with the exception of the monitor, but including losses in the power supply itself. When measuring consumption, the system is inactive, we are waiting for a complete cessation of post-leader and lack of contacts to the drive. The results in diagrams are sorted as consumption growth, and the indicators of the ASUS GRYPHON Z87 model for clarity are highlighted in color. However, this could not be done, since the fee always occupies a leading position, while on top of the list, but, oddly enough, we will not always please this result.



In the absence of a load, the small MicroATX-board ASUS Gryphon Z87 was able to overstellit even the traditionally economical motherboard of Micro-Star, but the two other models are disappointed. Judging by the previous results of the tests of full-size LGA1150 boards, the average for them is 45 W consumption level, but the ASUSTEK and Gigabyte pair of companies with default settings spend noticeably more than this value.

It must be said that with all its shortcomings, Haswell processors have indisputable dignity in the form of lower power consumption at rest compared with the LGA1155 processors. Unfortunately, working with nominal settings fees do not give us the opportunity to see it, and therefore we added another additional chart with the mode we called "ECO". This is the same regular mode of operation that is provided with default settings, we only manually changed to the BIOS with "AUTO" to "Enabled" the values \u200b\u200bof all the parameters in the processor energy-saving technologies.



The difference was significant, the results improved, the consumption of most systems has decreased significantly, and the MicroATX-board ASUS is still leading, only now she has changed the nearest rival. The ASUS Maximus VI Hero model has all energy-saving technologies, it lags behind quite a bit, but the consumption of Micro-Star fee has not changed. In fact, according to the testimony of the device, the consumption decrease was noticeable, but it turned out to be very insignificant and did not reach even 1 W. Thanks review of this model We know than explains such a strange result. MSI board Z87-GD65 Gaming does not allow to fully include energy-saving technologies, which is also inferior to both ASUSTEK models, but still exceeds the Gigabyte Ga-Z87x-OC board, in which the reaction to the inclusion of energy-saving modes was quite weak.

Just in case we recall that in test systems, we install the AMD Radeon HD 7970 discrete video card, but if it is refused and proceed to use the graphics core integrated processors, the total consumption of ordinary systems may fall even below 30 W. The cost-effectiveness of Haswell processors alone is very impressive and looks tempting, but it is a pity that the default motherboards do not give us the opportunity to enjoy this dignity, manual correction of the BIOS parameters is required.

To evaluate a typical level of power consumption, we have measured during system performance tests using the Fritz program. It must be said that it almost does not matter exactly which utility is used as a load. Almost any ordinary program capable of fully downloaded all four cores of the processor, will show very close or even exactly the same results.



The only lagging is the fee of Asustek and again we understand the reasons. The ASUS Maximus VI Hero board does not comply with the nominal mode of operation of the processor, it oversleeps its frequency, and therefore it is naturally losing comparison with payments providing regular settings.

To create a maximum load on the Haswell processor, we returned to the "LINX" utility, which is a graphic shell to the Intel Linpa test, and the program modification used by us uses the AVX instruction calculations. This program provides a load much higher typical, but when used, we additionally do not heal the processor with a hot air flow or an open flame. If one program may be more than usual to load work and heat the processor, it is possible that the other can also be. That is why we check the stability of the disinterested system, as well as create a load on the processor during the measurements of power consumption using the LINX utility.



Gigabyte and Micro-Star boards demonstrate a normal level of power consumption just above 130 W, the ASUS Maximus VI Hero board continues to pay for the abnormal mode of the processor and is expected to be the most wasteful, but the economy of the ASUS Gryphon Z87 model is no longer happy. The difference is too large compared to other fees, it is no longer explained by the compactness of the microatx model as on the previous diagram. Unlike the ROG series boards, the usual ASUSTEK models and the TUF cards are resetting the processor frequency at high load, and therefore not able to provide the expected level of performance. As a result, it turns out that with the default settings, none of the LGA1150 boards of ASUSTEK can provide a standard system operation mode. And it allows himself, I would like to remind the leading manufacturer of motherboards. Extremely sad.

It is necessary to add that for the total estimate of the level of energy consumed by the energy system, it is necessary to load the video card, and the final result will depend on its power. In power consumption tests, we use only a processor load, but if you measure the energy consumption during the operation of the AMD Radeon HD 7970 discrete video card in the games, the total power consumption of the ordinary system will significantly exceed 200 W, approaching 250 W when working in the nominal mode and exceeding this value when overclocking .

Now we estimate the power consumption during the acceleration of systems and the absence of a load.



Even when overclocking, we always fully use all the processor energy-saving technologies, and therefore the arrangement remains the same as it was with the "ECO" settings when working in the nominal mode. The power consumption of ASUS and MSI boards almost did not increase, both ASUSTEK models are ahead of the Micro-Star fee due to its inability to include the deepest energy saving modes, but our previous reviews have shown that many Gigabyte Mid-sized boards have obvious problems with voltage converters. and with the work of energy-saving technologies. The GIGABYTE GA-Z87X-OC model has become the first LGA1150-card, the power consumption of which turned out to be more during acceleration than it was in the nominal mode.

When overclocking and appearing the load, the power consumption of any overclocked systems, not only Gigabyte, is incomparably more than in the nominal mode of operation. It affects both frequency growth and raising voltages. With high loads, the power consumption of the ASUSTEK and Micro-Star boards is closer, due to the small dimensions and the absence of numerous additional controllers, the small MicroATX-board ASUS is still leading, and the Gigabyte GA-Z87x-OC model remains the world's most voracious.





Afterword

The Motherboard Asus Gryphon Z87 is the first MICROATX form factor tested for the LGA1150 processors and it is largely similar to the usual charges of this size. Not so much there are models of this format with three PCI Express X16 connections, we are unlikely to meet another one, which has seven connections for connecting fans, and all they are adjustable. And certainly there is no other model, which optionally it would be possible to establish a protective coating. Not bad, by the way, the decision is invented. To whom it is necessary, he will acquire an additional "Gryphon Armor Kit", and the rest will be able to save. Contrary to our concerns, no difficulties in assembling a small motherboard did not deliver. Its design is thought out, the possibilities for most users are quite sufficient, the ability to accelerate and performance in typical tasks is not different from full-sized models, and the level of energy consumption turned out to be the lowest and comparable only with the most economical ATX payments.

Unfortunately, despite its non-standard, according to behavior, according to the features of the work, the ASUS Gryphon Z87 fee is no different from the usual models of ASUSTEK. This is a typical ASUS LGA1150 card complete set Disadvantages, starting with minor flaws when starting and ending with a reduced performance at high loads. There is not the slightest desire to recommend it to buy, like any other LGA1150 fee of this company. It remains only to crushed, because none of the ASUS boards tested on the Intel Z87 logic can provide the nominal system mode with the default settings. The "ROG" series models are overestimated by the frequency of the processor, and the rest reduce it at high loads - just an outrageous situation that is unpretentious even for a beginner, and in this case we are talking about the leading manufacturer of motherboards. In addition, we know a lot of other minuses of Asustek motherboards, however, it is not only difficult to ignore these models, but not always necessary. They also have a lot of advantages, and other manufacturers are observed their characteristic problems. In particular, despite the shortcomings, it is necessary to pay attention to the ASUS GRYPHON Z87 model. Many of the flaws noticed by us can be eliminated, with the rest you have to come to accept, and it calms down a little that among them there are no critical that would be in principle to use the fee. But this model, like other TUF series boards, will delight the owner five-year warranty service, which is a very weighty argument in its favor.