Z68 Motherboard Roundup: ASUS, EVGA, ASRock, GB, MSI, ZOTAC

CPU:	Intel Socket 1155 for 2nd Generation Core i7/Core i5/Core i3 Processors
	Supports Intel 32 nm CPU
	Supports Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2
Chipset:	Intel Z68
Memory:	4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB
	DDR3 2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 Hz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
	Dual Channel Memory Architecture
	Supports Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
Multi-GPU Support:	Supports NVIDIA Quad-GPU SLI Technology
	Supports AMD Quad-GPU CrossFireX Technology
	Supports LucidLogix Virtu Technology
Expansion Slots:	2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8)
	1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x4 mode, black)
	2 x PCIe 2.0 x1
	2 x PCI
Storage:	Intel Z68 chipset:
	2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), gray
	4 x SATA 3Gb/s port(s), blue
	Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
	Support Intel Smart Response Technology on 2nd generation Intel Core processor family
	Marvell PCIe 9128 controller:
	2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), navy blue
	JMicron JMB362 controller:
	1 x eSATA 3Gb/s port(s), red
	1 x Power eSATA 3Gb/s port(s), green
LAN:	Intel 82579, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s)
	Realtek 8111E , 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s)
	Dual Gigabit LAN controllers- 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) appliance
Audio	Realtek ALC889 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
	- Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
	Audio Feature :
	- Absolute Pitch 192kHz/ 24-bit True BD Lossless Sound
	- Blu-ray audio layer Content Protection
	- DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC
	- Coaxial and Optical S/PDIF out ports at back panel
USB Ports:	NEC USB 3.0 controller :
	4 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board)
	Intel Z68 chipset :
	12 x USB 2.0 port(s) (8 at back panel, , 4 at mid-board)
Form Factor:	ATX Form Factor, 12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm )

With the P8Z68 Deluxe, your $249.99 will get you a board that supports Intel’s Core i7/i5/i3 LGA1155 chips (2nd-Generation), up to 32GB of DDR3-2200 (OC) memory, and NVIDIA Quad SLI/AMD Quad CrossFireX.

There are seven expansion slots in total, including three PCI-E x16 slots, two PCI-E x1 slots, and a pair of PCI slots. The Z68 chipset provides six SATA ports (two 6Gbps, four 3Gbps), while a Marvell PCIe 9128 controller gives you two more SATA (6Gbps). There is also an eSATA (3Gbps) port and a power eSATA (3Gbps) port. There are four USB 3.0 ports (two on the back panel) thanks to an NEC USB 3.0 Controller as well as a dozen USB 2.0 ports provided by the Z68 chipset.

The ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe has on-board buttons aplenty as well. In addition to power and reset buttons, the board has an EPU (Energy Processing Unit) switch, a TPU (TurboV Processing Unit) switch, a MemOK button (which loads failsafe memory settings), and a clear CMOS button (on the back panel). The board also has an LED diagnostic code display.

ASUS played it cool with the accessories; aside from the standard fare (manual, utilities CD, rear faceplate, SATA cables, etc.) the only notable extra in the box is USB 3.0 front panel.


ASUS’ digital power design consists of its Dual Intelligent Processors 2--the aforementioned EPU and TPU--and DIGI+ VRM, which is designed to efficiently handle voltage in such a way as to promote excellent performance with minimal power loss. The EPU and TPU make for a sort of odd couple, with the former intelligently throttling power and the latter supporting ways to milk more speed out of the system.

Other notable features include BT GO!, which is designed to enable adapter-less Bluetooth connectivity; dual Gigabit LAN; and overclocking software in the form of Auto Tuning and TurboV.

The ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe isn’t overly flashy, and it isn’t loaded down with dozens of extraneous utilities and accessories. This is your classic “I’ll let my performance do the talking” kind of motherboard.