3DMark 11
FutureMark Corporation’s 3DMark 11 is a reliable test for determining a system’s performance in DirectX 11 type games. The benchmark measures both graphics-based and PhysX-based system capabilities. The basic version of the benchmark test was run three times, with the highest reproducible 3DMark scores recorded.
The Z77H2-AX fared a bit worse in these tests then its competitor, lagging by almost 5% across the board. It did manage to make up some ground in the PhysX tests due to the test’s heavy reliance on raw CPU performance.
Batman: Arkham City Benchmark
The in-game benchmark utility in Batman: Arkham City gives a real-world approximation of how well a system will perform in a DirectX 11-based game. The benchmark test was run at a 1920×1080 resolution with all graphics settings set to High or On with the following exceptions: FXAA High, DX11 enabled, PhysX disabled.
Here we see the Z77H2-AX matching performance of the other Intel-based system, giving a better picture of how the board would function in a more realistic gaming scenario.
Hard Reset Benchmark
The in-game benchmark utility in Hard Reset gives a real-world approximation of how well a system will perform in a DirectX 9c-based game. The game engine was heavily modified by Flying Wild Hog studios to give DirectX 11-like graphical and PhysX abilities. The benchmark test was run at a 1920×1080 resolution with all graphics settings set to High or On with the following exceptions: FXAA 4x, Anisotropic Filtering 8x, PhysX at default.
Again, the Z77H2-AX performs on par with the other Intel Z77 system, further illustrating its performance-potential in everyday type gaming scenarios.
Hardware Editor at PC Perspective. Main focus is on motherboard reviews, but does branch out to other areas of interest from time to time (read that as water cooling). Morry has been building his own systems since the mid-90's and has a passion for PC modding and watercooling. If you've been to Quakecon, there's a chance you've seen one of his builds.
You really need to see it live to get the full effect. I tend to like the read and black theme that ASUS ROG boards normal sport, but I would seriously consider putting this one in my system if the o/c performance was better…
The black & gold is too over The black & gold is too over the top, should go down well with the chaps on the sub continent though.
I could be wrong but as far as I know there is no such thing as a SATA 6 cable. All generation cables are the same.
The SATA 6G cable terminology seems to be more of a corporate marketing-speak term, since you are correct that any SATA cable is capable of handling a SATA III drive/signal. What I've noticed with the manfacturer-labeled "SATA III" cables is that those cables seem to be a bit thicker and more substantial than the SATA II labeled cables.
The gold thing is silly and The gold thing is silly and impractical. Proper colour coding of every port individually is saner.
As for “eSATA ports”, I fail to see why. This is an interface that crashes boxes under almost any OS and is utterly obsoleted by USB3 and Thunderbolt by now.
I would much rather have seen a second gigabit RJ45.
50 Cent; your motherboard has
50 Cent; your motherboard has arrived.
Seriously though, if ECS wants to go for the high-end motherboard market blinging it out in gold is not the way to go.
You really need to see it
You really need to see it live to get the full effect. I tend to like the read and black theme that ASUS ROG boards normal sport, but I would seriously consider putting this one in my system if the o/c performance was better…
The black & gold is too over
The black & gold is too over the top, should go down well with the chaps on the sub continent though.
I could be wrong but as far as I know there is no such thing as a SATA 6 cable. All generation cables are the same.
The SATA 6G cable terminology
The SATA 6G cable terminology seems to be more of a corporate marketing-speak term, since you are correct that any SATA cable is capable of handling a SATA III drive/signal. What I've noticed with the manfacturer-labeled "SATA III" cables is that those cables seem to be a bit thicker and more substantial than the SATA II labeled cables.
YouTube and iTunes are nice
YouTube and iTunes are nice for filling in the gaps.
Here is my website: watch online movie free
The gold thing is silly and
The gold thing is silly and impractical. Proper colour coding of every port individually is saner.
As for “eSATA ports”, I fail to see why. This is an interface that crashes boxes under almost any OS and is utterly obsoleted by USB3 and Thunderbolt by now.
I would much rather have seen a second gigabit RJ45.