Multimedia and System Benchmark Testing
Handbrake
Handbrake was used to convert an uncompressed version of the Iron Man Blu-ray movie in MKV format to a compressed 720P MP4 format. The Iron Man MKV file was ripped from the Blu-ray disc in the past with the file size for the uncompressed media coming in at 26 GB. Handbrake was run with default settings enforced with the exception of Anamorphic set to Loose and Video width set to 1280. This test was repeated three times with the lowest repeatable conversion time recorded.
The Z77X-UP7 performed in-line with other Intel Z77-based board. Video encoding is one of the more system intensive operations, with good performance in the benchmark indicative of similar board performance.
Maxon Cinebench 11.5
Maxon’s Cinebench 11.5 benchmark can be used determine a system's ability to render 3D content based on their Cinema 4D animation software. The CPU benchmark test was run three times, with the highest reproducible Cinebench points score recorded.
Again, the Z77X-UP7 doesn't disappoint with a strong showing against the other board.
Tech ARP x264 HD Benchmark
Tech ARP's x264 HD benchmark can be used to determine how fast the system can encode a 1080p type video clip to an x264-type format. The benchmark test was run three times, with the highest reproducible FPS (Frames per second) score recorded.
The Z77X-UP7 manages another solid performance, having no trouble in keeping up with the other Intel Z77-based system in this 1080p encode test.
PCMark 7 Professional
FutureMark Corporation’s PCMark 7 can be used to reliably ascertain a given system’s performance in a Windows 7-based non-gaming type use environment. The professional version of the benchmark test was run three times, with the highest reproducible PCMark scores recorded.
The Z77X-UP7 makes a surprise leap for the top spot, nudging the competition out of the way during most of these business app-styles tests in this benchmark.
Peacekeeper Benchmark
FutureMark Corporation’s Peacekeeper browser-based online test can be used to determine system performance for web sites and web-based content. Using a Firefox browser, the benchmark test was run three times, with the highest reproducible Peacekeeper score recorded.
Th Z77X-UP7 falls minimally behind the lead board here, still with a strong showing.
” Note that the card requires
” Note that the card requires a USB 2.0 header connection for enhanced functionality unlocked via its Windows app.”
No.
Contrary to popular beleif, Mini PCI-E cards are dual mode and support PCI AND USB
On combo WiFi/BT Cards such as this Atheros and Intel Centrino, Bluetooth is routed to the USB pins of the mini PCIE (the small end)as Bluetooth is designed for USB drivers/software only.
Inserting a combo card into a slot wired for PCI only will simply just not enable the Bluetooth.
Some Mini to full Carrier cards such as the one included with this board have a USB port to fully enable the Mini PCIE slot.
Some carrier cards such as generics or Intel’s 6205 Desktop card do not pass USB through and as such cannnot use Bluetooth or 3G cards.
Mini PCIE WWAN/3G are also USB only due to the driver/softwre stack.
Getting mSATA to work in a Mini PCIE slot is anothr matter, and some new laptops have a fully universal slot, some motherboards dont. One can see a Marvel IC in the periphery of this boards mSATA.
KngtRider – thank you for the
KngtRider – thank you for the clarification on the functioning of the Atheros card. The review information has been updated for accuracy…
Color scheme makes it look
Color scheme makes it look like an old DFI Lanparty.
Why does every motherboard
Why does every motherboard bundled software have glossy, flashy and badly skinned UI? Can’t anyone make clean, readable and aesthetically pleasing UI? Is it just me?