MSFN Forum: 4-Way Intel Z77 Motherboard Round-up

Although Intel's die shrink of Sandy Bridge isn't due until next week (Monday, rumors say), the company has long shipped Ivy Bridge's accompanying chipsets. It might seem odd to jump the gun on "next-gen" motherboards, but 7-series platforms are backwards compatible with Sandy Bridge processors, so users have actually been able to buy a Z77 motherboard and use it for a few weeks without Ivy Bridge.

Naturally, that means Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge processors share the same socket. In addition to Sandy Bridge CPUs being compatible with 7-series motherboards, 6-series motherboards are compatible with Ivy Bridge chips. In other words, with little more than a BIOS update, folks running on older boards based on chipsets such as the H67, P67 or Z68 should be able to use one of Intel's latest processors.



Given the similarities between generations, 7-series chipsets don't bring too many changes to the table. We published an overview of the update earlier this week if you're interested, but the main difference between Cougar Point and Panther Point is native USB 3.0. Instead of relying on third-party controllers, every H77, Z75 and Z77 motherboard ships with support for at least four SuperSpeed USB ports.

Intel made other improvements, too, such as broader support for overclocking, as well as access to the company's integrated graphics and hybrid storage tech. These features still aren't universally available, but you'll find each in at least two chipsets and that should simplify your options. Nonetheless, being performance junkies and all, we imagine many of you have your eyes fixed on the flagship Z77.

Full review @ TechSpot