MSI Intel 1155 Z68 PCI Express 3.0 Motherboard Z68A-GD65G3

Introduction:

Micro Star International (MSI) released its first over clocking capable 286 mother board in 1987. 24 years later they are still setting the pace for innovation and speed by releasing the first motherboards capable of PCI Express 3.0. Utilizing Intel’s Z68 chip set these motherboards are packed with every feature an enthusiast could be looking for. The two mother boards MSI released are both featured here.We will take an in-depth look a the features of this motherboard

 

Features:

From MSI

PCI Express Generation 3	World’s 1st PCI Express Gen 3 mainboard brand: With ultra-high 32GB/s transfer bandwidth, PCI Express Gen 3 provides a 2X faster transfer rate than the previous generation, this delivers amazing capabilities for true next generation extreme gaming.
Click II Bios	World’s 1st UEFI and software graphical user interface: MSI ClickBIOS II provides a consistent user interface both in the UEFI BIOS and in Windows, it provides the most convenient way for users to control system settings and supports touchscreen control.
OC Genie II (Z68)	OC Genie II (Z68) Just press the OC Genie button or enable OC Genie II function in BIOS menu, the CPU, memory, iGPU and HDD performance will be highly improved. Whether users want to watch a high bit-rate HD movie or go online gaming, both can be enjoyed with image performance that is smoother and lag-free!
Virtu GPU virtualization by Lucid	Virtu Switchable Graphics: Based on LucidLogix Virtu technology, MSI Z68 mainboard series firstly provides the most expectable feature for desktop platform – switchable graphics, which allows users to enjoy both graphics power of integrated GPU and discrete GPU. It will switch to integrated GPU for HD movie playback, video transcoding and general applications to save system energy, or release full power for hardcore 3D gaming by switching to discrete GPU automatically.
Military Class II	The perfect trinity of quality, stability and efficiency all exist at one mainboard to meet end user expectations. The MSI Military Class II series products provide the long lifespan, unparalleled quality, extreme performance and ultimate efficiency.
THX TruStudioPro	THX is a trade mark of a high-end audio/visual reproduction standard for movies, home theaters, computer speakers and other audio devices. THX Certified Audio products are designed to let users experience movies & videos as live show. The true sound effect can make high definition video more powerful.
Super Charger	Mobile consumer appliances are getting more and more attention in current day fast moving life style, with smart phones and tablets almost becoming a fashion accessory. However, many ordinary personal computers cannot charge some of these devices, making it difficult to stay connected.  The MSI Super Charger is a Windows resident program capable of revising the power supply mode of your USB port to become more powerful. Once your phone or tablet is connected to your USB port, the Super Charger sends a signal to initiate its charging circuit, making it a really smart and convenient charging solution for mobile computing needs.
Winki 3	Winki 3 is a free Linux-based O/S which is based on the Linux core. With an ultra-fast  booting speed and a multi-language interface, the built-in Winki 3 provides an easy-to-use internet environment that includes the most popular functions such as internet surfing, web mail, instant messaging, picture browsing, and more. It’s the most practical way to be online in the shortest time.
M-FLash	Compared to common mainboard which need extra BIOS chips, MSI’s M-Flash has a double advantage which doesn’t need extra components and secondly, all your BIOS data will be saved in the USB drive. The stored data does not only have backup and upgrade function, moreover it can also be seen as a portable BIOS chip which is actually able to boot up your PC.
Live Update 5	MSI Live Update 5 is a powerful and useful application for updating the latest BIOS and Drivers, saving you time and lowers the risk of updating. End-users can install and run the Live Update 5 software on their computers with the companion CD or downloading the app from the MSI website.
Control Center: Instant OC	Instant MB info monitor Intelligently auto set clock/voltage of CPU and memory Smart Mode: 4 instant OC modes
3TB+ Infinity	3TB+ Infinity is not only breaking through the limit of traditional BIOS, but also enhancing the utilization of hard drives efficiently. In addition to supporting the latest 3TB hard drives, MSI 3TB+ Infinity technology can use the 3TB hard drive as boot disk when installing a 64-bit operating system. Compared to competitors, MSI 3TB+ Infinity is an industry-leading technology which substantially presents an advantage of development and application in the future.

Specifications:

CPU:	Supports Intel® Sandy Bridge processors in LGA1155 package.
Chipset:	Intel® Z68 (G3) Chipset
Memory:	Supports four unbuffered DIMM of 1.5 Volt DDR3 1066/1333/1600*/2133*(OC) DRAM, 32GB Max
Expansion Slots:	2 PCI Express gen3 x16 slots 3 PCIE x1 slots 2 32-bit v2.3 master PCI bus slots. Support 3.3v/5v PCI bus interface.
Drive connections	4 Sata III (6Gb/s) (2 On Intel Z68, 4 Sata II (3Gb/s
Audio:	Flexible 8-channel audio with jack sensing
Lan:	Supports one PCI Express LAN 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet by Realtek 8111E
Internal I/O Connectors	– ATX 24-Pin power connector – 8-pin ATX 12V power connector – CPU x 1 / System x 4 FAN connectors – CD-in connector – Front panel audio connector – Front panel connector – 1 x chasis intrusion connector – 3 x USB 2.0 connectors – 1 x USB 3.0 connectors – 4 x Serial ATAII connectors – 4 x Serial ATAIII connectors – 1 x Clear CMOS jumper – 1 x SPDIF-out connector – 1 x TPM module connector – 1 x DLED3 connector – 1 x Voltage Check Point – 1 x Power button – 1 x Reset button – 1 x OC Genie button
Back Panel I/O	– 1 x PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard port – 1 x Coaxial SPDIF port – 1 x Optical SPDIF port – 1 x Clear CMOS button – 1 x RJ45 LAN Jack – 4 x USB 2.0 ports – 2 x USB 3.0 ports – 1 x Graphics Card port – 1 x DVI-D port – 1 x HDMI port – 1 x 6 in 1 audio jack
Bios:	The mainboard BIOS provides “Plug & Play” BIOS which detects the peripheral devices and expansion cards of the board automatically.
Form Factor:	ATX

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A Closer Look:

Hands down the greatest joy aside from using a new product is un-boxing it. I wanted to share the experience with you as best as I could. Here is the video:

The innovation this motherboard features is astounding. Pairing it with the OCZ Revo X2 and an Intel i5-2400k should result in some pretty amazing benchmarks. Before that let’s take a look at some close-ups on this board.

As I stated in the video this is the first motherboard I have worked with featuring the USB 3.0 Internal headers. MSI was kind enough to include this PCI expansion slot so you can take full advantage, even if your case doesnt support internal USB 3.0 yet.

If any of you have ever tried to hold two diodes of a multi-meter to the pins of a motherboard, you know it can be difficult. MSI has included not only a convenient location for this purpose, they have provided you with adapters for ease of use. This simple diagnostic function could limit hours of effort.

Another feature included with the system enthusiast in mind, are these adapters for the on board pins for the power/reset grouping, speaker, and usb ports. Its a simple addition that will make your life easier.

As mentioned in the video MSI pulled out all the stops. They have given you four SATA right angle cables in addition to the SLI adapter. I thought it was a little strange to include a separate book for software, I haven’t seen something like this for a motherboard before.

A closer Look:

Taking A close look at the motherboard here you can really see the craftsmanship that went into the layout and design.  You can see the spacing on the 2 PCI express 3.0 slots near the Z68 chipset heat sink. Make special note of the on board power/reset buttons, not all over clocker’s keep their best board in a full case. this eliminates the potential need to jumper the power circuit yourself.

The military class II branding this board features isn’t just a recognizable line, it stands for the high standard of components used in the motherboard. Here’s the breakdown:

• Hi-c CAP: 8X Lifespan than solid Capacitor!!
  Insisting on the best stability, MSI utilizes Hi-c CAPs on Military Class series.  Made of the rare element Tantalum, often used on space shuttles and satellites, which sustains very high temperatures and shows an amazingly high electrical conductivity.
• SFC: SFC(Super Ferrite Choke).The super Ferrite Chokes use a Ferrite core that is Super-Permeable. Compare with traditional choke, the Super Ferrite Chokes run at a 35 degree Celsius lower temperature. The lower working temperature will enhance mainboard stability.
• Solid Cap: 10 years long lifespan
  For providing the highest quality products, we built-in Solid CAP in the entire Military Class series. This not only makes bursting capacitors a non-issue but also ensures a dramatically extended lifetime and ultra-low ESR.

Installation:

Test Rig:

• Motherboard: MSI Z68A-GD65G3
• CPU: Intel Core i5-2400 Sandy bridge
• OS Drive: OCZ REVO x2 100Gb PCIx
• OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64
• Ram: 2x4Gb Patriot Viper Xtreme DDR3 2000Mhz
• Video: Sparkle Nvidia GTX 480+
• Cooler: Thermaltake Frio
• PSU: NZXT Hale 90 750 watt Modular
• Case: Thermaltake Level 10 Gt

Installing this rig was a piece of cake. I was nothing shy of giddy to get this fired up. The blue lights of the case (4 color capable) really compliment the color scheme on the motherboard. But on to more pressing matters.

Bios:

Traditionally, “bios screen shots” are performed with a camera and some optimism. I only took three of these photos because as mentioned in the video, MSI has included the WORLD’S FIRST CLICK BIOS II. This is the natural progression of the UEFI bios which allows keyboard AND mouse input. The new version allows for full bios control within the windows environment.  Not only is this immeasurably helpful for reviewers such as myself, for any novice over-clocker, this will allow simultaneous bios access and GOOGLE access from one machine. I know what your thinking, “this will allow everyone to really hose their motherboard, brick central here we come”, but thats not so. MSI has made this motherboard USB flash-able with M-flash.:

“Compared to common mainboard which need extra BIOS chips, MSI’s M-Flash has a double advantage which doesn’t need extra components and secondly, all your BIOS data will be saved in the USB drive. The stored data does not only have backup and upgrade function, moreover it can also be seen as a portable BIOS chip which is actually able to boot up your PC.“

That means you can back-up, restore, and flash a full bios from USB. Potentially even greater than that is LIVE Update 5:

“MSI Live Update 5 is a powerful and useful application for updating the latest BIOS and Drivers, saving you time and lowers the risk of updating. End-users can install and run the Live Update 5 software on their computers with the companion CD or downloading the app from the MSI website.”

With all of these included utilities, we may be witnessing the death of key pounding during boot-up while trying to beat our ever faster pc’s.

I have included the standard bios pictures to illustrate the lack of difference between the traditional and in windows experience.

To Windows!!!

I took screenshots of almost the entire Bios, just because I could here are some pictures of the highlights.

Trust me when I say that the bios gives you access to every setting imaginable. However the settings are a bit scattered for a full overclock customization. For that MSI has included another windows Utility, Control Center.

Control center is looks like a very powerful tool, and it even reminds the user (who might be perhaps overwhelmed at this point) that there is a significantly easier “OC Genie II” button. I’m beginning to see why MSI included a book specifically to address their included software. I should also mention that each of these applications can be installed or uninstalled separately.

Benchmarks:

AIDA64

AIDA64 Extreme Edition is a streamlined Windows diagnostic and benchmarking software for home users. AIDA64 Extreme Edition provides a wide range of features to assist in overclocking, hardware error diagnosis, stress testing, and sensor monitoring. It has unique capabilities to assess the performance of the processor, system memory, and disk drives. AIDA64 is compatible with all current 32-bit and 64-bit Microsoft Windows operating systems, including Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

Memory:

These benchmarks for memory are impressive, largely because this is at stock settings.

CPU:

Utilizing the Intel Turbo boost technology we are pulling 3.2Ghz off of the i5-2400. We are seeing the encryption prowess the Sandy Bridge line is famous for. It comes as no surprise the Z68 chipset utilizes this processor to its full capability.

Raw System Information:

Hands down the best way to get a full look at your system is with AIDA.

Cine Bench:

CINEBENCH is a real-world cross platform test suite that evaluates your computer’s performance capabilities. CINEBENCH is based on MAXON’s award-winning animation software CINEMA 4D, which is used extensively by studios and production houses worldwide for 3D content creation. MAXON software has been used in blockbuster movies such as Spider-Man, Star Wars, The Chronicles of Narnia and many more.

Taking a look at the cine-bench results for the processor i was surprised at how well it performed. I did not expect an i5-2400 to surpass an i7 in performance. This is truely a tribute to intel’s progression. The graphics results are not surprising, the GTX480 continues to be a superb card, surpassed in this benchmark only by ATI’s professional video card.

Passmark:

“PassMark Rating, which is obtained by users after running the full suite of tests available from PerformanceTest. The PassMark Rating is a unique performance rating for a machine’s configuration and is calculated from a machine’s performance over six test suites, comprised of twenty-eight unique tests designed to cover all aspects of computing performance.”

Looking at the breakdown these are impressive scores this sub $200  processor out performs my previous Core i5-750 by over 1300.

PcMark 7 Professional:

The PCMark score is a measure of your computer’s performance across a variety of common tasks such as viewing and editing photos, video, music and other media, gaming, communications, productivity and security.

Made by Futuremark this utility is fantastic for testing the performance of a general system. Typically we use the Futuremark utilities to establish graphic performance but I like this one for standard system use. Especially since the performance of the graphics card was not being called into question.

Gaming Benchmarks:

The Performance here was more than I expected from the cpu/gpu combo. I feel strongly that the OCZ REVO x2 played a large part in the increased performance. There is a reason why SSD’s are the enthusiasts choice. But if you take a look at some of the benchmarks from the REVO, it trumps any traditional SSD on the market currently by a long shot.

I ran the benchmark twice because I couldn’t believe these speeds. Watch out for our full review of this VERY fast drive.

Overclocking:

Overclocking on this system should prove very very easy. Not only is there complete bios access from within windows but there is literally a 1 BUTTON OVERCLOCK.

 

Aside from the XMP profile for my ram, (which worked flawlessly) I was unable to achieve a stable overclock utilizing the i5-2400 Locked processor. Within 15 minutes of running on this VERY impressive speed boost, I was suddenly faced with serious windows instability and forced reboots.

Final Thoughts:

Over the years I have come to expect certain shortcomings when a product comes to the market with “WORLD’S FIRST” featured on their box. MSI released the Z68A-GD65G3 with two “World’s first” features. While very excited to see what the PCI Express 3.0 and Click II bios had to offer. I can resolutely say I was not disappointed. In addition to bringing this level of innovation to the market MSI has included all of the features, and quality we have come to expect from them. If I was forced to find a flaw with this product it would have to be that the “OC Genie II” produced an unstable overclock on a locked processor. The issue is clearly with the locked processor, perhaps the algorithm should prevent processor overclocking on Locked processors. When you look at the included software, the innovative features, and the nearly flawless functionality. This is awesome hardware, I challenge anyone to disagree.