Much of the computing industry is rapidly moving towards physically smaller components without downsizing performance. Can MSI's Mini-ITX Z87I Gaming AC prove that Small Form Factor gamers need not worry about finding a motherboard which tends to their requirements? MSI's first take on a gaming-orientated Mini-ITX motherboard sees the inclusion …

Today we are going to take a look at the Gigabyte F2A88XM-DS2 motherboard, aimed at those looking to build an AMD APU based system with a limited budget.  This particular motherboard is a bit of a departure from the usual high end product we are used to receiving from Gigabyte …

With so much of Haswell’s performance being related to on-chip parameters, many users are quick to question the relevance of a high-end motherboard. Does MSI’s Z87-G43 Gaming act as proof that an entry-level board can compete with the high-end contenders on the Z87 chipset? Featuring support for two-way CrossFire (albeit …

The 4770K offers quite possibly the highest per-clock performance numbers of any consumer-grade processor currently on the market. It’s just that fact which makes Haswell’s multiplier-unlocked Core i7 a plausible option for workstation applications. And with that possible usage scenario comes the requirement for workstation-grade LGA 1150 motherboards. Is ASRock’s …

Introducing itself to the low-cost gaming motherboard scene, can Gigabyte's G1.Sniper Z87 retain the features that makes its higher-priced siblings attractive purchases? Targeting mid-range gamers Gigabyte's G1.Sniper Z87 features a Killer E2201 NIC, support for 2-way SLI and CrossFire, and an eye-catching green and black colour scheme. Further enhancements are …

Forming the entry-level Z87 board in ASRock's gaming-orientated Fatal1ty series, is the Z87 Killer able to prove itself as a good-value gaming motherboard? Designed to meet the requirements of gamers, ASRock outfits its Z87 Killer with a number of premium add-on components which it calls Gaming Armor. An audio upgrade …

Since its inception earlier this year, MSI's Gaming series of components has been a success story. With its well-respected ATX Gaming series motherboards receiving positive feedback, MSI turns its focus to winning over mATX gamers. Enter the micro-ATX Z87M Gaming. Retaining many of the gaming-orientated features that made its ATX …

How does a company make a multiple award-winning, enthusiast-grade motherboard even more ‘extreme'? By making it into a black edition version, of course. Asus has updated its critically-acclaimed Rampage IV Extreme X79 motherboard to ‘Black Edition' status. Have the upgraded components and IVB-E tweaks resulted in yet another rampaging master …

As a chipset, X79 is starting to show its age, especially when compared to the feature-heavy Z87 PCH. This can pose problems for motherboard manufacturers looking to sell a value-orientated product that isn't stripped to the point where masses of consumers are alienated away from the target audience. Cutting down in …

Today we are going to take a look at the ASRock FM2A88X Extreme6+ motherboard which is their flagship FM2+ model. We recently looked at a Gigabyte's flagship FM2+ motherboard – the G1 Sniper A88x and we were very impressed with the overall package. ASRock have made quite a name for …

Today we are going to look at one of the first Socket FM2+ motherboards designed for gaming, the Gigabyte G1 Sniper A88X.  This has similar characteristics as the other products in Gigabyte's gaming range, including the trademark green and black colour scheme. As its name suggests, the Gigabyte G1 Sniper A88X features the …

The newest ATX member joining Asus' premier line of Z87 motherboards, the Maximus VI Formula, brings something completely different to the ROG table – a full-board covering called ROG Armor. Can the distinctive Maximus VI Formula prove itself as an excellent platform for high-end gamers and intermediate overclockers? Typically a …

Built for hardened overclockers, does ASRock's Z87 OC Formula have what it takes to compete with the likes of MSI's Z87 XPower and Asus' Maximus VI Extreme? Utilising an E-ATX form factor and packed with overclocking-geared enhancements, ASRock's Z87 OC Formula represents the company's motherboard designed specifically for hardened tweakers …

Providing a fresh burst of excitement in Asus' premium Republic Of Gamers series, the Maximus VI Hero is the first ROG motherboard built specifically for the mid-range gamer. Has Asus' price-constricting approach paid off? Sparking attention due to its true gaming-orientated design and a price tag to match, the Maximus …

Built to serve extreme overclockers and hardcore enthusiasts, can the Z87 Republic Of Gamers series' flagship model compete with the finest motherboards that ASRock and MSI have to offer? Perched at the top of Asus' Z87 ROG tree, the Maximus VI Extreme features support for 4-way graphics configurations via a …

Situated towards the entry-level end of Gigabyte's Ultra Durable series of Z87 motherboards, the Z87-D3HP aims to provide a cheap-and-cheerful way for budget-conscious users to make the switch to Haswell. Featuring six SATA 6Gb/s ports, CrossFire capabilities, Intel LAN, and up to ten USB 3.0 ports, Gigabyte's Z87-D3HP offers a …

Sat at the top of ASRock's Z87 Extreme series line-up, the Extreme9/ac is designed to combine enthusiast and gaming performance into a single motherboard that can provide everyday usage. With a 12 phase power delivery design and support for 4-way graphics configurations via a PLX PEX 8747 PCI Express switch, ASRock's …

Today we are going to take a look at the Gigabyte F2A85XN-WIFI, a mid-range mini-ITX motherboard, aimed at those who are looking to build a basic compact gaming system or a compact media centre PC. The Gigabyte F2A85XN-WIFI features the AMD A85X chipset and supports all of the latest ‘Richland’ …

Today we are looking at the new AMD FX9590, clocked at an eye popping 5ghz. The FX9590 is shipped with a base clock of 4.7ghz and a maximum turbo speed of 5.0ghz – the all important figure which has already started a plethora of news stories across the net. AMD …

MSI is aiming for all-out performance with its flagship LGA 1150 motherboard – the Z87 XPower. Can the 32 phase VRM, overclocking-orientated features, host of add-on controllers, and support for 4-way graphics configurations give MSI's Z87 XPower motherboard success in the enthusiast sector? Adamant to make a stake in the …

When Intel launched their new range of Haswell processors at the start of June we reviewed a handful of new Z87 motherboards, including the high end Asus Sabertooth priced around the £200 mark. Not everyone can afford a £200 motherboard, so today we look at the budget Asus Z87-K motherboard …

Regular readers will be aware that Intel recently launched their Haswell range of processors. Kitguru has already reviewed motherboards from partners such as MSI, ASUS and Gigabyte in the last week. Today we look at the new ASRock Z87 Extreme 6 – this is a 12 phase power design featuring …

It would have been difficult to miss Intel's launch of Haswell last weekend. On launch day we looked at the Gigabyte GA-Z87X-OC and the ASUS Z87 Sabertooth motherboards and today we analyse the latest high end board from MSI – The Z87 MPower MAX. This is priced a little higher …

This weekend Intel launch their new Haswell range of processors and the major motherboard partners have a range of models for the enthusiast audience to choose from. We have several articles prepared for today, and this review focuses on the new Asus Sabertooth Motherboard paired up with the Intel Core …

This weekend Intel launch their range of Haswell processors and companies such as Asus and Gigabyte have a new range of boards for the enthusiast audience to choose from. This review focuses on the Gigabyte GA-Z87X-OC motherboard when paired up with the Intel Core i7 4770k processor. Just how capable …

Asus' original P8Z77-V LX was, and still is, a solid entry-level Z77 motherboard. Can the P8Z77-V LX2 motherboard's subtle design changes and reduced price prove that it is ready to compete in the tough sub-£80 Z77 motherboard market? In any entry-level market, a few pounds can be the difference between …

Today we are going to look at the MSI Z77A-GD65 Gaming motherboard.  It's MSI's latest model, targeted at the enthusiast audience, more specifically enthusiast gamers.  It boasts an impressive feature set which is specifically tailored for those gamers who want the best possible performance from their system. MSI are one …

Today we are going to take a look at the Biostar Hi-Fi Z77X which is the latest model in their range based on this chipset.  We were recently very impressed by the Biostar Hi-Fi A85W motherboard which offered a good balance between style, performance and features, while remaining widely affordable. …

Today we are going to take a look at the Biostar Hi-Fi A85W motherboard which features the same A85X chipset as the Gigabyte F2A85XM-D3H that we reviewed recently.  Consequently, it features AMD's FM2 socket which supports the latest ‘Trinity' APUs. Biostar may not be top of most enthusiasts lists but …

With the company's solid set of options in the Z77 motherboard market, Asus is aiming to conquer the intermediate segment that lies between the entry-level and mid-range price categories. Enter the P8Z77-V LK motherboard. Sitting between the entry-level P8Z77-V LX and mid-range P8Z77-V motherboards in Asus' Z77 arsenal, the P8Z77-V …