The next generation of Intel X79 motherboards are just starting to hit retailers now, and at this point the Z68 series motherboard architecture remains one of the better performing and more affordable options on the market. In this review we will take a look at the ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe Z68 LGA 1155 motherboard which supports the very latest second generation Intel Core i7, i5, and i3 processors. We will identify key features of this board then quickly dive into BIOS settings, overclocking support, and performance benchmarks.



Before getting in to the heart of the review, let's take a look at some of the key features and specifications for the P8Z68 Deluxe Z68 LGA 1155 motherboard. For the latest and most complete details, please visit the official product page on the ASUS website.

Features:

» UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)
» Support for 2.2TB + storage
» LucidLogix Virtu (universal switchable graphics)
» Intel Smart Response Technology
» Dual Intelligent Processors 2 with DIGI+ VRM
» BT GO! Allows Bluetooth connectivity to your computer without additional adapters
» USB 3.0 Integration. Includes Front Panel USB
» Dual Gigabit LAN
» DTS Surround Sound
» LGA1155 Socket for 2nd Generation Intel i7/i5/i3 Processors
» Intel Z68 Chipset includes 2 SATA 6Gb/s and 4 SATA 2Gb/s
» European Union's Energy-related Products (ErP) ready

Specifications:

» Model: ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe (Rev 1.0)
» CPU Socket Type: LGA 1155
» CPU Type: 2nd Gen. Core i7/i5/i3 (supports 32nm CPU)
» North Bridge: Intel Z68
» Number of Memory Slots: 4
» Memory Standard: DDR3 2000(OC)/2133(OC)/1866(OC),1600/1333/1066
» Maximum Memory Supported: 32GB
» Memory Channel Supported: Dual Channel
» Expansion Slots:
» PCI Express 2.0 x16: 2 (x16 or dual x8)
» PCI Express 2.0 x1: 1 (x4 mode)
» PCI Express 2.0 x16: 2
» PCI Slots: 2
» Storage Devices
» SATA 6Gb/s: 2
» SATA 3Gb/s: 4
» SATA RAID: 0/1/5/10
» Audio Chipset: Realtek ALC889
» Audio Channels: 8-Channel High Definition
» LAN Chipset #1: Intel 82579
» LAN Chipset #2: Realtek 8111E
» Max LAN Speed: Both LAN Chipsets provide Gigabit speeds
» Rear Panel Ports
» PS/2: 1
» Bluetooth Module: 1
» eSATA 3Gb/s: 1 (red)
» Power eSATA 3Gb/s: 1 (green)
» IEEE 1394: 1
» LAN (RJ45: 2
» USB 2.0: 8
» USB 3.0: 2
» S/PDIF Out: 1 coaxial, 1 optical
» Audio Ports: 6
» Clear CMOS Button: 1
» Onboard USB: 2x USB 3.0, 4x USB 2.0
» Onboard 1394: VIA 6315N (1 at mid-board, 1 at back panel)
» Bluetooth: Bluetooth V2.1+EDR
» nVIDIA SLI Support: Quad-GPU SLI
» AMD CrossFireX Support: Quad-GPU CrossFireX
» Form Factor: ATX (12.0" x 9.6")