Which Gigabyte Z68?

Associate
Joined
21 Nov 2002
Posts
1,586
I'm building a computer on which I intend to run OSX mostly, but also to have the capabilities to run some of the nice games coming out this quarter.

I'm going for the obligatory 2500k and am hoping for a modest overclock (what could I expect?).

I've opted for a Gigabyte board for OSX compatibility reasons, but am undecided on the model.

I'm tempted by the Gigabyte Z68XP-UD3 as it's sub £100, but have read that the 7-phase VRM might compromise overclocking. I see that OcUK have the Z68XP-UD3P on this-week-only-offer for £120 which is tempting as I believe it has 12-phase which I'd guess is better. Does it have any other notable additional features to justify the extra money? Are there any other models I should look at in the range?

Couple of supplementary questions (might post these in their respective forums anyway):

1. I've got an old Enermax Noisetaker 600w - will it be okay for a PSU until I can shell out for a nice modular one?

2. Are there any recommendations for good coolers that won't break the bank?

Thanks in advance.
 
Any clues on this anyone?

I'm thinking that I might just opt for the UD3. I'm not sure I can justify paying an extra 20% of the mobo price for a gamble at a slightly higher overclock.
 
Yesterday I set up my Dad's new computer and it's got the Z68XP-UD3P. It's a nice looking board and it's got pretty much everything you need unless you're a hardcore enthusiast. The only things I'd say it's lacking are: 1. A motherboard mounted on/off button. 2. Proper UEFI bios. You access it through Windows as opposed to pressing delete when you boot up. Still pretty handy though and looks smart (although not quite as cool as Asus' version). The spec it's running with is as follows: i5 2500K with Venon Nano cooler (great cooler, but use low profile memory if using 4 slots), 16GB Corsair Vengeance LP Arctic White, Crucial M4 64GB, 2 x Samsung F3 1TB HDD's, optical drive, EVGA GTX 460 SC, Silverstone ST60F-P modular PSU, Corsair 650D. So far I'm really impressed. It's also got Lucid capability which, although I haven't used it yet, is half the point of Z68. I should probably mention that I haven't OC'd the cpu yet (I might not even bother as it's quick as it is), but the XMP worked with the memory.

Hope this helps.
 
Last edited:
Bump for OP's post.

I'm interested in the difference between the Z68XP-UD3 and Z68XP-UD3P. Looking at the Gigabyte site, the UD3 has an m-SATA connector (whatever that is....?) and that looks like the only difference apart from the looks? Surely there's something else that would justify the extra cost?
 
word of advice, dont use the reset button with Z68 boards. Just experienced a boot loop of death with my Gigabyte one after doing some overclocking tinkering. Quick google search whilst its being RMA'd revealed issues with pressing reset button when looking for similiar issues!
 
Back
Top Bottom