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If you want to build a new high performance media center then the Asus ROG Maximum V Gene Z77 motherboard should without question be right at the top of your shortlist. When paired up with the latest Intel Core i7 3770k this builds the foundation for a very formidable system.
Intel's Core i7 3770k is a step up from the previous generation 2600k and 2700k, although I don't think it is such a dramatic performance shift that people should get into debt, just to upgrade their system.
The Intel Core i7 3770k delivered some noticeable improvements when compared to the 2700k, especially in the Sandra Cryptography test, showing the benefits of the new architecture. Core by Core, those gains translated into performance improvements when rendering 3D scenes with Cinema 4D and 3D Studio Max. Video encoding showed similar gains, and the Core i7 3770k system landed right at the top of our performance chart. It is an ideal, reasonable cost option for gamers who also have media demands.
The one remarkable area is power consumption as the 3770k system we built today only demands 58 watts when idling, which is breaking new ground for a Core i7 desktop build. It demands less power than the 2700k at the same clock speed while also outperforming the older design.
Overclocking the 3770k proved easy, requiring only a modest core boost to achieve 4.6ghz. This was possible with the £20 Arctic Cooler Freezer 13, meaning you don't need high end cooling to achieve a decent overclock with the 3770K. After 4.6ghz it gets a little more difficult as the voltage needs to exceed 1.3 volts. This has the effect of raising the temperatures significantly, so hardcore air, or liquid cooling will be required. We have two 3770k samples which required similar settings, so be prepared to pay more for cooling if you want to achieve 4.8ghz or higher.
Pricing of the Intel i7 3770k has yet to be confirmed as it won't be available via the channel for another week, but estimations at time of publication are around the £249.99 inc vat mark.
The Asus Republic Of Gamers Maximus V Gene is on special offer with ARIA, having dropped in price from £160 to £150 inc vat. At this price we think it is a steal, and should make any final shortlist for a new media center build.
Ordering this later, fabulous board, just what i need!
I love asus products, always so reliable and i agree, the bioses are great..