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Intel P67 Sandy Bridge Round Up – ASUS P8P67 EVO, ECS P67H2-A2, GIGABYTE GA-P67A-UD4, MSI P67A-GD65 & Intel DP67DG Burrage Extreme

Eric Garay
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With INTEL’s Cougar Point P67/H67 Chipset issue out of the way, people can now decide which board to get again. Today, we have a nice mix of mainstream Sandy Bridge boards and I’m happy to report that for the most part, they have been a pleasure to work with over the last few weeks. In this round up, we’re testing several of the best price/performance P67 motherboards. We’re giving them a very thorough and scrutinized beating so that you know what to expect and help you decide what to choose when you make the switch.

The INTEL P67 Sandy Bridge Contenders

The challengers waiting along the ropes are the ASUS P8P67 EVO, ECS P67H2-A2, GIGABYTE GA-P67A-UD4, Intel DP67DG Barrage Extreme and MSI P67A-GD65 motherboards. Many of these boards have very similar features.

As you can see, all the platforms offer very similar features like USB 3.0, SATA3 (6Gbps), 7.1 channel HD audio, integrated LAN interface, dual NVIDIA SLI and/or ATI CrossfireX support. However, the major differences come down to the number of expansion slots, supported memory overclocks, audio software, and design layout. For example, the ASUS P8P67 EVO offers the highest supported 2200MHz XMP memory overclock as well as the most on board features of any of the boards. This partially justifies why it’s also the most expensive. GIGABYTE and MSI appear to have the most similar feature set while the MSI P67A-GD65 seemingly does it all for less.

Some of the boards offer a full UEFI BIOS. Like any BIOS, it’s extremely important they are well coded and stable. More on that as we get into our testing and evaluation including who’s doing their homework in regards to the new UEFI BIOS design. On with the round up!

ASUS P8P67 EVO Motherboard

ASUS has shipped a whole new arsenal sporting brand new heat sink designs and themes. ASUS keeps true to the Intel blue on dark PCB theme. The special features of the P8P67 EVO are hidden within its underlying Dual Intelligent II technology. We got an up close and personal look at Digi+VRM and learned that engineers have finely tuned this feature so well that even the 12+2 Phase VRM provides an impressive amount of clean power, rivalling higher end boards. Our video presentation and overview runs through the rest of the signature features.

In terms of layout, the P8P67 EVO is overall very clean with most every port option arranged to the outer edge of the PCB. Despite the many onboard usable expansion options, nothing really gets in the way of the usual suspects like the graphics cards. The build quality is definitely some of the highest seen from ASUS thus far which includes the well rounded motherboard accessory bundle. While the $210 price tag is the second highest of the bunch, it feels like there’s plenty of value underneath.

ECS P67H2-A2 Motherboard

While this aggressive new theme isn’t brand (we’ve seen it on the P55H-AK LGA1155 board) it’s definitely eye catching. ECS has become more serious when it comes to offering a full featured board and supporting overclocking. The board’s overclocking specs suggest it can follow suit or leave the rest of the pack in the dust. However, the limited 8 Phase VRM could be its Achilles heel when it comes to that. More on this board’s feature set in our video walk through below.

As you can see, for its design, expansion features, and generous bundle, the P67H2-A2 is shaping up to be a very good $195 USD value. It’s really hard to pack on the extra features without incurring some kind of cost. Testing will ultimately decide if the board’s artful glyphs are ready for the stage or if maybe some more technological features are needed.

GIGABYTE GA-P67A-UD4

Returning to the ring is a familiar black PCB motherboard sporting a really nice new theme. It’s very similar to the P67A-UD7 we had the pleasure of reviewing a few weeks ago. The UD4 is lower end mainstream version sporting a 12 Phase VRM rather than a 20 Phase found on the pricier UD5. Since most of the main stream users don’t need a lot of extras, that tends to help cut down on the price. Plus, it’s still suppose to overclock well enough to attract budget minded enthusiasts. The video below will walk through some of the more interesting aspects of this board.

In terms of layout, the UD4 is a very simple, yet clean platform. It’s among the least busy of the round up with everything in an optimal place. There aren’t any “new” technological features either. It’s more of a refresh of last generation. Still, it continues to look like a very high quality motherboard as we’ve seen first hand. For it’s $205 USD price range, it’s missing a few buttons like the others so far and has a meager accessory bundle. Perhaps testing will offer some unseen benefits.

MSI P67A-GD65 Motherboard

MSI brings us their best bang for buck P67 platform, the P67A-GD65. There are some DrMOS updates and Military Class II components feed the OC Genie II which continues to turn any enthusiast into an overclocking Jedi with just a press of the button. The board supports up to 2133MHz DDR3 and is fitted with some familiar looking heatsinks that may have done time in a red and black tone on certain ASUS ROG boards. Our video below takes you through some of the cooler aspects of the board.

In terms of layout, the motherboard is surprisingly clean, yet offers a fuller range of expansion features like the rest of the more expensive boards in the round up. The $190 USD price tag is very appealing and has good accessory bundle. This could really be a bang for the buck choice if it passes the testing phase of our evaluation.

Intel DP67BG Burrage

We’ve already put the Burrage to work in our Sandy Bridge launch article. Intel continues to follow its signature “Extreme Series” theme with their latest retail boards. They’ve promised that more has been done to polish up the UEFI BIOS and P67 series performance. We’re happy to see support for NVIDIA SLI return to please the gaming community. Our video below takes you through some of the more interesting things about this contender including it’s more media oriented H67 sibling.

In terms of board design, the layout seems to be the least busy of all using only proven components Intel trusts. The only issue we’ve noticed is that the CPU socket is located ever so slightly closer to the DIMM slots than the rest. If you’re using a large CPU cooler, you might run into issues installing memory that uses taller heat spreaders. Otherwise, some Kingston HyperX low profile memory like the newly reissued HyperX Genesis will get underneath those large cooling fans. However, it’s missing a couple of SATA ports and still retails for $200 USD with a fairly normal industry standard 3 year warranty like the rest. I guess we’ll see in testing if having the INTEL name will put it at the top.

Now that we’ve introduced our contenders, let’s get them setup to do battle!

Test System Setup and Configuration

To ensure fair testing, we used the same hardware for each board in testing. Here are the hand selected components for our test rigs:

Following best practices for testing, the latest BIOS updates were applied to each of the test boards and all the latest available drivers as of the day of testing were used. Stock and overclocked processor frequencies were tested since it reveals each motherboard’s maximum hidden potential. The system memory was left to 1333MHz 9-9-9-27 during tests but we did use the HyperX Genesis 2133MHz kit to confirm that the motherboards did in fact support the higher overclocked frequencies via XMP2 profiles.

Installation and BIOS Notes

It’s important to maintain good quality control no matter where you are on the technological food chain. So, here are a few notes worth reading. Of the roundup, the ASUS P8P67 EVO, GIGABYTE P67A-UD4, and MSI P67A-GD65 offered the best BIOS update software. MSI’s Updater 5 is required if want something off their website quickly. It would be nice if we could locate files manually on their site without it. Also, when updating the BIOS through any motherboard, make sure you plug the flash drive in to a USB 2.0 port as it detects right away whereas the USB 3.0 may not and usually does not.

An unrelated Cougar Point issue was noted when working with the EVO and A2 boards’ SATA2 ports. When adding devices to the ports, especially SSDs, the boards AHCI feature often failed to automatically or manually detect them through Windows. While a restart always works, a BIOS fix for the EVO corrected the issue. However, the latest ECS A2 BIOS as of testing hasn’t helped.

When browsing the EVO’s new UEFI BIOS, you’ll find a simple intro page with quick performance selections as well as advanced access with several more traditional style BIOS settings. It may require some memorizing if you want to get proficient. The GD65 Click BIOS was the easiest to figure out and was the most well organized of the UEFI layouts seen thus far. The Click BIOS starts you off in a simple front page and takes you to the settings desired from there. However, the mouse clicking sometimes didn’t register properly, slowing down our normally fast setups.

GIGABYTE’s UD4 BIOS setup was the least imaginative of the bunch. While underneath is the new UEFI BIOS, GIGABYTE decided to do away with a UI and went with the more familiar blue BIOS screen, allowing users extremely quick setup with just the keyboard. Depending on what you’re looking for, this may be a pro or a con but we really did wish they’d do something new and improved with the tools they were given with P67.

Our sample ECS P67H2-A2 came with several BIOS glitches that prevented Intel Turbo Tech, any CPU adjustments, and XMP memory profiles from working at all. After a little patience, we received a new BIOS that gave the board new wings. While the bulk of the issues were resolved, Intel Turbo didn’t seem to engage the higher frequencies nearly as long as the other motherboards which was evident in some of the testing.

Software and BIOS Overclocking

We overclocked our P67 motherboards using the included software and then manually through the BIOS. The objective is to see how well the motherboards overclock the CPU using a maximum 1.45 volts. Starting with the software, the utilities offered are ASUS AI Suite II, ECS eOC2, GIGABYTE Easy Tune 6, Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU), and MSI Control Center II.

AI Suite II/Turbo EVO software lead the group with a 4.2GHz stable overclock with a press of the button. It’s automated settings can achieve the same and sometimes higher, but it can take up to 20 minutes. MSI Control Center II also offered excellent options and a 4.1GHz setting. GIGABYTE Easy Tune 6 offer 4.1GHz stable settings as well, except for the memory setting that wouldn’t access the 2133MHz memory.

Both the Intel Barrage and ECS A2 utilize the basic Intel Extreme Tuning Utility. However, like Turbo EVO’s automatic option, it will require some patience as it can take up to 20 minutes to find the maximum overclock on its own. The Intel software seems to have 4.1GHz as a maximum frequency. It just takes so long to get there. The A2 comes with an extra eOC2 overclocking utility, but it only offers voltage and PCIE/BUS Clock changes which is essentially useless if you want to really overclock through the multiplier which primarily benefits Sandy Bridge.

When it comes to manual CPU overclocking, the BIOS is the limiting factor. For this test, each overclock had to be stable through three passes of Sysmark 2007. The ASUS EVO (above) achieved a very stable 4.64GHz overclock which incidentally bested my pricier GA-P67A-UD7, further testifying to the power of the ASUS Dual Intelligent Processor 2 DIGI+VRM. Thanks to the new ECS BIOS, our P67H2-A2 achieved a quick 4.5GHz nominal overclock which is nice to see given the rough start. The UD4 and its hybrid UEFI BIOS provided 4.45GHz with minimal fuss. The GD65 Click BIOS gave us an ever so slightly lower 4.4GHz. Rounding out the bottom, the INTEL DP67BG achieved 4.2GHz, making it not much better than a software overclock.

The thing to keep in mind here is that by manipulating a few other voltages and settings, it’s very possible that all these platforms can best 4.5GHz which appears to be the average threshold. Some of the updated BIOS that arrived after testing may also help. If you’re shooting for 5GHz, you’re going to need 1.5 volts and an Intel Next Generation K-SKU processor with the unlocked multipliers.

Benchmark Notes and Settings

To thoroughly sum up any performance differences between all the platforms, we’re using SYSMARK 2007, Cinebench R11.5, 3DMark11, RightMarkAudio Analyzer, Input/Output performance. Each program was left to their default installation set up so that you can compare your system to our scores. Each platform was tested in 3DMark11 using a single GTX 460 in stock and overclocked configurations. However, since all of the boards support both ATI and NVIDIA configurations, I opted to test with two MSI Geforce GTX 560ti video cards just for the SLI portion.

Quality Control was done utilizing both our senses and a laser thermometer. Power Consumption was measured using a power meter from the outlet.

Cinebench R11.5

Rendering is system intensive. Cinebench renders a rather large picture testing both single core and multi-core performance. We’re looking at both multi-core and single core scores in this test in stock and overclocked environments.

Once again, the EVO platform proves to be the most aggressive performer in both stock and overclocked tests. In fact, it utterly leaves the rest of them in the dust once it breaks the 4.5GHz sound barrier. When watching CPUZ during the test, the ECS P67H2-A2 just wouldn’t manifest the 4.5GHz core frequencies resulting in a 4.2GHz score. Perhaps a little more BIOS polishing is needed.

SYSMARK 2007

This program benchmarks a computer’s overall performance using real applications from every day productivity applications like Microsoft Office, to professional 3D modelling applications like AutoDesk 3DStudioMax. A list of tested applications are provided here. Applications are further grouped into segments that represent a systems strengths. We tested the system stock and overclocked to allow you to see the impact in real world situations.

The EVO’s better tuned BIOS ensures the overall lead. The EVO, P67H2-A2, and Burrage pretty much man handle the 3D creation section so this is good news for 3D modelling pros or architects. Let’s check overclocked results.

If the system can’t complete this benchmark three times overclocked, it’s just not truly stable. Again, the EVO leads the pack with the UD4 close behind followed by the GD65. Even though the P67H2-A2 overclocked the second best, something is lost in translation. There could still be some cob webs in their BIOS.

3DMark11

This latest DirectX11 3D benchmark from FutureMark does a great job of measuring graphics performance and offers a basic version now so that all users can compare. First, we tested with a single MSI GTX 460 Twin Frozr II. Then, we confirmed SLI performance using dual MSI Geforce GTX 560ti video cards.

All of the platforms were very comparable. However, the EVO managed a to beat them all no doubt due to its increased tuning. In terms of frame rates in actual video games, all of the platforms are going to be separated by just a few frames per second at the most.

Right Mark Audio Analyzer

The objective here is to compare the motherboards’ audio performance a bit more objectively than with the human ear. Using the latest drivers, RMAA is pretty reliable when detecting poorly integrated audio processors. A pair of high quality headphones helped us confirm our results. All of the 24-bit codecs frequencies were tested. Below are the results.

Each platform achieved a good rating. The Intel Barrage board offered the highest quality audio even to the naked ear. Unfortunately, RMAA did detect some THD (Total Harmonic Distortion). It was just ever so too high, otherwise it would have really secured the top spot. We’re glad to report that there was no stereo crosstalk nor could any odd irregularities be heard during music, game demos, and movies.

Input-Output Expansion Performance

Most motherboards don’t have a lot of variation in this area since they use similar if not identical controllers, chipsets, and drivers. However, some boards have used PLX controllers which add performance and value. Crystal Disk Mark 100MB transfer tests were used to look for performance differences and SANDRA for network. Note, we’re using a Kingston Value+ SSD for SATA2 testing.

Looking at our round up, it was the EVO that offered the most flexible storage expansion with P67 Chipset, JMicron, and Marvell ports. That means you have extra ports if you currently have a recalled B2 stepping ASUS P67 motherboard with the black, dark blue, and light blue ports. The rest of the pack were comparable, but don’t offer the same general speeds.

Overall System Power Consumption

Consumption was similar between all the platforms. Only at load did we observe a larger difference no doubt to the more rich features on the EVO and A2. Realistically speaking, users won’t mind these numbers at all. They’re pretty darn low for quad core, multi-threaded, mainstream computer systems.

Quality Control

Our QC test consists of evaluating the motherboard’s quality looking for things like noise emissions, crooked, unusually hot components, and poorly performing features. We’re also keeping an eye on power consumption in default configuration and when using any conservative energy modes.

What we found was that the Barrage, EVO, and GD65 were very quiet and cool operating platforms. The UD4 presented a very faint, yet detectable high pitched sound emitting from the components around the CPU socket during high loads. The P67H2-A2 emitted the loudest noise which could be heard more than six feet away. This does speak to the overall component quality and its unfortunate that the ECS doesn’t shake it’s low quality roots.

P67 Cougar Point Round Up Score Card

There can be some good and bad things about adopting any new platform, or technology for that matter. Even while the UEFI BIOS continues to mature, the P67 Sandy Bridge platforms are far, far more aggressive overclockers than previous generations reaching 4.1GHz right out of the box when just using software. We can’t stress enough that none of the motherboards ever presented any Cougar Point SATA issues what so ever even with weeks of thorough beatings. Even though we’re dealing with all new software, BIOS, and processors, our scoring method carries a seriously strict curve.

ECS P67H2-A2 Summary

The ECS P67H2-A2 gave us a rough start, but came through at the very end offering surprising overclocking and respectable performance. It was unusually eager to rock 4.5GHz in part to Sandy Bridge’s strong engineering. However, our board didn’t quite make efficient use of Intel Turbo at all times evident in repeated Cinebench tests. It’s odd little AHCI glitch could probably be improved with another BIOS update. Until then, this platform will have be restarted in order  to detect new devices plugged in to SATA ports. The A2’s noise emissions won’t make many friends on the silent system integrator front. Standard gamers may not mind or notice the board noise above their performance hardware.

While the overall design and configuration is good, there needs to be a bit more quality control by engineers when it comes circuit implementation and BIOS. Clean this up a bit and the board would have bested some others.

GIGABYTE GA-P67A-UD4 Summary

In true GIGABYTE form, the GA-P67A-UD4 motherboard presents one of the cleanest layouts and designs to date. We were a little sad at first to see it without a flashy UEFI BIOS of its own, but the hybrid BIOS still works perfectly and can be updated in the future. Stability was great all around and performance was on par with the rest of the pack. Overclocking was good with minimal tweaking even with only 8 Phase VRM support. With more serious tweaking, it has the potential of being much higher overclocker. The motherboard bundle was disappointing as it offered the bare minimum compared to the others.

Ultimately, its very cool design theme and overclocking may limit the number of potential consumers who are looking for more features. It would be nice to see some new ones or tangible extra improvements to the Ultra Durable 3 platform.  Then, we would have something a lot more exciting to write home about.

Intel DP67BG Barrage Summary

Intel excels at producing super clean operating motherboards, but aren’t known for extreme overclocking. The DP67BG Barrage performs very nicely even surpassing the previous generation in that respect. It’s a very organized platform for those who are expecting high quality Intel performance right down to the power consumption. And, it’s one of few boards around to offer a Consumer Infrared feature. The back lit LED skull is one of their more creative trademarks lending something unique to its presentation. The Barrage was also the easiest of the round up to recover from overzealous BIOS settings.

Still, it would be nice to see some extra overclocking performance from under the hood as well as some new features that make the Extreme series stand out. We know that their engineers have both the experience and talent to produce a very strong motherboard. Therefore, we’re eager to see what they come up with later.

MSI P67A-GD65 Summary

Arguably the most well balanced bang for buck platform goes to the MSI P67A-GD65 because of it’s polished features, bundle, and price. It was the least quirky of the platforms when working with the new BIOS and their software is superb for new and experienced users. OC Genie II continues to make it the easiest motherboard on the planet to overclock reaching 4.1GHz with a press of the button. It’s maximum overclocking potential seemed limited due in part to the BIOS limitations rather than hardware. We know the potential is there as we’ve seen it in action before.

We would like to see MSI make the choice to bring that same overclocking zeal to the masses. And, while the layout is very clean and still an attractive board, designers haven’t quite complimented the military class II with the right design. All in all, it’s a very strong and stable performer costing the least of the competition which makes it extremely appealing.

ASUS P8P67 EVO Summary

That brings us to the ASUS P8P67 EVO motherboard. It was the best performing board by just a few points at times and utterly left the rest in the dust at others. The EVO’s design is impressive and features are the most well rounded of the roundup providing impressive stability throughout testing. Both, the AI Suite II and the extremely detailed UEFI BIOS are great to use, but maybe not together. There are so many options between the two that it can get confusing especially enthusiasts new to the P67 series. Still, either of them alone are lean and very eager to transform the EVO in to something of a performance beast.

This is also the only motherboard that offers both JMicron and Marvell SATA3 support along with the standard P67 SATA2 support which deserves extra credit in light of the Cougar Point problem. This all easily overshadows any set up issues or software nuisances which have been recently fixed. Given the motivated number of BIOS updates actively offered, highest performance, great bundle, and technological features, we have to give the P8P67 EVO our coveted Editor’s Choice.

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