Gaming Performance

The issue of FCLK settings might play a big role here. At launch, the default setting for the communication buffer between the CPU and PCIe stack was 800 MHz, even though Intel suggested 1000 MHz, but this was because of firmware limitations from Intel. Since then, there is firmware to enable 1000 MHz, and most motherboard manufacturers have this - but it is unclear if the motherboard will default to 1000 MHz and it might vary from BIOS version to BIOS version. As we test at default settings, our numbers are only ever snapshots in time, but it leads to some interesting differences in discrete GPU performance.

(A side note from Ian: This is one of E. Fylladitakis first motherboard reviews and we supplied him with a single GPU to get started. This may change in the future. But ultimately the gaming tests have been more of a checkbox for abnormal behaviour, as with the CPU tests, to make sure nothing fishy is going on.)

Total War: Attila

The Total War franchise moves on to Attila, another The Creative Assembly development, and is a stand-alone strategy title set in 395AD where the main story line lets the gamer take control of the leader of the Huns in order to conquer parts of the world. Graphically the game can render hundreds/thousands of units on screen at once, all with their individual actions and can put some of the big cards to task.

For low end graphics, we test at 720p with performance settings, recording the average frame rate. With mid and high range graphics, we test at 1080p with the quality setting. In both circumstances, unlimited video memory is enabled and the in-game scripted benchmark is used.

Total War: Attila on NVIDIA GTX 770 2GB ($245)

GRID: Autosport

No graphics tests are complete without some input from Codemasters and the EGO engine, which means for this round of testing we point towards GRID: Autosport, the next iteration in the GRID and racing genre. As with our previous racing testing, each update to the engine aims to add in effects, reflections, detail and realism, with Codemasters making ‘authenticity’ a main focal point for this version.

GRID’s benchmark mode is very flexible, and as a result we created a test race using a shortened version of the Red Bull Ring with twelve cars doing two laps. The car is focus starts last and is quite fast, but usually finishes second or third. For low end graphics we test at 1080p medium settings, whereas mid and high end graphics get the full 1080p maximum. Both the average and minimum frame rates are recorded.

GRID: Autosport on NVIDIA GTX 770 2GB ($245)

GRID: Autosport on NVIDIA GTX 770 2GB ($245)

 

 

CPU Performance, Short Form Final Words & Conclusion
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  • A5 - Monday, May 1, 2017 - link

    Nice article, more mainstream reviews are always appreciated.
  • austinsguitar - Monday, May 1, 2017 - link

    people need to realize that z270 and intel are still a great buy for regular users. its not a bad investment. i just prey that 6core comes in time to consumers.
  • ddriver - Monday, May 1, 2017 - link

    Aside from the fact it is highly unlikely it will accept more than a single generation of processors.
  • Cygni - Monday, May 1, 2017 - link

    Seems pretty likely that Coffee Lake is intended to be compatible with Z270.
  • ddriver - Monday, May 1, 2017 - link

    That would be a new one for intel ;) If that happens, I guess "competition". For years now, intel has been artificially limiting chipset compatibility to squeeze extra chipset sales by obstructing upgrades.
  • ronnie.d.davidson@outlook.com - Sunday, May 7, 2017 - link

    Thats not what I've been reading....New Intel Coffee Lake 6 Core CPU's will need the 300 Series Chipset which means....New Motherboard !
  • ronnie.d.davidson@outlook.com - Sunday, May 7, 2017 - link

    The Inter Coffee Lake 6 Core CPU's will need the 300 Series Chipsets which means...New Motherboard !
  • fanofanand - Monday, May 1, 2017 - link

    Totally agree, more reviews of the volume pieces would benefit far more readers. I won't be buying either of these but at least now I know why.
  • Arbie - Monday, May 1, 2017 - link

    It's incredible that they can market something so complex, with so many precision parts, materials, and process steps - not to mention all the ICs - for a delivered price of $140! These are the benefits to us of mass production and sadly low foreign wages. Given that I'd use such a mobo heavily for hours every day, for years, I'd willingly pay more if I knew the workers got more.
  • rocky12345 - Monday, May 1, 2017 - link

    Nice write up Thank You. I just looked the MSI board up at Memory Express in Canada it goes for $209.99 CAD which sounds about right after exchange rate.

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