The GA-Z77X-D3H is very much a mainstream SKU when compared to the G1.Sniper 3 and Z77 Ultra Durable motherboards, but this should not be confused for a low value option. The D3H is still built to the Ultra Durable 3 standard, assuring very high reliability at a low price point compared to other Z77 motherboards. It also includes all of the productivity enhancements common to GIGABYTE's Z77 including: mSATA, Lucid Virtu MVP, Quicksync, 3D BIOS; as well as support for 2-way SLI and Crossfire.

Like all Z77 motherboards the D3H will feature GIGABYTES new digital power delivery system, which leverage's four digital controllers for more control over CPU, Vtt, internal graphics and memory voltages in real time. Also a feature are HDMI, DVI, Display Port and VGA display outputs, allowing a multitude of display connectivity options.




Sadly the G1.Sniper M3 was still in transit during our visit, but it looks so promising we can't pass up mentioning it. Matching as many features of the G1.Killer series as possible within the mATX form factor, the G1.Sniper M3 is a dual-GFX card capable motherboard intended for gamers who place a premium on portability.

The limited real estate of mATX demands a few compromises - gone are most of the extreme overclocking features, Bigfoot Killer NIC, OC PEG and mSATA - though the basis of a formidable gaming rig remains intact. Especially pleasing is the inclusion of Creative's Sound Core3D chip which should allow excellent audio from a system based on the M3, typically an area of weakness for mATX systems.

Note that the board shown has been superseded by one with black PCB and blue heatsink livery similar to the Ultra Durable range.

Dave caught up with Stewart from GIGABYTE who took us through their Z77 range:



GIGABYTE weren't able to divulge the release date of their Z77 range, but the mature design of these boards indicate that it can't be too far off.

Our thanks to GIGABYTE for their time.