Z68 vs P67 - What's the advantage?

[you2]

I don't think you should sweat it and make it very simple decision. If you want a dedicated gpu save a few dollars and buy the p67. If you want to use on board graphics buy the z68.
-
If the p67 and z68 boards are the same price buy the z68.

 

[Pigbristle]

I don't think you should sweat it and make it very simple decision. If you want a dedicated gpu save a few dollars and buy the p67. If you want to use on board graphics buy the z68.
-
If the p67 and z68 boards are the same price buy the z68.

What he said ;o)

 

[SirBlack]

Mornings guys!!!

i'm new here and i just saw this thread!

i would like to ask the same thing !

I'm about to get a new motherboard for music prgorams video editing some online games and of course I aim for the BEST PERFORMANCE that i can achive!

i already bought the
Hydro H80 Liquid
Silent Pro 800W PSU
ATI HD 6770 as GPU and i plan to buy a second one for SLI mode
SSD Corsair SATA 3 120GB
1 TB WD Blue SATA 2
1 TB WD Black Scorpio SATA 2
1,5 TB Seagate Barracuda SATA 2
500 GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 3
i5 2500K

and i'm planning to buy
a very good motherboard (ASUS i think use high quality products)
the same ATI HD 6770 (i'm pleased with my new GPU it works perfect for me!)
and PC case which will be quiet and keep temprature in low celcius (remember i need a big one cause my H80 is really big)

please let me know your suggestions!
and don't ask me how much money i want to spend...
What you pay , that you take

thanks in advice
SirBlack

 

[JBT]

Z68 supports IB CPU's

 

[arcenite]

Mornings guys!!!

i'm new here and i just saw this thread!

i would like to ask the same thing !

I'm about to get a new motherboard for music prgorams video editing some online games and of course I aim for the BEST PERFORMANCE that i can achive!

i already bought the
Hydro H80 Liquid
Silent Pro 800W PSU
ATI HD 6770 as GPU and i plan to buy a second one for SLI mode
SSD Corsair SATA 3 120GB
1 TB WD Blue SATA 2
1 TB WD Black Scorpio SATA 2
1,5 TB Seagate Barracuda SATA 2
500 GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 3
i5 2500K

and i'm planning to buy
a very good motherboard (ASUS i think use high quality products)
the same ATI HD 6770 (i'm pleased with my new GPU it works perfect for me!)
and PC case which will be quiet and keep temprature in low celcius (remember i need a big one cause my H80 is really big)

please let me know your suggestions!
and don't ask me how much money i want to spend...
What you pay , that you take

thanks in advice
SirBlack

If you want the best performance for video editing you already picked the wrong processor. That's one of the few advantages the 2600 has over the 2500 due to the 2600's HT capabilities. At this point, the motherboard won't matter.

I just picked up an Asus Sabretooth P67 for my i5 build. Putting it together next week hopefully. I got it for $175 from SuperBiiz.com with coupon code SPOOKY

 

[BLaZuRE]

I am currently thoroughly confused. I understand that one of the benefits of the Z68 over P67 is being able to use integrated & discreet graphics (via Lucid Virtu). However, I see no motherboards with onboard graphics at Newegg or Fry's (and some have video ports, which I assume will be overridden by discreet cards).

Am I missing something here?

 

[Dadofamunky]

Mornings guys!!!

i'm new here and i just saw this thread!

i would like to ask the same thing !

I'm about to get a new motherboard for music prgorams video editing some online games and of course I aim for the BEST PERFORMANCE that i can achive!

i already bought the
Hydro H80 Liquid
Silent Pro 800W PSU
ATI HD 6770 as GPU and i plan to buy a second one for SLI mode
SSD Corsair SATA 3 120GB
1 TB WD Blue SATA 2
1 TB WD Black Scorpio SATA 2
1,5 TB Seagate Barracuda SATA 2
500 GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 3
i5 2500K

and i'm planning to buy
a very good motherboard (ASUS i think use high quality products)
the same ATI HD 6770 (i'm pleased with my new GPU it works perfect for me!)
and PC case which will be quiet and keep temprature in low celcius (remember i need a big one cause my H80 is really big)

please let me know your suggestions!
and don't ask me how much money i want to spend...
What you pay , that you take

thanks in advice
SirBlack

Welcome to the forums.

Yeah, I would consider getting the 2600K instead in your case, but the 2500K is no slouch.

I would lean towards the P67 just because music software tends to like more mature platforms in my (not-so-recent) experiences with Cakewalk and ProTools.

Also, lose the 500GB drive, I doubt you'll need it and you won't be able to RAID it. It'll eat up a valuable SATA port and be the slowest drive in your system.

 

[96Firebird]

I am currently thoroughly confused. I understand that one of the benefits of the Z68 over P67 is being able to use integrated & discreet graphics (via Lucid Virtu). However, I see no motherboards with onboard graphics at Newegg or Fry's (and some have video ports, which I assume will be overridden by discreet cards).

Am I missing something here?

The Z68 boards don't need onboard video chipsets, they use the GPU from the CPU to feed the video ports. Using my rig, I have an i5-2500k (which has a GPU built in) and an ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3. Notice it has HDMI, DVI, and VGA outputs on the motherboard. This uses the CPU's GPU. Then, I also have a discrete card in the PCI-E slot. Both of these can be used at the same time, so I can allow my GTX 460 to downclock to normal idle clock speeds when using two monitors.

 

[s_mack]

I've got to ask my Mom why I'm too stupid to understand this... in the meantime, I'll ask questions here

I'm new. I haven't built a PC in several years. I've spent the last week Googling the crap out of everything, and now I'm down to the details. I've got an insurance claim so budget really isn't a concern.

I'm looking at a top notch discrete GPU - a 590 or maybe a couple 580s - and I'll likely get the 2700k just because (yes, I realize it doesn't represent value over 2600 but someone has to buy the thing, right?). But I still can't wrap my head around what mobo to get. I thought I decided on z68 but then I made this huge spreadsheet to compare every z68 on the planet, and didn't manage to find any that impressed me for what I think I'm looking for* (which kinda surprised me). Then I started wondering... do I need to limit my search to z68?

I couldn't give a rat's ass about caching because I'm going to get a 240GB SSD and use it as my primary anyway. So its the QuickSync that's got my interest. But now I'm not sure its all that important for me. I want to encode video... but with a high-end discrete, is there going to be any appreciable benefit to having Quicksync?

Can someone just tell me what motherboard to buy?

- Steven

 

[drizek]

Budget is always an issue, pick one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131702
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131753
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131760

If you can afford it, the Maximus is the best. If you don't mind a P67 and don't want the nicknacks, the Sabertooth should be just fine.

 

[s_mack]

With the budget the insurance co allotted... I don't think there's a mobo on the planet (well, one that I can actually get in a store) that doesn't fall within it. A bigger issue for me, which I failed to mention previously, is going to be finding ones actually available in a CANADIAN store. But that's my problem. Thanks for the links.

 

[drizek]

http://ncix.com/products/?sku=62933&vpn=MAXIMUS%20IV EXTREME-Z&manufacture=ASUS

I'm glad I'm not Canadian, lol. Just a straight up $30 premium.

 

[s_mack]

Welcome to my world, friend

Of course, when I overclock that **** out of this thing and touch something I shouldn't, and sizzle my eyebrows off... the EKG is on the house.

 

[IntelEnthusiast]

The Z68 is the same as the P67 except for 3 features that the Z68 has that the P67 doesn’t have.
-Intel SRT (Smart Response Technology) this technology allows you to use a small SSD (<64GB) to cache data and get improved performance on boot and access. Now this technology doesn&#8217;t perform as well as using a SSD for a boot drive but it perform better than just using a HDD.
-Support for IGP (Intergraded Graphics on Processor) on most Z68 boards there will be support for the IGP. You can use the IGP as backup graphics or to help troubleshoot issues. If you disable the IGP in the bios or don&#8217;t have the LucidLogix Virtu software enabled with a dedicated video card then the IGP will not be running at all. If you have a Z68 board and the Lucidlogix Virtu software running you can switch between the dedicated video card and the Intel Quick Sync to get the best performance for the application that you using.
-Intel SATA III controller for better performance than the older Marvell controller that is used on the P67 chipset.

Now since most of the motherboard manufacturers are charging the same price for a Z68 board as a P67 board with the same features or if they are charging more it is only a few dollars more. Why wouldn&#8217;t you buy a Z68 board?

Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

The Z68 is the same as the P67 except for 3 features that the Z68 has that the P67 doesn?t have.
-Intel SRT (Smart Response Technology) this technology allows you to use a small SSD (<64GB) to cache data and get improved performance on boot and access. Now this technology doesn?t perform as well as using a SSD for a boot drive but it perform better than just using a HDD.
-Support for IGP (Intergraded Graphics on Processor) on most Z68 boards there will be support for the IGP. You can use the IGP as backup graphics or to help troubleshoot issues. If you disable the IGP in the bios or don?t have the LucidLogix Virtu software enabled with a dedicated video card then the IGP will not be running at all. If you have a Z68 board and the Lucidlogix Virtu software running you can switch between the dedicated video card and the Intel Quick Sync to get the best performance for the application that you using.
-Intel SATA III controller for better performance than the older Marvell controller that is used on the P67 chipset.

Now since most of the motherboard manufacturers are charging the same price for a Z68 board as a P67 board with the same features or if they are charging more it is only a few dollars more. Why wouldn?t you buy a Z68 board?

Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team

Thanks. I really don't keep up anymore and don't feel like reading a 10 page review. This is a perfect post. Short, to the point, and very informative.

 

[s_mack]

If you have a Z68 board and the Lucidlogix Virtu software running you can switch between the dedicated video card and the Intel Quick Sync to get the best performance for the application that you using.

Could anyone explain exactly how that process works?

 

[drizek]

Could anyone explain exactly how that process works?

There is a whole anandtech article about it. I think this is the one, http://www.anandtech.com/show/4199/...egrateddiscrete-gpu-on-sandy-bridge-platforms

 

[s_mack]

Great! Thank you Drizek... that looks to be the most complete one I've seen. Appreciate you taking the time to post the link.

 

[genegold]

I hope you won't mind me picking up this helpful thread again. I'm switching over to Intel (i5-2500k) from a Gigabyte 790X-UD4P/Phenom II X4 720 set up. In my mobo search, I've been favoring a moderately priced Z68 board (~$100-$175), but it's been hard finding one that's actually well liked among NewEgg purchasers, let alone fitting my long range needs (esp. >2 SATA 3 and USB 3 connectors). If you look closely over at NewEgg, just about every motherboard that's received good independent website reviews gets only about 45%-55% top ('5') ratings and usually a lot of 1's and 2's, along with supporting comments. And the major companies - Asus, Gigabyte, MSI - are getting trashed for their poor/deteriorating customer service. That doesn't inspire confidence going in. OTOH, the P67 reviews are as a whole much better (e.g., the ASRock P67 Extreme 4 Gen 3 has 70% 5's and has a nice board layout).

Since I envison my next motherboard lasting a few years (the 790X has made three), I just want to check in on where the P67/Z68 differences now stand, especially given the development of better GPUs and Gen 3 boards since the thread started (and linked articles were written). There was discussion earlier on about not being able to overclock with the P67, but the specs and reviews I'm seeing say it's being done with the i5-K - or have I misunderstood? So, the question is would the P67/Z68 difference matter much in my projected set up and typical use - primarily web, downloading/uploading/playing large video files, online event streaming, and office like stuff, with some overclocking more for fun but not much in games. The other things are that this system is designed to run quietly and, of course, as electrically efficient as possible given other priorities (electricity is not regulated in my state). Thanks,


P67 or Z68 mobo
Intel i5-2500K
8gb GSkill PC2100 DDR3 RAM (low profile)
Sapphire HD7750 Ultimate
Kingwin LZP-550 PSU
Corsair Force Series 3 60gb SSD (system drive)
3 Seagate/WD HDDs - 750gb to 3T (Sata 2/3)
1 or 2 quiet case fans (Nexus, Gelid PWM)
Cooler Master Elite 335 case
Prolimatech Megahalems Rev. C cooler w/fan (likely)
Dell U2412M monitor (1920x1200)
Win 7/64
fairly high speed cable internet

 

[dma0991]

If you have a discrete GPU, it doesn't matter if you went with either the P67 or Z68. The ASRock Z68 Extreme4 GEN3 is a solid board and packed to the brim with the features that you need at a decent price point.

If I had to suggest a few tweaks to your build, get DDR3-1600 RAMs instead, it is cheaper and based on your usage, it will only give you minimal benefit. I don't think it is absolutely necessary to get a Platinum PSU, something like a Corsair CX500 gets the job done. You're better off spending that extra on a 120GB SSD as 60GB gets filled up pretty quick, OS alone is about 20GB. As for the casing, I'd change that to a CM Elite 430 or Elite 431, still pretty cheap but comes with more fan mounting spaces and a side window to display your rig.

 

[ZMX]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGA_1155 This really should settle it.

 

[s_mack]

If you have a discrete GPU, it doesn't matter if you went with either the P67 or Z68.

That statement is incorrect. Still a lot of people believe that, for some reason, but the literature (and now my experience since I actually have it) is clear that its not the case.

A P67 does NOT take advantage of the Sandybridge processor built-in GPU features. The Z68 does. So does the H67, and that is the one that can't be overclocked (not the P67, which can be overclocked but can't use the built-in GPU.... Z68 can do both).

The limited view that so many seem to have is, "WTF... built-in GPU? But I have a discrete so duh". And yeah, back in the day that's right. Why would you care about a built-in GPU if you have a discrete? And back in the day, you wouldn't... because "built-in GPU" meant "I can't afford a discrete so I use the crappy built-in one". But this isn't "back in the day" anymore Intel's built-in GPU isn't meant to be your primary video source (although it can be, but it is worse than a discrete) but rather a COMPLEMENT to your discrete card, provided you have Lucid, which pretty much all Z68 do (they'd be retarded if they didn't). The primary feature of the built-in Intel HD2000/3000 system is the "Quick Sync" which let's you convert video from one format to another (for example, rip a DVD to MKV/MP4) with blistering fast speeds.

Now... with that said... don't bother. Seriously. I was so bent on getting that Quick Sync but its just too limited and buggy and under-supported at this time. If you were saying you were going for a new Ivy Bridge CPU then I might say "sure" because they will have an updated HD3000 setup. But with the chip you're looking at... you're really not going to bother with the video features of the Z68. It is fast... really fast... but the quality just isn't there. I spent two days converting my entire DVD collection and the first few tests I ran it seemed pretty good. But EVERY movie (every single one) has multiple problems during playback. Jittery frames, or artifacts that shouldn't be there or color problems... or just plain fuzzy. It was a waste of time. Yes it takes 6 minutes instead of 25 to rip a movie... but the 25 results in perfect playback. The 6 sucks.

So in that sense, the previous author is correct... in PRACTICE, there's really no difference between a P67 and Z68.

Well, other than the SSD caching feature. But SSD are so cheap now, just use one as your primary drive and screw caching. Even faster.

- Steven

 

[genegold]

Thanks for your replies. It's good to see that chart and hear what the actual experience is. As I understand it, the Ivy Bridge chipset release is due this Friday, but the CPU chip itself is well over a year away. I could wait for the boards, but it looks like minimal gain and it's likely to take months to work out the kinks and for prices to settle down.

The Z68 Ext 4 Gen 3 looks attractive, except of the 94 reviewers at NewEgg only 44 (46%) gave it a 5, while 29% rated it 1 to 3. The other comparable Z68 boards are getting similar ratings, and often with a lot more 1's, i.e., really bad hardware and customer service experiences. Compare that with 70% 5's and 17% lower ratings for the ASRock P67 Ext 4 Gen 3, which is currently running a lot less $$. NewEgg reviews aren't a scientific sample, but close enough, and the comments are typically a good guide.

dma, all the parts you mention except the memory and cooler are already in place in my AMD set up. The memory, still unwrapped, came on sale for the same price as the DDR3-1600, and the cooler is awaiting the choice of mobo. The NewEgg reviews say there's plenty of room for a cooler on the ASRock P67 board. The CM 430 case, which is similar to mine except for the see-through, is only 0.3" more in the key dimension for a cooler (7.5 vs. 7.2").

 

[Puppies04]

That statement is incorrect. Still a lot of people believe that, for some reason, but the literature (and now my experience since I actually have it) is clear that its not the case.

A P67 does NOT take advantage of the Sandybridge processor built-in GPU features. The Z68 does. So does the H67, and that is the one that can't be overclocked (not the P67, which can be overclocked but can't use the built-in GPU.... Z68 can do both).

The limited view that so many seem to have is, "WTF... built-in GPU? But I have a discrete so duh". And yeah, back in the day that's right. Why would you care about a built-in GPU if you have a discrete? And back in the day, you wouldn't... because "built-in GPU" meant "I can't afford a discrete so I use the crappy built-in one". But this isn't "back in the day" anymore Intel's built-in GPU isn't meant to be your primary video source (although it can be, but it is worse than a discrete) but rather a COMPLEMENT to your discrete card, provided you have Lucid, which pretty much all Z68 do (they'd be retarded if they didn't). The primary feature of the built-in Intel HD2000/3000 system is the "Quick Sync" which let's you convert video from one format to another (for example, rip a DVD to MKV/MP4) with blistering fast speeds.

Now... with that said... don't bother. Seriously. I was so bent on getting that Quick Sync but its just too limited and buggy and under-supported at this time. If you were saying you were going for a new Ivy Bridge CPU then I might say "sure" because they will have an updated HD3000 setup. But with the chip you're looking at... you're really not going to bother with the video features of the Z68. It is fast... really fast... but the quality just isn't there. I spent two days converting my entire DVD collection and the first few tests I ran it seemed pretty good. But EVERY movie (every single one) has multiple problems during playback. Jittery frames, or artifacts that shouldn't be there or color problems... or just plain fuzzy. It was a waste of time. Yes it takes 6 minutes instead of 25 to rip a movie... but the 25 results in perfect playback. The 6 sucks.

So in that sense, the previous author is correct... in PRACTICE, there's really no difference between a P67 and Z68.

Well, other than the SSD caching feature. But SSD are so cheap now, just use one as your primary drive and screw caching. Even faster.

- Steven

Sorry you are having issues with converting files with quick sync, I think you need to realise however that your experience is not the norm (unless I am missing the thousands of people complaining about this online).

Perhaps you could look into fixing the issue rather than announcing that it just doesn't work.

 

[wpcoe]

As I understand it, the Ivy Bridge chipset release is due this Friday, but the CPU chip itself is well over a year away.

Some of the Ivy Bridge CPUs are due to be released the end of this month (April), and some more are due to be released in June.