Gigabyte GA-Z77MX-D3H: plus two ports Thunderbolt, plus 40 euros

Gigabyte has released the first motherboard form factor microATX, equipped with two ports Thunderbolt — GA-Z77MX-D3H TH. Taking into account the availability of the precursor (Z77MX-D3H), it’s interesting to compare the design and price of these models. First, about the cost of the product. The novelty is estimated at € 150, and its «little sister» — at € 108,50. If to subtract 10 euros from each of two amounts, there will be the minimum for which the cards will be available soon.

Gigabyte GA-Z77MX-D3H TH

What causes the difference in more than 40 euros? In general, the presence of two ports Intel Thunderbolt 10 Gb / s, which are implemented by the controller Intel DSL3510L. A high-speed connection can simultaneously serve several drives and a monitor. Minor changes were made to the design of the CPU power supply subsystem, which, nevertheless, remained a 6-channel. One of the long PCI Express slots was replaced by the second PCI-E 2.0 x1.

By and large, Gigabyte GA-Z77MX-D3H TH retained all the attributes of average level motherboard: modest radiator VRM, ATX12V power connector 4-pin, two SATA 6 Gb / s, four USB 3.0 (two on rear panel). Its future depends entirely on whether the Intel will be able to «inspired» partners on the creation of wide range devices with Thunderbolt.