EVGA Rolls Out Trio of Z68 Motherboards

After much delay, EVGA released its first wave of LGA1155 motherboards based on the Intel Z68 chipset featuring Intel Smart Response technology. Quite surprisingly, none of EVGA's Z68 motherboards feature display outputs. The series is topped by Z68 FTW, designed for enthusiasts and overclockers; followed by Z68 SLI, geared for gamers with NVIDIA SLI graphics setups; and Z68 SLI Micro, an SLI-ready board in the micro-ATX form-factor.

The Z68 FTW uses a similar layout to the P67 FTW. It uses a strong VRM to power the CPU and memory, it provides as many as six PCI-Express x16 slots, making use of a nForce 200 bridge chip that makes it 3-way and 4-way SLI ready. It is loaded with overclocker-friendly features such as EVbot support, a front-panel OC controller, and an overclocking gauge. The Z68 FTW is also available as a package without those two accessories.

The Z68 SLI is a typical ATX motherboard designed for 2-way SLI. It features three PCI-Express x16 slots, but only two of them are wired to the CPU. The board assumes that all its users have SLI setups, and hence does away with lane switches. Both PCI-Express graphics slots are permanently wired to be electrical x8 slots, irrespective of the second slot being populated. It is a similar case with the Z68 SLI Micro. All three motherboards lack PCI slots. The EVGA Z68 FTW is priced at US $299.99, its package without the ECP V4 and OC gauge accessories is priced at $264.99, the Z68 SLI goes for $209.99, and the Z68 SLI Micro for $159.99.


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