ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard Review


Wi-Fi GO!
Wi-Fi GO! gives you access to the features of ASUS’ included Wi-Fi module, including media streaming, using your smart phone as a keyboard/mouse or remote, and OTA file transfers.

ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard

Wi-Fi Engine
Wi-Fi Engine can allow you to transition the WiFi module between a typical signal receiving device that connects your machine to the internet, or you can configure it to be an access point that also broadcasts itself. This can be an excellent feature for those with signal issues on their other devices, or can act as a wireless hotspot should you lack a wireless router.

ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard

Ai Charger+
Ai Charger+ is a fast-charging tool that utilizes the BC 1.1 technology. Simply connect a BC1.1 device to a USB 3.0 port and enjoy up to 3x charging speed on that device. Ai Charger was designed specifically for iOS devices, and it also enables charging these devices when your computer is in sleep, hibernation, or simply shut down.

ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard

USB Charger+
USB Charger+ is a USB 2.0 charging tool that can charge any USB 2.0 enabled device faster than standard. USB Charger+ was produced in order to offer the same functionality as the Ai Charger+ for non-iOS devices. Again, you can charge your device if your computer is sleeping, hibernating, or powered down.ASUS have provided presets for specific devices, but if yours isn’t listed, you can simply choose “others.”

ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard

USB 3.0 Boost
USB 3.0 Boost is exactly what it claims to be; it boosts USB 3.0 transfer speeds. We’ve seen many pieces of software like this already, and this is no different; enable the software, plug your device in, and wham! Faster transfer speeds.

ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard

Here is a benchmark of a Plextor M3 SSD connected via USB 3.0, once with USB 3.0 Boost disabled, and once again with it enabled.

Stock

ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard

Boost

ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard

Network iControl
Network iControl allows you to prioritize certain applications on your machine to receive a greater proportion of the bandwidth, or bandwidth priority. Can be very useful if your connection may not be the fastest. Think of it as a software based QoS.

ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard

Other Ai Suite Functions
Other functions of the Ai Suite include a temperature and voltage sensor, and real-time CPU frequency information:

ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard

Along with a software based tool to update your BIOS from Windows.

ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard

The ability to change the BIOS logo when booting – totally an aesthetic feature, but it’s cool nonetheless.

ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard

USB BIOS Flashback, a combination of a hardware and software feature, is a key feature of the ASUS P8Z77-V Pro (and indeed, many other ASUS boards) – in short, you can update your BIOS by downloading the BIOS file onto a USB Flash drive, putting it in the correct port, and then pressing (and holding) the BIOS Flashback button on the board. This is EXCEPTIONALLY handy if you accidentally brick the board or if something goes horribly wrong with your BIOS.

ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard

Also on offer is a system information pane, and of course, software settings that dictate what the software can and cannot do.

ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Intel Z77 Motherboard