Biostar TZ77XE4 Motherboard

Conclusions

The Biostar TZ77XE4 is a top mainstream motherboard, meaning it is targeted to the average user who wants “something extra.” This comes in the form of an additional PCI Express x16 slot, allowing you to install up to three video cards under SLI or CrossFireX modes, a very high-end audio codec, which allows you to work professionally editing analog audio with this motherboard, overclocking in 0.001 MHz increments (this was the first time we’ve seen a motherboard with such fine adjustment), and a very decent voltage regulator circuit.

There are some drawbacks with this product, though. All SATA ports use the same color, making it difficult to know which ones are the SATA-300 and which ones are the SATA-600; and which are controlled by the chipset and which are controlled by the additional ASMedia chip. There are no SPDIF outputs; there are only two connectors for auxiliary fans, which may be a problem for some users. Some competing products offer additional USB 3.0 ports.

Biostar traditionally prices its motherboards lower than its competitors. If this holds true for this particular model, it will be a terrific buy if you are, indeed, an average user looking for “something more” and want an affordable motherboard for your new computer. Of course, if you want more than this motherboard has to offer, or if its drawbacks present you with a problem, you will need to pick a different (and probably more expensive) product.