Introduction
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Zotac is establishing itself as one of the major Mini-ITX motherboard manufacturers. For the new Intel Z68 chipset, this manufacturer released two models, the Z68-ITX WiFi (a.k.a. Z68ITX-A-E, USD 170) and the Z68-ITX WiFi Supreme (a.k.a. Z68ITX-B-E, USD 210). Both come with integrated WiFi, but the latter also has an integrated GeForce GT 430 graphics chip. Let’s take a look at the Z68-ITX WiFi model.
The Intel Z68 chipset is basically a P67 chipset with two new features added. First, the Intel Smart Response Technology (SRT), allows you to speed up disk performance by using an SSD unit as a cache unit for your conventional (i.e., mechanical) hard disk drive. This technology works by storing in the SSD the programs and data you access the most. Click here to learn more about this technology.
The second technology that was added is a video connection between the CPU and the chipset, called FDI (Flexible Display Interface). This connection was previously available on the H67 and similar chipsets but not on the P67 chipset. Socket LGA1155 processors have an integrated video processor, but the P67 chipset won’t allow you to use it since it is targeted to consumers that will have a physical video card. With the Z68, the use of an integrated video processor is possible if the motherboard manufacturer added video connectors on the motherboard. This way, Intel won’t be releasing an “H68” chipset.
The big reason for this change was that Intel licensed a software from Lucidlogix called Virtu, which allows the computer to dynamically switch video cards, depending on what you are doing with your computer. In a typical scenario, this software will make the system use the CPU’s integrated video engine when you are not playing games instead of using your add-on video card. This allows you to save energy, since the CPU integrated video consumes less power than add-on video cards. For this feature to be available on a given Z68 motherboard, the motherboard manufacturer must have licensed the Virtu software, and the motherboard must have video connectors soldered directly on the board.
Figure 1: Zotac Z68-ITX WiFi motherboard