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Review and testing of the motherboard GIGABYTE GA-H87-D3H

In this review, we will take a look at the GIGABYTE GA-H87-D3H motherboard. As the name implies, it is based on the H87 system logic set. Therefore, before proceeding directly to examining the board itself, let's recall what functionality this logic set provides and how it differs from the older Z87 model. To compare the functionality of various sets of 8 series system logic, I will give the following table.

As you can see, the main distinguishing feature of this set from the Z87 is the impossibility of dividing the PCI Express 3.0 lines of the central processor between several connectors. In addition, it is not intended for overclocking. Although the ability to increase the multiplier for central processors with an unlocked multiplier can be implemented in the BIOS by the motherboard manufacturer. Now let's move on to examining the motherboard itself.

Packaging and delivery set

Let's start getting to know the board with its packaging and delivery set.

The packaging of the board is made in the corporate style of the company and is decorated in dark colors.

On the front panel of the packaging box there is an image of one of the radiators of the cooling system, under which is the name of the board. At the bottom of the package are a series of labels indicating the distinctive features of this model. The main attention is drawn to the Ultra Durable 5 Plus label. We will consider in detail the distinctive features of the GA-H87-D3H model below.

The rear panel of the package clearly demonstrates the technologies used on the board.

In addition to describing various technologies, the rear panel contains the board specification and the description of the rear interface panel.

The delivery set includes only the things that are most necessary for assembling the system. The board comes with:

  • User's Manual;
  • software;
  • interface panel plug;
  • 4 SATA cables;
  • company logo sticker.
  • Distinctive features of the motherboard

    The motherboard is made in ATX format with dimensions of 305 x 225 mm. The board is made on dark brown PCB. The color scheme of the board is made in dark colors. The radiators of the cooling system have light gray inserts.

    Here we will take a closer look at the distinctive features of this model, which the manufacturer decided to highlight.

    Ultra Durable 5 Plus - high-quality radio components are used on the motherboard, which is the key to long and stable operation;

    Ultra Cool - redesigned cooling heatsinks to provide the best heat dissipation;

    Ultra Performance - the use of modern components manufactured by International Rectifier in the power subsystem to ensure high-quality power supply to the central processor;

    Ultra Safe - Enhanced ESD protection for Ethernet LAN and USB connectors;

    Ultra USB3 + - the presence of 6 USB 3.0 ports, of which 3 can be used for accelerated recharging of mobile devices.

    I also want to note that the processor socket has gold-plated contacts.

    RAM and expansion slots

    Four DIMM slots located to the right of the processor socket allow the user to install up to 32GB of RAM.

    To enable dual-channel operation, the modules must be installed in connectors of the same color. Overclocking of RAM modules is not provided, so it makes no sense to install modules with a frequency higher than 1600 MHz.

    To install video cards, two PCI Express x16 slots are soldered on the board. The first uses the PCI Express lines of the CPU with the 3.0 specification. The second is the PCI Express 2.0 lines of the system logic set. The connectors operate in x16 + x4 mode. The presence of two PCI Express slots will theoretically allow organizing an array of two video cards. The manufacturer declares support for the CrossFireX array.But the feasibility of creating an array operating according to the x16 + x4 scheme remains in doubt. From my point of view, it is better to install one more powerful video adapter.

    In addition to the indicated connectors, the board contains two PCI Express x1 and PCI slots. I had no complaints about the location of the connectors on the printed circuit board. If any video subsystem is organized, the user will always have access to at least one PCI Express x1 slot and one PCI slot.

    Disk subsystem

    The functionality of the disk subsystem is implemented through the capabilities of a set of system logic without the use of additional controllers.

    All six SATA connectors are directly connected and grouped in the lower right corner. Although they do not have a corner connection, their position on the board should not interfere with the installation of long expansion cards. All slots support RAID levels 0, 1, 5, and 10.

    Sound and local subsystem

    The sound and local subsystems are nothing special. The audio subsystem is built using the Realtek ALC 892 codec.

    The LAN uses an Intel I217V gigabit controller.

    To output sound effects, there are five mini jacks and one optical S / PDIF audio output on the interface panel of the motherboard.

    Interface panel and pads for connection

    In addition to the audio outputs and the LAN connector, the following connectors are located on the interface panel of the motherboard:

  • 4 USB 2.0 connectors;
  • 4 USB 3.0 ports;
  • PS / 2 connector;
  • three connectors for connection to the graphics core built into the central processor (DVI, D-SUB and HDMI).
  • There are a number of special pads on the board for connecting additional connectors. The bulk of the pads are grouped at the bottom of the motherboard.

    Here are the pads for connecting the front panel audio connectors, COM port, TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and two pads for USB connectors. Another USB header is located next to the 24-pin power connector.

    The COM port is implemented using the IT8728F controller.

    The total number of fans that can be connected to the board can be up to 4.

    Power subsystem

    The motherboard is equipped with a simple 4-phase CPU power subsystem.

    The power subsystem uses components manufactured by International Rectifier. In particular, the IR3553M assemblies (power elements) and the IR3564B controller are used. The RAM modules are powered by a two-phase scheme. Given the lack of overclocking capabilities for RAM modules, the two-phase power supply scheme, in my opinion, is redundant. Power is supplied to the board through a 24-pin connector and an 8-pin CPU power connector. To cool the power elements and a set of system logic, two radiators with silver inserts are used.

    During operation, the heatsinks coped well with cooling the board components. The temperature of the heatsink in the power subsystem was 48 degrees, the chipset heatsink warmed up to 35 degrees. The room temperature at the time of testing was 22 degrees.

    BIOS

    Unlike GIGABYTE motherboards based on the Z87 system logic set, this board does not boast a new BIOS shell.

    The motherboard BIOS has the following sections:

  • M.I.T;
  • System Information;
  • BIOS Featyres;
  • Peripherals;
  • Power Management.
  • The good news is that the motherboard's BIOS still allows changing the CPU multiplier.

    In addition, the user has the ability to change the timings of the RAM modules. But the user cannot raise the frequency above 1600 MHz.

    Testing

    Test system

    Intel Core i7-4770K 3500 MHz central processor;

    RAM Kingston DDR3 4x4096 Mb PC3-19200 2400 MHz;

    AMD Radeon HD 6970 2GB GDDR5 graphics card;

    Thermaltake LT-700PCNEU 700W power supply;

    Monitor LG Flatron IPS231P-BN

    Despite the modest possibilities of the motherboard in terms of overclocking the system, I still tried to increase the frequency of the central processor by changing the multiplier in the BIOS settings.The board allowed the processor to be overclocked to 4500 MHz, which is already pretty good. Then the system was tested in a number of applications. The CPU frequency has been reduced to the nominal value. I will give the test results in the form of a table.

    conclusions

    GIGABYTE GA-H87-D3H motherboard will be a good choice for the budget user who is not into overclocking. It can also be recommended to gamers. Thanks to the good functionality on the basis of this board, you can build both a powerful gaming system and an inexpensive system for everyday household tasks.

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