Test System

Initial Setup

The ASUS P8Z77-V booted up with our 3770K and G.Skill 2400 MHz memory without any problems at all, using the default Intel Turbo Boost profile, and running the 8 GB G.SKILL kit at 1333 MHz with 9-9-9-24-1T timings as we've seen on nearly every other Intel Z77 Express product. The default CPU voltage used at first was a bit higher than we've seen on other products, but that changed once I updated to the most recent BIOS.

PWM Power Consumption

Since one of our first tasks was to truly verify system stability, while doing so we measure CPU power consumption. We isolate the power coming through the 8-pin ATX connector using an in-line meter that provides voltage and current readings, as well as total wattage passed through it. While this may not prove to isolate the CPU power draw in all instances, it does serve as a good indicator of board efficiency and effective VRM design.


When it comes to power consumption, the ASUS P8Z77-V completely surprised me. At idle, it pulled just a single Watt, while at load, it pulled 53 Watts, basically matching the best results we've had so far.