GIGABYTE GA-Z77-DS3H LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

Pros: Wanted to upgrade my PC for Elder Scrolls Online, went with this motherboard since it was recommended by PC Mags. It has plenty of options and the dual-BIOS is a big plus since I ended up needing it during initial set-up. The PCI-E 3.0 is nice with next gen video cards. Overall a good build with a few exceptions (see below) and dirt cheap! Didn't bother messing around with any OC'ing since my new CPU is more than adequate to handle games.

Cons: There are a decent amount of external USB 2.0 ports, however you seem to be limited to only two internal ones. Problem for me since I need three for all of my hardware. As noted by others, they placed the Southbridge REALLY close to the PCI-E slot. Can be a problem in terms of air-flow and those who have larger videocards. Backplate is rather cheaply constructed and the small fins on the back can make it challenging for anyone who is new and try to mount the MB.

Other Thoughts: CPU: i7-3770 @ 3.4GHtz (3.9 turbo)
VGA: Nvidia 670 GTX
RAM: 8G of G.Skill Ripjaws series DDR3 1600
CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO
PSU: 700W Corsair Gaming Series

Pros: Lots of USB ports, USB 3 AND 2 PORTS, Easy Hackintosh, Nice Bios interface.

Cons: It cost money LOL

Other Thoughts: Does eggsactly what it is supposed to do for a low-midrange board.

Pros: This MoBo is fantastic. Everything works fine.

Cons: Zero

Pros: Works nice

Cons: No VCore adjustment.

Pros: Stable

Cons: You cannot adjust Vcore at all! No offset, no manual, nothing.

This board will not overclock at all. Never in 15 years of overclocking or computer building have I seen a high end board like this so limited. Shame on you gigabyte, I'm out 100 dollars.

Manufacturer Response:

Thank you for your comments. Honest and constructive opinions are always welcome. We apologize for your difficulty with your Gigabyte product.

This model has the following voltage settings: CPU Vtt, CPU PLL, IMC, DRAM voltage.

For a model with more advanced overclocking settings, please look at our GA-Z77X-series models.

If you require further assistance, please contact us at newegg-support@gigabyte-usa.com with the case number 2013030703. Include your complete system configuration.

GIGABYTE VIP Support Team

Pros: I never plan on running dual vid cards and if you dont either than this board is fantastic. The msata is great for running an msata drive with a velociraptor for great speeds and far less cost/storage space vs. ssd. With an i5 3570k and a gigabyte 7950 wf3, there is no game i cant run at and above 60 fps. The bios, while lacking in cpu OC settings does provide settings for ram OCing

Cons: Because of the fact this is Gigabytes near cheapest board it lacks the overclocking settings in the bios that some of the higher end boards have, ie cpu voltage settings. However clocking the 3570k to 4/4.2 at stock voltages using the turbo boost settings is stable.

Other Thoughts: System specs-
Gigabyte GA-Z77-DS3H
Intel Core i5 3570k @4.0Ghz
Gigabyte GV-R795WF3-3D
G.SKILL Ripjaws X series 16GB (4GB x 4)

Pros: The price of this board is reasonable and the features are superb. The board is classified as an entry level but performs as one of the top boards out there. I'm glad I bought this board, everyone I know uses Gigabyte and they've all said good things

Cons: none

Other Thoughts: mSata looks nice but I'm not using one.. =/

Pros: Easy to set up, layout is good, manual is descent. Paired this with a I5-3570K, 16 GB Gskill Ripjaws 1600, Gigabyte R7770 Video Card and 2 Samsung 840 250GB SSD's In Raid 0 and it flies, all my games on max settings run between 65-100 FPS.

Gigabyte Quality, keep it up!

Cons: None really, another fan header would have been sweet.

Other Thoughts: Bought mine locally, not on the Egg, had to post a review from someone experienced. Its most likely not the board, but the installer and carelessness.

I have been building PC's for 12 years, I have never had the problems some of these people have with PC parts, either from New Egg or local stores, then again, I wear a anti-static band on my wrist anytime I am working on PC's and read the manuals, you armatures should try it sometime, maybe you wont have so many parts DOA!

Pros: 1. Works for me
2. Lasted couple of months and still now
3. Inexpensive when a good deal comes around (I got mine for half the price)
4. As easy as any other Gigabyte MOBO

Cons: 1. Not true ATX as not all the stands align with the holes

Other Thoughts: 1. If you want more features go for the D3H or something higher up gigabytes lineup (ex. g1.sniper.3 or m3)

Pros: Easy mounting.
No issues with DOA.
Adequate onboard audio.
Onboard video is lackluster.
Plenty of USB ports.
Easy to connect.
Simple layout.
Comes with easy to understand instruction manual.

Cons: Processor clamp.
No mounting screws(most come with the case though).

Other Thoughts: I had a ton of issues mounting a LGA1155 Intel i7 core processor. Once the processor was in place, the clamp would not secure back down to hold it in place, there was way too much resistance. Turns out I had to loosen the star screws(all 3) just slightly around the whole device to give enough leave for the processor to sit evenly and be secured down. Not a huge deal, but it stumped me on my first time build. Just be weary. :)