ECS H67H2-M & H67H2-I Review

Testing:

On the H67 platform the CPU cannot be overclocked above the limits of the Turbo Boost 2 frequencies. However, the integrated graphics can be overclocked to provide a higher level of performance. To see if this was indeed true, I ran through a couple of games that can be played on the HD 3000 integrated graphics. Civilization V and Starcraft II are the games of choice. The graphics multiplier was moved from 22 to 30 and each game was retested to verify the increase in performance was relevant. While high-end settings offer better visuals, the HD 3000 graphics included in the Core i5 2500K can only push the envelope so far.

Testing Setup: Intel Core i5/i7 Socket 1155

• Processors: Core i7 2500K
• Cooling: Noctua NH-U12P SE 1366
• Motherboard: ECS H67H2-M
• Memory: Mushkin 996805 Redline PC312800 6-8-6-24 1600MHz 4GB
• Video Card: Intel HD 3000
• Power Supply: Mushkin 1000W Joule Modular power supply
• Hard Drive: 1 x Seagate 1TB SATA
• Optical Drive: Lite-On Blu-Ray
• Case: Cooler Master HAF 932
• OS: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit

Civilization 5 Settings:

• DX 9
• Low
• Resolutions 1024x768,1280x1024,1680x1050

Starcraft II Settings:

• Low
• Resolutions 1024x768,1280x1023,1680x1050

While playing each of these games, the eye candy was turned down but the games were playable up to 1680 x 1050.