Z68 MB Max Resolution using integrated graphics

[pookieman123]

Hi

I am looking to build a new computer using an I7 2600k, it will run ubuntu and a 60gb ssd, I don't play games and mainly want to use the machine for development and future proofing. I do some video encoding and editing as well.

So I was looking at the Z68 MB as they allow overclocking, which I will probably do mildly, and they let you use the integrated on CPU graphics, I don't want to buy a dedicated video card if I can avoid it.

So the question I have is the monitor I am driving is a DVI 2560 x 1440, but can a Z68 drive that high a resolution? I can't find a definitive answer. Related question is where is the memory for the image attained from as there is no dedicated graphics memory does it use the main system memory. Last question is as I am installing ubuntu, how are the video drivers on ubuntu for supporting on chip graphics, are they supported? or am I wasting my time and should I just get a P67 and dedicated graphics card albeit a cheap one.

Thanks so much to anyone that has answers for me, really appreciate it.

Regards
Jinder

 

[k1114]

http://software.intel.com/en-us/articles/quick-reference-guide-to-intel-processor-graphics/

It supports up to 2560x1600. Yes it will take your ram for vram. I don't know about ubuntu but google is saying 11.04 works.

 

[ko888]

If you're going to be using the Intel HD3000 integrated graphics controller on the i7-2600K and the motherboard has a Single Link DVI-D port then the maximum resolution is 1920x1200 @ 60 Hz.

If the motherboard has a 15-pin D-Sub VGA port then that port's maximum resolution is 2048x1536 @ 75 Hz.

If you want 2560 x 1440 through a DVI port you will need to get a discrete graphics card.

 

[jaquith]

I agree that's Intel Maximum, depending on: 1. Video Port, 2. Z68 MOBO.

Edit: I depends of the MOBO and the resolutions vary. [strike]If the MOBO lacks a VGA port then 1920 x 1200 is the 'typical max' on the digital outputs[/strike]. Some Z68's MOBO have a max resolution of 20XX x 15XX. Some, Gigabyte in particular have NO iGPU support - period.

Q - What MOBO?

 

[k1114]

Some z68 also have dp, so it really is dependent on what mobo.

 

[geofelt]

http://software.intel.com/en-us/articles/quick-reference-guide-to-intel-processor-graphics/

It supports up to 2560x1600. Yes it will take your ram for vram. I don't know about ubuntu but google is saying 11.04 works.

If you're going to be using the Intel HD3000 integrated graphics controller on the i7-2600K and the motherboard has a Single Link DVI-D port then the maximum resolution is 1920x1200 @ 60 Hz.

If the motherboard has a 15-pin D-Sub VGA port then that port's maximum resolution is 2048x1536 @ 75 Hz.

If you want 2560 x 1440 through a DVI port you will need to get a discrete graphics card.

There seems to be a conflict here.
Doing some research, I did find at least one motherboard that will support 2560 x 1600 from the rear dvi port, the Z68 Extreme4 Gen3
http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=Z68%20Extreme4%20Gen3&cat=Specifications
No doubt there are others, but you need to go to the mobo vendor's web site to get those specs.

It may be very much motherboard dependent.
And, you definitely need a dual dvi capable port to support 2560 x 1600.

 

[jaquith]

Hmm...I take back the 'digital port' maximum. 😉

It's up to the MOBO manufacture.

 

[ko888]

There seems to be a conflict here.
Doing some research, I did find at least one motherboard that will support 2560 x 1600 from the rear dvi port, the Z68 Extreme4 Gen3
http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=Z68%20Extreme4%20Gen3&cat=Specifications
No doubt there are others, but you need to go to the mobo vendor's web site to get those specs.

It may be very much motherboard dependent.
And, you definitely need a dual dvi capable port to support 2560 x 1600.

Your ASRock link specifically states:

- Supports DVI with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz

That tells me that the motherboard has a single link DVI port.

To support the higher resolution of 2560 x 1440, like the OP is intending to use, would require a dual link DVI port.

 

[pookieman123]

Thanks for all the quick responses. I haven't really decided, there are so many mobos to choose from. My main priority is sata 3 for the ssd, GB ethernet, usb 3. That's all really, not gaming but I do plan to OC ~ 4.5, nothing crazy.

I'd rather not buy a discrete graphics card like I said so if I could definitely drive 2560x1440 from the mobo that is ideal. Else.. if it's going to be less complicated I could get a P67, but again my requirements are pretty low, no SLI required etc. Is NVIDIA still best for ubuntu compatibility?

I could just get a single cheap and cheerful video card and a P67 and suggestions on a good combo? budget is being blown on the I7 and monitor, so good value is important.

thanks again

 

[IntelEnthusiast]

The 2560 x 1440 resolution is only with the display port. All other ports top out at 1920x1200. This is the resolution limit on all 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processors. While you will get better performance from the Intel HD 3000 graphics than the Intel HD 2000 graphics.

Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team

 

[pookieman123]

The 2560 x 1440 resolution is only with the display port. All other ports top out at 1920x1200. This is the resolution limit on all 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processors. While you will get better performance from the Intel HD 3000 graphics than the Intel HD 2000 graphics.

Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team

So by this I am inferring that as long as the mobo I find has a DP on it I'm good?

This is the monitor I am looking at

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF05a/382087-382087-64283-72270-3884471-5163694.html

It does have DP

cheers

 

[geofelt]

Your ASRock link specifically states:

- Supports DVI with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz

That tells me that the motherboard has a single link DVI port.

To support the higher resolution of 2560 x 1440, like the OP is intending to use, would require a dual link DVI port.

You are correct. I read it a bit too fast.
It does say that 2560 x 1600 is supported via displayPort.
I think there are dual link/displayport adapters available. But they are expensive.

It may be cheaper in the end to just get a 2560 x 1600 capable discrete graphics card.
One should cost <$30.

 

[jaquith]

I'm 'typically' careful, not this time obviously, about 'absolutes.'

The P8Z68-V LE VGA - Supports RGB with max. resolution 2048 x 1536 @ 75 Hz so the 1920 x 1200 is exceeded and of all things on the 'RGB' port not the DisplayPort which it doesn't have for an I/O.
http://usa.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8Z68V_LE/
Integrated Graphics Processor
Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DVI/RGB ports
- Supports HDMI with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz
- Supports DVI with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz
- Supports RGB with max. resolution 2048 x 1536 @ 75 Hz

'We' know the MOBO's we're all familiar with, and in my case ASUS, Gigabyte & EVGA. 😉

Good post - learning curve. Yeah, I saw the DisplayPort...on the ASRock -- hence my oopsy. 😀

 

[ko888]

So by this I am inferring that as long as the mobo I find has a DP on it I'm good?

This is the monitor I am looking at

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF05a/382087-382087-64283-72270-3884471-5163694.html

It does have DP

cheers

Yes.

From what I've read about that monitor there are two display cables included. One DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort cable and one dual-link DVI-D-to-DVI-D cable.

 

[geofelt]

So by this I am inferring that as long as the mobo I find has a DP on it I'm good?

This is the monitor I am looking at

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF05a/382087-382087-64283-72270-3884471-5163694.html

It does have DP

cheers

Considering the controversy here, do take the time to check that the motherboard does support displayport @2560 x 1440 or better.

If you will use integrated graphics and will OC you are looking at a Z68 based motherboard.
Currently, there does not seem to be a big price premium for a Z68 over P67.

An inexpensive card to support dual link dvi @ 2560 x 1600 is a fall back that will cost $35 or so:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130608

 

[jaquith]

The HP ZR2740w has a DisplayPort, use it. The OC'ing MOBO's the I like ASUS and Gigabyte don't offer 2560 x 1440.

The ASRock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3 that @geofelt does offer 2560 x 1440 via its' DisplayPort "Supports DisplayPort with max. resolution up to 2560x1600 @ 60Hz"

The ASRock's 8 CPU Phase will run hotter than the ASUS's, so have a good HSF. Otherwise, get a P8Z68-V PRO or P8P67 PRO and a cheap discrete GPU.

Depends on your priorities.

 

[k1114]

What are you going to use the computer for? From the looks of it, i7+ips monitor, a discrete gpu may just be a better. And it looks like getting a mobo with displayport or dual link dvi is more expensive than a discrete card and a cheap mobo.

It looks like nvidia is still better compatibility with ubuntu.

It might be simpler to have 2 monitors at 1080 or 1200. Just a idea, but I'm not sure how ubuntu will handle that.

 

[pookieman123]

All

Thanks for responses after reading and thinking hard i've gone the p67 route and discrete card, it gives me the flexibility and hopefully less issues with ubuntu got a nvideo card too.

thanks again for your inputs!

 

[pookieman123]

Best answer selected by pookieman123.