The launch of the 4th generation Intel Core processors brought with it a new LGA 1150 CPU socket and the Intel 8-series motherboards. We rounded up the top-end Intel Z87-based motherboards from five manufacturers (ASRock, ASUS, ECS, Gigabyte, MSI) and put them through their paces. Find out who came out on top!

Gigabyte has announced support for 4th-gen Intel Core processors and selected unlocked 4th-gen Intel Core processors throughout its entire range of Gigabyte 8 series motherboards, including the Z87, H87, Q87, B85. and H81 chipset based motherboards.

Check out the different features of three high-end Intel 8-series motherboards. From boards that are targeted at overclockers like the ASUS Maximus VI Extreme and the Gigabyte GA-Z87X-OC, to the ECS Gank Domination Z87H3-AX Golden board, which has been positioned as an elite gaming component!

With Intel's new Haswell-class processing platform officially launched, motherboard vendors are reaching out to update the PC DIY enthusiasts on their new focus and features. MSI and Corbell held such a session yesterday, so check out some of the gadgets and gear on show!

ASRock's latest ATX-sized OC Formula Series motherboards, including Z87 OC Formula/ac (with 802.11ac Wi-Fi support) and Z87 OC Formula, are protected by a special layer of Conformal Coating. On top of that, they will come backed by a 5-year warranty.

In addition to displaying its embedded/IPC solutions, graphics cards, and line of Intel- and AMD-based motherboards, Biostar has also presented the 2nd gen of its Puro Hi-Fi audio technology - the "Hi-Fi 3D".

Gigabyte has launched its Intel 8 series range of motherboards which support the Intel Haswell processors. These motherboards come equipped with a range of new features and technologies including digital power delivery, advanced network and device charging, gold plated hardware, new designed UEFI DualBIOS, and Gigabyte App Center.

ECS has officially announced its new 8-series Durathon motherboards that consist of three product segments. The Pro series boards are optimized for power computing, the Deluxe tier boards are aimed at SOHO users, and the Essentials series will be ideal for home and multimedia settings.

BIOSTAR has announced that its FM2 motherboards are ready to support the new "Richland" APUs via BIOS and driver updates.

With the introduction of the AMD Trinity desktop APUs that require the new AMD FM2 CPU socket, there has been a trickle of such motherboards from the usual board makers. We gathered four motherboards from ASUS, ASrock, Gigabyte and MSI that feature the AMD A85X chipset and put them to the test.