These days, even the most basic, budget-friendly 3D printers come equipped with an impressive amount of bells and whistles. Even if a specific accessory or aesthetic part isn’t included with a stock 3D printer, adaptable DIY machines typically enable savvy makers to upgrade their hardware.

Flashy or functional hardware enhancements are certainly satisfying, but oftentimes, not enough attention is placed on the heart of the 3D printer: the controller board. The controller board is a critical component that dictates how your 3D printer operates. Also known as a mainboard, this part is what delivers all electronic functioning to your 3D printer.

Controller boards essentially handle the logic behind 3D printing, such as parsing G-code files, regulating temperature, directing motion, and more. These boards are so important, in fact, experienced tinkers would suggest that it should be the first component you upgrade on your budget-friendly DIY 3D printer.

The global desktop 3D printer company Biqu3D has been a go-to for consumers shopping for hardware upgrades, especially mainboards. Recently, Biqu3D released two new mainboards, SKR 3 and SKR 3 EZ, along with an assortment of fully compatible EZ Drivers. If you’re looking to bolster the performance of your 3D printer, you’ve come to the right place.

It can be difficult to discern the difference between the various mainboards and drivers on the market. Let’s take a closer look at the new SKR 3 and SKR 3 EZ to see what sets them apart from the pack.

Biqu3D SKR 3 and SKR 3 EZ Mainboards: Features and Comparison

Fully grasping the importance of a 3D printer’s mainboard can be difficult, but the benefits of the SKR 3 and SKR 3 EZ are quite clear. The SKR3 and SKR3 EZ are equipped with a powerful 32-bit processor. The two mainboards are designed for easy installation, eliminating daunting manual work and keeping fingers safe from pointy pin headers. High voltage provided by the mainboards ensures fast and consistent print speed.

The SKR 3 offers a CNC fan with three voltage options (5V, 12V, 24V), and supports two normal fans. The SKR 3 EZ supports three normal fans and also offers extra voltage options. A high-performance MOSFET tube provides exceptional heat dissipation.

Users can utilize the jumper cap to select between 24V and 48V motor voltage. There is full firmware compatibility with Klipper, Marlin, and RepRap. The SKR 3 mainboard is completely DIY-friendly, offering universal WIFI modular port, an upgraded thermistor that supports PT1000 without an external module, and an onboard BOOT0 that makes it easier to enter DFU mode and flash firmware.

The SKR 3 and SKR 3 EZ supports an assortment of popular features that have become mainstays for desktop 3D printers, including shutdown after printing functionality, print resume after power failure, filament runout detection, BL touch, and more. All versions of BIGTREETECH TFT and LCD12864 LCD screens work with the two mainboards.

Both the SKR 3 and SKR 3 EZ are engineered with critical safety features to keep the user and 3D printer out of harm’s way. These mainboards offer thermal input short circuit and thermal runaway protection. Isolation chips have been added to prevent the board from being burnt.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences between the SKR 3 and SKR 3 EZ:

SKR 3 SKR 3 EZ
Normal fans 2 3
Jumper Jumper selectable 4k7/1k pull up for PT1000 sensors Jumper selectable 4k7/2k2 pull up for PT1000 sensors (Jumper selectable driver voltage (MOT/VIN 48V MAX)
Motor driver TMC5160, TMC2209, TMC2225, TMC2226, TMC2208, TMC2130, ST820, LV8729, DRV8825, A4988, etc. Doesn’t support BIGTREETECH EZ drivers without EZ adaptors. TMC5160, TMC2209, TMC2225, TMC2226, TMC2208, TMC2130. Support with all the BIGTREETECH EZ drivers.

The SKR 3 and SKR 3 EZ are currently available on the Biqu3D webstore for a discounted price of $64.99 and $69.99, respectively.

EZ Drivers Deliver Improved Motion and More

In addition to the new mainboards, Biqu3D is also offering an assortment of new compatible EZ drivers to enhance the 3D printer’s control system. There are seven EZ driver models available, including EZ5160 Pro, EZ2208, EZ2209, EZ2130, EZ2225, EZ2226, and EZ6609.

These uniquely designed EZ drivers flaunt a 2-in-1 driver and heat sink, which keeps heat output and energy consumption to a minimum. A dedicated motion controller delivers near-silent motion to the 3D printer, presenting more efficient and smoother operation. These upgraded drivers will also receive more precise positioning and antishake performance.

The completely pinless structure ensures easy and frustration-free installation, protecting the end-user from finger pricks. This design also prevents potential damage to the motherboard during installation.

Most models have four layers of PCB to ensure long-lasting durability, while the Pro model has an extra six layers. These drivers are compatible with 57 different stepper motors. To learn more about these different drivers and how they can enhance your 3D printer’s performance, click here to learn more.