Gigabyte introduces new Gaming series motherboards based on Intel Z170 chipset
bluetooth 17 Sept 2015
Gigabyte also introduced 7 Gaming series motherboards based on the Z170 chipset. They are Z170X-Gaming G1, Z170X-Gaming GT, Z170X-Gaming 7, Z170X-Gaming 5, Z170X-Gaming 3, Z170MX-Gaming 5, Z170N-Gaming 5. All boards are ATX form factor except the last 2. All boards support DDR4 memory.
So, what is unique about these gaming boards as compared to the Ultra Durable series since they are based on the same Intel Z170 chipset. The Gaming series sports the similar support for USB 3.1 with Intel USB 3.1 controller providing up to 32Gb/s for 2 USB 3.1 ports for Type C and traditional USB-A connector. The boards also feature certified Creative ZxRi 120gb+ Audio. The Creative Sound Core3D quad core audio processor with burr brown high end 127dB DAC is onboard for high quality audio playback. Together with the high end nichicon fine old and wima audio caps, it is capable of generation true HiFi quality audio. On top of that, it can customise the sound with its triple upgradable OP-AMP solution. This enable users to receive the best sound profile matching their needs.
The G1 gaming boards comes with Gigabyte Amp Up audio technology to experience crisp ultra realistic sound effects while gaming and listening to music. The front panel audio also supports 600ohm headphones. Further enhancements can also be made through Creative’s SBX pro studio audio suite and Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3 Software Suite.
As a gaming board, it needs low latency and high bandwidth connectivity. The boards uses Killer Doubleshot X3 Pro allowing three killer interfaces to work together for the best networking experience freeing the highest bandwidth to the most important traffic.
Similar to the Ultra Durable series, it supports Dual PCIe Gen 3 x4 M.2 for RAID and withe a M.2 to U.2 add on card it can run Intel 750 series SSD utilising NVM Express over the 4 lanes of PCIe 3.0. The boards also support the Turbo B-Clock for overclocking and utiliies like EasyTune, Cloud Station etc. Similarly all boards support the PCIe Metal Shielding similar to those on the Ultra Durable boards.
The boards feature a 22 phase power delivery design to provide precise current sensing accuracy. This evenly distributes the thermal loading between PowerIRstage IC, preventing the overheating of each individual powerIRstage resulting in longer lifespan and better reliability. The G1 Gaming boards also designed for water cooling with water block thermal design with G1/4 Threaded fittings.