Gigabyte has been at the forefront of high end PC components, and their latest motherboard, the Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming GT, based on the latest Intel Z97 Express Chipset, is an exceptional gaming motherboard. As the name suggests, it is aimed at gaming enthusiasts.
This high end motherboard is built with features that are basically geared towards PC gamers and audio lovers as well. In a gist, the GA-Z97X Gaming GT is all about audio performance, multiple graphics card capability and ultra durable components. Let’s take a closer look at the Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming GT.
The Hardware
The Gigabyte GA-Z97X Gaming GT has lots of features; for starters, it supports the latest 4th Generation Intel Core Haswell, Haswell Refresh and Devil’s Canyon, and the upcoming 5th Gen. Broadwell processors.
The image gallery above gives the overview of the specifications. Click here for the detailed specs.
On the audio department, it features Creative SoundBlasterX-Fi MB3 gaming audio suite, Realtek ALC1150 115dB SNR HD audio with built-in rear audio amplifier, high-end Nichicon audio capacitors, AMP-UP Audio technology with upgradable OP-AMP, Audio Noise Guard with LED path lighting, Dual DAC-UP USB ports, and gold plated audio ports.
Aside from the plethora of audio features, the Gigabyte Z97X Gaming GT is capable of 4-way multiple graphics card configuration, thanks to the PLX PEX8747 chip integrated into this motherboard. It also features Killer E2200 gaming networking platform, SATA Express connector, Dual Channel DDR3 slots that can support up to 3200MHZ (OC) speeds, and the only thing that is actually missing here is the M.2 PCIe port for NGFF SSDs.
Overclocking is tied to the gaming theme with a row of voltage detection points near the top corner of the X97X Gaming GT’s front edge. Most gamers won’t have easy access, but overclocking exhibitionists typically use open test beds. Those enthusiasts will also appreciate the nearby power, reset and CLR_CMOS buttons, along with the board’s two-digit status code display.
The packaging for the Z97X Gaming GT is standard GIGABYTE fare. The box has the new “gaming eye” logo on it and this is one of the fancier packages with the flap containing information about the product and a clear window showing the motherboard inside. The bundle contains a user’s manual, multilingual installation guidebook, SATA cables, standard 2-Way, 3-Way and 4-Way SLI bridges, I/O shield and case badges.
The Software
Gigabyte EasyTune hasn’t changed much, with default overclocking profiles for the various processors and GPUs. Many changes can be done and applied instantly, while certain changes that occur at the firmware level require a reboot before those settings are activated.
Manual overclocking is a functional option for the most part, though some changes (such as DRAM ratio) require a reboot. DRAM timings aren’t even selectable in software, though.
Gigabyte CloudStation controls remote access for features like remote power management and remote overclocking via downloadable Android or iPhone apps. Other capabilities, such as WiFi Hotspot, require additional hardware like the 802.11n adapter seen in the above screenshot.
“EZ Setup” encompasses chipset-based functions including SSD Caching and Intel Smart Connect. Beyond basic system information, Gigabyte System Information Viewer includes an advanced menu for setting temperature to fan RPM slope.
Benchmarks
Following are the benchmark results for the Gigabyte GA-Z97X Gaming GT, on a Gigabyte GTX 770 2GB OC.
The Verdict
That’s basically it. Overall the Gigabyte GA-Z97X Gaming GT is a great motherboard, specially if you are planning to do multi-GPU configuration. Audio lovers will also find this motherboard to their liking, thanks to its AMP-UP audio technology and Realtek audio processor.
- Stable and reliable Z97 platform, Fast performance with an aggressive BIOS, Capable overclocker with the right settings, Great quality construction and decent layout, New G1 Gaming theme is attractive
- Software suite
- UEFI BIOS can be complicated, Smart Tweak Mode needs some cleaning up, Some users may miss the aggressive G1 Military Style
- No M.2 slot, Some may miss the flashy colors of the Gaming line
Priced at appox. Rs. 20,000, it’s a great base for a powerful rig.
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