OVERVIEW
It wasn’t too long ago that GIGABYTE announced their X99 Champion Series motherboards. Today, we’ll have a look at the newest addition to the X99 Championship family, which is called the X99-SLI. At first glance, the GIGABYTE X99-SLI seems to be a feature-rich motherboard packed with the GIGABYTE enthusiast-level options we’ve come to expect on their higher end offerings. Let’s dive in and see if GIGABYTE has a motherboard worthy of your hard earned dollar.
Specifications and Features
Looking at the specifications below, it’s pretty easy to tell the X99-SLI has plenty of options for the vast majority of users. The motherboard is built on an ATX form factor PCB and offers plenty of connectivity through a plethora of SATA, USB, and M.2 ports. DDR4 XMP support for memory speeds up to 3333 MHz is supported as well. Using Intel LAN and the Realtek ALC1150 CODEC are about as good as it gets for those two onboard solutions. Depending on the CPU installed, up to 4-way CrossFire/SLI is supported.
Support for DDR4 XMP up to 3333MHz
DDR4 memory modules are available at a stock frequency of 2133MHz, but memory vendors encode XMP profiles which can automatically modify the frequency and timings of the supported memory modules to work in par with your CPU. With the X99 Champion Series, GIGABYTE is offering a tested and proven platform that ensures proper compatibility with profiles up to 3333MHz.
Genuine All Digital Power Design
GIGABYTE X99 series motherboards use an all digital CPU power design from International Rectifier® which includes both 4th Generation digital PWM Controllers and industry-leading 3rd Generation PowIRstage® controllers. These 100% digital controllers offer incredible precision in delivering power to the motherboard’s most power-hungry and energy-sensitive components, allowing enthusiasts to get the absolute maximum performance from their new Intel® Core™ i7 Extreme Edition CPUs.
Server Level Chokes
GIGABYTE X99 series motherboards feature Server Level Chokes.
• Server level reliability
• High current capacity
• New design reduces heat created by power loss and provides efficient power delivery to CPU VRM area.
• Server level reliability
• High current capacity
• New design reduces heat created by power loss and provides efficient power delivery to CPU VRM area.
Long Lifespan Durable Black™ Solid Caps
GIGABYTE X99 series motherboards integrate the absolute best quality solid state capacitors that are rated to perform at maximum efficiency for extended periods, even in extreme performance configurations. This provides peace of mind for end users who want to push their system hard, yet demand absolute reliability and stability, with ultra-low ESR no matter how high the CPU loading. These exclusive capacitors also come in customized jet black, exclusively on GIGABYTE X99 series motherboards.
All New Heatsink Design
GIGABYTE X99 series motherboards feature new heat sink designs that offer uncompromisingly efficient cooling on key areas of the motherboard including the PWM area and chipset (PCH). GIGABYTE X99 Series motherboards offer cooling support of the crucial PWM area so even the most aggressive and extreme configurations will be kept well within optimal thermal parameters.
3-Way / 4-Way Graphics with Premium PCIe x16 Lane Up to 320Gb/s Bandwidth
GIGABYTE X99 motherboards feature a unique PCI Express design that utilizes 100% of all 40 lanes from the CPU when in a 4-Way or 3-Way graphics configuration. Standard designs limit all 4 main PCIe lanes to x8 (64Gb/s) bandwidth, but thanks to the onboard external clock generator combined with the direct connection of one of the x16 lanes to the CPU (switchless design), GIGABYTE X99 motherboards can unlock the full bandwidth available and provide the best graphics bandwidth possible to the user.
VERDICT
The performance and overclocking ability of the GIGABYTE X99-SLI speaks for itself as we witnessed above. GIGABYTE proved you don’t have to spend four or five hundred dollars for an X99 motherboard that’s capable of building an enthusiast-level system around.
With support for up to 4-way SLI/CrossFire, the AMP-Up audio, the Intel I218V LAN controller, and M.2 device compatibility, the GIGABYTE X99-SLI provides the latest technologies and an overall attractive feature set. That should make the motherboard appeal to a large segment of potential customers, especially given the affordable price.
If you’re looking for an X99 motherboard that’s affordable and doesn’t sacrifice overclocking or gaming opportunities, the GIGABYTE X99-SLI is definitely worth consideration.
THANK YOU!
Post a Comment