GIGABYTE Z890 Gaming X WIFI7 motherboard - Best Intel Core Ultra Socket 1851 Motherboard
The Gigabyte Z890 Gaming X Wi-Fi 7 Motherboard: A Powerhouse for Enthusiasts and Gamers
The motherboard comes in a traditional box sporting a black and orange Fiend design, which immediately conveys its gaming-oriented nature. The front of the box highlights basic information, including compatible CPUs, while the back showcases detailed product information, key features, and an IO layout to easily verify it has the connections you need. A QR code is also provided for additional product information.
Upon opening the box, the motherboard is securely wrapped in an anti-static bag, setting the tone for a premium product. The accessories included are a manual, two SATA data cables, and a Wi-Fi i7 antenna with its own dedicated connector. The motherboard boasts a sleek black PCB complemented by silver heat sinks and white plastic accents over the rear IO area, which add a stylish touch to the board.
Installing storage is made easier thanks to the tallest heat spreaders on the .2 sockets, providing ample clearance for the installation of storage drives. There are four M.2 sockets in total, each with pre-fitted thermal pads on the heat spreaders. Note that there are no support pads or heat sinks for the underside of the M.2 sockets. The top M.2 socket is Gen 5, offering the fastest speeds available, while the remaining three are still fast Gen 4.
The main PCI slot is reinforced and features a quick-release button, eliminating the hassle of reaching for a clasp when removing your GPU. This primary slot is also Gen 5, ensuring compatibility with the latest graphics cards. The additional slots are Gen 4, providing flexibility for users who need to upgrade their systems in the future.
All connections on the board are conveniently placed around the outer edge, making cable management easier and more efficient. On the right side of the board, you'll find four SATA headers, a USB 3.0 header, an HDMI connection for an optional sensor panel, a 20-pin power connector, and a 10Gig USB-C header. Additionally, there are standard USB audio fan headers, RGB, and ARGB headers at the top of the board.
The back I/O panel is well-equipped with four USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, one display port, one USB 4 Type-C port that also comes with display port alternative mode, three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and a Wi-Fi 7 Easy Connect port to plug in your ultra-high gain antenna.
Ventilation holes are strategically placed for improved airflow, which is essential for systems that may experience high temperatures or have intense workloads. For users upgrading from older systems or concerned about cooler compatibility with the Socket 1851, rest easy – this socket and mounting system are designed to be compatible with Socket 1700 coolers, making it easier to upgrade existing systems without sacrificing performance.
The motherboard features built-in RGB lighting that game on logo at the top right illuminates as does the area near the rear IO know-know. There's also a BIOS interface that is user-friendly and similar to previous Gigabyte BIOS versions. For testing, we enabled the XMP profile, Baseline Intel settings, and resizable bar, as well as experimented with the free preset perf drive settings.
In Cinebench Multicore test, we achieved nearly 22,000 more points with the highest overclock model compared to Baseline on multicore tests, but saw practically no difference in single-core tests. Similarly, in 3D Marks CPU profile, we got around about 1,400 extra points overclocking using the preset modes in the Bios. Gaming performance also saw a slight improvement in frames per second, although results may vary depending on the specific game.
The Gigabyte Control Center software allows users to customize RGB settings for the motherboard, RAM, and graphics card. Users can also adjust fan speeds and create custom curves to optimize cooling. The software provides easy updates for buyers and drivers but be cautious not to uncheck any unwanted software trials that could slow down your system.
In conclusion, the Gigabyte Z890 Gaming X Wi-Fi 7 motherboard delivers a host of cutting-edge features including Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, tallest design for M.2 sockets, and built-in overclocking options. While the launch of new Intel Ultra CPUs may have had some hiccups, this motherboard will help maximize their potential, making it an excellent choice for future-proofing gaming rigs with top-of-the-line technology.
Overall, the Gigabyte Z890 Gaming X Wi-Fi 7 motherboard is a compelling choice that doesn't compromise on performance or style. Its sleek design and extensive features make it an excellent option for enthusiasts and gamers looking to upgrade their systems. If you're in the market for a premium motherboard with cutting-edge features and top-notch performance, look no further than the Gigabyte Z890 Gaming X Wi-Fi 7 motherboard.
Whether you're building a new gaming rig or upgrading an existing one, this motherboard is definitely worth considering. Its compatibility with Socket 1700 coolers ensures that users can upgrade existing systems without sacrificing performance. The inclusion of built-in RGB lighting and customizable fan settings makes it easy to personalize your system's look and feel.
In the world of motherboards, the Gigabyte Z890 Gaming X Wi-Fi 7 stands out as a powerhouse for enthusiasts and gamers. Its extensive features, top-notch performance, and sleek design make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their gaming rig or build a new one from scratch.