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Review: Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming 5

by Parm Mann on 23 May 2014, 15:30

Tags: Gigabyte (TPE:2376), Intel (NASDAQ:INTC)

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qacepv

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Conclusion

...boards such as the Z97X-Gaming 5 represent a straightforward choice for performance users seeking familiar looks and a range of gamer-optimised features.

Intel's Z97 chipset can be considered a minor upgrade over the existing Z87, yet it's a chance for partners to spruce up their wares and Gigabyte is taking the opportunity by revamping its G1 Gaming Series product line.

For better or for worse, the manufacturer is withdrawing the green-on-black colour scheme that had become synonymous with G1 boards and has instead reverted to a tried and trusted combination of red and black.

As a result, the new range targets mainstream appeal as opposed to individuality, and with keen pricing in tow, boards such as the Z97X-Gaming 5 represent a straightforward choice for performance users seeking familiar looks and a range of gamer-optimised features. These include CrossFire and SLI capabilities, Killer networking, amplified Realtek ALC1150 audio and, new to Z97, support for the emerging high-speed M.2 and SATA Express storage standards.

We'd have liked to have seen Gigabyte stick to a full-size ATX PCB, and the addition of a debug LED would have been a nice touch, but for Ā£110 with a solid BIOS and a free four-year warranty, the Z97X-Gaming 5 is a solid effort that gets very little wrong.

The Good

Competitive pricing
CrossFire and SLI capabilities
SATA Express and M.2 support
Well-stocked and multi-mode BIOS
Four-year warranty available in UK & IRL

The Bad

Lacks DisplayPort output
19mm narrower than full ATX
No onboard debug LED

HEXUS.awards


Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming 5

HEXUS.where2buy

The Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming 5 motherboard is available to purchase from Scan Computers*.

HEXUS.right2reply

At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.



*UK-based HEXUS community members are eligible for free delivery and priority customer service through the SCAN.care@HEXUS forum.



HEXUS Forums :: 3 Comments

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Red & Black….ZZZZzzz, it's so last decade darling.
The Z97 realy doesnt add anything next to the Z87 or that's my opinion.
I'll stick with my Z87 untill DDR4 comes out on boards , wich won't take too long i guess.
People are ranting about the M2 , but i don't see the use of it realy , besides for the fact that M2 sata devices are a hell of a lot more expensive i think as a regular SSD , it does not realy improve that much speed and it hardly noticable in our gaming rigs
I just noticed gigabyte is being rather liberal with applying the “hexus recommended” sticker:
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4968#ov
Note that that page is for the MATX version of this board, which would have differing performance and features. Is this something Hexus is OK with?