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Review: Gigabyte X99-UD4P

by Tarinder Sandhu on 8 May 2015, 10:01

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

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qacrat

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Conclusion


...solid overall performance ensures it's a well-rounded board.

Designing a standout Intel X99 motherboard is a more difficult task than at first glance. With so much of the goodness baked into the chipset and Intel ever-more keen to take the performance initiative away from board manufacturers, creating something different takes skill.

Gigabyte tackles this problem by releasing an updated X99 offering that focusses on pushing components to the limit. The new CPU mode enables higher RAM overclocking, though it's real-world worth is subject to question, and solid overall performance ensures it's a well-rounded board.

We'd like to see faster M.2 access for the super-speedy drives coming soon to market, perhaps USB 3.1, and a tidier BIOS that could do with an overhaul, particularly in the fan-control department.

Overall, though, priced at Ā£190, the advantages outweigh the niggles, particularly if you enjoy overclocking. The Gigabyte X99-UD4P, then, appeals to a wide range of buyers.

The Good
 
The Bad
Great speed on RAM
Overclocks well
Looks great
Competitive price

 
Limitations on M.2 and PCIe
BIOS fan control could be better



Gigabyte X99-UD4P

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The reviewed board is available from Scan.co.uk.*

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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 :: 4 Comments

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As I am looking to build a high end rig without worrying (within limits, maybe generous limits, but still limits)about budget this is useful. It does seem that the X99 platform is already starting to show its age. PCIe/M2 are the obvious way to go for blazing fast boot times (less cabling is a nice bonus), whilst I am not a fan of multi graphic card set ups, at the very high end that is normal. Yet X99 boards still struggle with PCIe/M2 + multi graphic card set ups.

Personally I will probably go with ASUS or ASRock board, but that is simply because I have used them a lot over the years and they have always been rock solid - I know that is not everyones experience but it is mine
cjs150
Yet X99 boards still struggle with PCIe/M2 + multi graphic card set ups.

I thought they were the best suited boards for that sort of thing? The lesser boards run out of PCIe lanes while X99 can in most implementations do full PCiE 3.0 x4 M2 and have a ridiculous amount left over for graphics.
A bit late to the OC socket game, and why the hell would you need a pointless switch to “activate” the extra pins?
GoNz0
A bit late to the OC socket game, and why the hell would you need a pointless switch to “activate” the extra pins?
My guess is that this is related to how they developed the OC socked. The other MFR's probably had patents that dictated how GB could implement “their” version of the OC Socket. I could very well be wrong, but this to me, seems the most logical.