GIGABYTE Z390 GAMING X motherboard review powerful features for gaming enthusiasts

Description

Design and Build Quality

The GIGABYTE Z390 GAMING X is a seriously impressive motherboard in terms of its physical design. As soon as I unboxed it, the sturdy ATX form factor stood out. Measuring 13.18 x 10.62 inches, it fit snugly into my mid-tower case without any hassle. The black PCB with subtle accents of RGB lighting adds a sleek, modern look to any setup. I particularly appreciated the RGB Fusion multi-zone LED light show, which allowed me to customize the lighting effects to match the rest of my gaming rig. It’s not just flashy; the PCIe Armor reinforcement feels solid, giving confidence in its ability to support heavy GPUs without bending.

Performance and Overclocking Capabilities

This motherboard absolutely delivers on performance. Supporting 9th and 8th Intel Core processors, I paired it with an i7-9700k, and wow, it didn’t disappoint. The 10+2 phase digital VRM design is a game-changer for overclocking, keeping the system stable even when I pushed the CPU clocks higher. One thing that stood out during my testing was the Smart Fan 5 technology, which uses multiple temperature sensors and hybrid fan headers. This feature allowed me to control fan speeds intelligently, ensuring the system stayed cool under heavy loads. The dual Ultra-Fast NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 slots boosted storage speeds significantly; my OS booted up in seconds, and large files transferred in the blink of an eye.

Audio and Networking Features

The Realtek ALC892 audio codec is decent, though not groundbreaking. The high-quality audio capacitors and Audio Noise Guard with LED Trace Path Lighting did improve sound clarity, making gaming and music sessions enjoyable. However, audiophiles might feel it’s missing that extra punch. On the networking side, the Intel Gigabit LAN with cFosSpeed software ensured lightning-fast and stable internet connectivity. I streamed games and downloaded large files simultaneously without any noticeable drops in speed. Plus, the 25kV ESD and 15kV surge LAN protection is a reassuring bonus for anyone concerned about electrical surges.

Compatibility and Expansion Options

Compatibility is one of this motherboard’s strong suits. It supports Dual Channel Non-ECC Unbuffered DDR4 RAM, which means I was able to install four DIMMs with a total capacity of 64GB. The memory speed, up to 4400 MHz, made multitasking a breeze. The 2-way Crossfire Multi-Graphics support is a nice touch for gamers looking to run dual GPUs, though it lacks NVIDIA SLI support. The inclusion of Intel native USB 3.1 Gen2 ports and a front USB Type-C header made connecting peripherals a hassle-free experience. Additionally, the CEC 2019 Ready certification ensures energy-efficient operation, something many users overlook but is crucial for long-term use.

Key Benefits

• 10+2 digital VRM design ensures stable overclocking.
• Dual M.2 slots with thermal guards for ultra-fast storage.
• RGB Fusion lighting adds a customizable aesthetic.
• Smart Fan 5 technology keeps the system cool under load.

Areas for Improvement

• No Wi-Fi support, which feels like a missed opportunity in this price range.
• Audio quality, while good, could be better for audiophiles.
• No NVIDIA SLI support, limiting GPU pairing flexibility.

Product Rivals

When comparing this board to competitors like the ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E or the MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC, a few differences become clear. The ASUS model boasts Wi-Fi capabilities, which the GIGABYTE Z390 GAMING X lacks, making it a better choice for wireless setups. However, this board outshines MSI’s offering in terms of VRM stability and RGB customization options. Additionally, ASUS ROG boards often come at a higher price point, so if budget is a concern, the GIGABYTE one strikes a better balance between price and features.

Financial Value

The cost-efficiency of this motherboard is one of its major selling points. While it doesn’t come with every premium feature, like built-in Wi-Fi or top-tier audio, it focuses on delivering high performance and reliability where it matters. The inclusion of dual M.2 slots, robust VRM design, and customizable RGB lights makes it a great choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts who want solid performance without breaking the bank. In terms of the price-to-quality ratio, it holds its own against similarly priced boards on the market.

Whether you’re building your first gaming rig or upgrading an older system, the GIGABYTE Z390 GAMING X offers a well-rounded package that prioritizes performance, aesthetics, and expandability. While there are a few shortcomings, its key strengths make it a worthy contender in the world of Z390 motherboards.

Additional information