Gigabyte Z170N-Gaming 5 Mini-ITX Motherboard Review @ ThinkComputers

I have started to believe that the future of the PC isn't with high-end overclocking and gaming rigs but in how much power you can pack into the smallest space possible.  This means Mini ITX and the new Intel 5x5 form factor.

The mini-ITX form factor is becoming extremely popular with gamers who will be using a single graphics card because it allows them to build a system with premium components that is small and easy enough to take with them to LAN parties or other events. The problem with mini-ITX motherboards has been that they lack many features that their larger ATX counterparts offer. Well Gigabyte is changing that with their Z170N-Gaming 5 motherboard that has all of the features you would want in a full-size ATX motherboard, but in the tiny mini-ITX form factor. Gigabyte was able to pack in Killer E2200 gaming networking, Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3 support, a PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 slot, two USB 3.1 ports (1x Type-C, 1x Type-A), and even 802.11ac dual band wireless. Gigabyte wants this to be the perfect board for gamers building in the mini-ITX form factor. Is it? Let’s take a look and find out!

Over the next year or so I believe there will be a lot of effort put into the small form factor(s) to turn them into proper desktop replacements for the hardware enthusiast. 

Related Web URL: http://www.thinkcomputers.org/gigabyte-z170n-gamin...