Gigabyte X99 Gaming 5P Motherboard Review

The X99 Gaming 5P motherboards is following a distinct red and black color scheme.  The military undertones are gone having been replaced with accent colors on the various heatsinks.  The PCB features a matte black finish and the usual 2oz copper traces making it extremely sturdy with a good deal of "weight". 

Looking at the back of the motherboard we can get an indication as to how the PCI Express slots are wired and determine which slots are primary and secondary in terms of bandwidth.  You won't find any surface components aside from the cpu backplate and a few screws for the various heatsinks. 

On the X99 Gaming 5P there are a total of six power phases for the CPU.  This is maybe one of the smallest VRMs we have seen on any high-end motherboard for a long time.  It may not seem like much but the 5P uses the new PowIRstages which can supply more power to the CPU, while producing less heat and better efficiency which allows Gigabyte to simplify the motherboard a bit.

Quad channel memory comes standard on the LGA 2011v3 platform and given that this is a Champion series motherboard the X99 Gaming 5P supports DDR4 modules at 3333Mhz+ with a maximum of 128GB usable.  24pin ATX power is located in the traditional location near the upper edge of the motherboard and out of the way of most intake fans.

Behind the PWM cooler you'll find the CPU Power connection made up of a single 8-pin connector.  Given the location the cables they should be easy to hide in any modern chassis and is well hidden behind the large VRM cooler.