Gigabyte Z170X UD5 Motherboard Review

Dual channel memory comes standard on the Skylake processor and the Z170X UD5 supports standard speed DDR4 modules up to 2133Mhz with overclocking support beyond that.  A maximum of 64GB is addressable with the proper module density.  

We are glad to report that benchtop buttons are still available and located in the upper right.  There you will find a large lighted power button next to two smaller buttons for CMOS clear and system reset.  A double digit DEBUG LED is located on the other side to help you diagnose problems with the boot process.  Voltage test pads can be found along the top edge of the PCB and allowing you to monitor actual voltages while the system is running.  This is important since CPUz can often report incorrect CPU voltages.

You will notice a SATA power connector near the memory sockets. This is used to supply power to the PCI Express lanes.  While unnecessary for single card use if you plan to load up the slots it is a good idea to have additional power for additional stability.

Internal SATA connections number eight and follow the new SATA6 connection standard.  Three of the standard SATA6 ports are dedicated to SATA Express from the chipset.  Two additional ports are supplied by an onboard ASMedia controller.

Along the I/O panel you will find a single PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse port, two USB 2.0 and three USB 3.0.  Two USB 3.1 ports are provided with one being a new reversible Type-C connection.  You will find two RJ-45 network connections powered by Intel GbE controllers which can be teamed together for double the bandwidth.  Video connections are made possible over DVI, HDMI and Display Port followed by 8 channel analog audio with digital connections over optical.