Gigabyte Z68X UD7 B3 Motherboard Review

The Ninjalane Multi-GPU index is a portable set of data we can use to determine the multi-gpu potential of any motherboard.  A higher index number indicates a favorable condition for multiple graphics cards while a lower number indicates a hindrance in one of our leading indicators.  Since the Index is not dependent on system architecture it can be applied to any motherboard regardless of processor or chipset generations.

Index: 4
Optimized: 2x
Max Support: 4x

NVidia SLI
AMD Crossfire

As indicated by the PCI Express layout chart there are a total of four 16x PCI Express slots on this motherboard and all are controlled by the onboard NF200 chip.  The NF200 bridge chip allows for the available PCI Express lanes to be split into the current configuration and offer greater multi GPU options.  Slot two and four are the primary video card slots and run at a full 16x when only a single card is installed.  When the secondary slots are activated the 16x lanes are divided with 8x lanes each.

For best video performance you will want to populate slots two and four with video cards.  The available slot layout indicates that the GA-Z68X-UD7 is optimized for both dual and quad card configurations with a preference for two cards only.  A triple card configuration will be the most common option given the ability to use dual slot aircoolers.