Gigabyte Z97X Gaming G1 Motherboard Review

Dual channel memory comes standard on the Haswell processor and the Z97X Gaming G1 supports standard speed DDR3 modules up to 1600Mhz with overclocking support beyond that.  A maximum of 32GB is addressable however a 64-bit OS is required to use it all.  

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 front edge of the PCB and allowing you to monitor actual voltages while the system is running.

You will notice a SATA power connector near the memory sockets. This is used to supply power to the PCI Express lanes and PLX chip.  While unnecessary for single card use It is recommended that you have additional power when two or more graphics cards are installed for additional stability.

Internal SATA connections number ten and follow the new SATA6 connection standard.  Two of the standard SATA6 ports are dedicated to SATA Express which is a new connection standard introduced with the Z97 chipset.  The remaining grey SATA ports are also SATA6 compliant and provided by the onboard Gigabyte branded controller.

The I/O panel features many common connections and a whole lot of gold ones for improved connectivity and corrosion resistance.  Along the panel you will find a single PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse port, two USB 2.0 and six USB 3.0.  The Yellow USB ports feature the Gigabyte USB DAC UP and are designed to provide clean noise free power to DAC devices, mice and other USB devices.  You will find two RJ-45 network connections, Killer Networks E2201 and Intel.  Video connections are made possible over DVI, HDMI and Display Port.  The audio system features a digital connection over optical and five gold plated analog jacks.

Gigabyte G1 Gaming motherboards are equipped with the Gigabyte exclusive AMP-UP Audio Technology, which provides the industry’s highest level of onboard audio features and technologies. With Gigabyte AMP-UP Audio, gamers and audiophiles are able to experience crisp, ultra realistic sound effects while gaming, and the richest possible sound experience.

GIGABYTE Direct Audio Route Design
Shortest route, no wasted trace Less crosstalk & less EMI
AMP positioned close to audio jack for lowest noise
Better signal quality and better audio quality
Upgradable OP-AMP
Creative Sound Core3D Quad-Core Audio Processor
Creative SBX Pro Studio Audio Suite
High End Japanese branded Nichicon Audio Capacitors
Dedicated Audio Hardware Zone
Separation on the PCB layer protects the board's sensitive analog audio components
LED trace path lighting illuminates to show the separation of the PCB layers