Z370 Aorus Gaming 7 from Gigabyte – High end Intel 8th Gen mobo

1. Introduction and Overview2. Performance and Overclocking3. Closing Thoughts4. View All Pages

Z370 Aorus Gaming 7 from Gigabyte is an impressive motherboard that packs in a list of features that fall in three areas. The ports and connectors are beyond reproach and give you everything you need, including headers for both USB 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2.

The motherboard has a sensible layout which means you can use most of the features with ease. If you were being very picky you might point out that the middle M.2 slot sits under the main graphics card but this is a minor point.

Then we have the Gigabyte take on things so the VRM hardware uses high end Intersil ISL99227B Smart Power Stage chips that are rated at 60A and cost around $5 each.

In addition each phase has a ‘server-level’ choke and the consequence is that the Z370 Aorus Gaming 7 can handle pretty much anything you throw in its direction. We particularly likely the Smart Fan 5 feature that automatically detects the fan type on each header, whether it is DC or PWM, or even if you have connected a water pump that demands more current.

In the third category we have the features that might be considered as bling. Specifically we have the extensive RGB lighting which is somewhat over the top, but works well, Although the heat sinks on the VRMS look substantial they actually appears to be more of a carrier for the RGB lighting system. And finally we have the software.

You first have to install the Gigabyte App Centre and can then install each piece of software that is relevant to your specific motherboard. The list is lengthy and the fact is you can perform most of the functions in the UEFI so the software is slightly irrelevant.

The notable exception is RGB Fusion which has more features in Windows than the rudimentary lighting controls in the UEFI. We found @BIOS and System Information Viewer were worthwhile but would probably pass on (deep intake of breath) 3D OSD, BIOS Setup, Cloud Station, EasyTune, Fast Boot, Game Boost, ON/OFF Charge, Platform Power Management, Smart Backup, Smart Keyboard, Smart TimeLock, USB Blocker and V-Tuner.

Focus on the underlying hardware and you will see that Gigabyte has delivered an impressive motherboard in the Z370 Aorus Gaming 7.

Z370 Aorus Gaming 7 from Gigabyte – Read MORE over HERE.

Buy from Overclockers UK for £254.99 inc vat HERE.

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Pros:

• High end VRM hardware.
• Superb array of ports and connectors.
• Excellent Auto overclocking.
• Smart Fan 5 automatically detects the fan type on each header.

Cons:

• You pay a premium for the extra power phases on the Gaming 7.
• Some people might find the RGB lighting is over the top.
• Software would benefit from a unified interface.

KitGuru says: Z370 Aorus Gaming 7 sets a benchmark for reliable performance along with plenty of RGB.

 

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