Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force Motherboard Review

1. Introduction2. Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force: Packaging and Bundle3. Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force: Board Layout and Features4. Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force: BIOS5. Gigabyte Z97 UEFI BIOS: Software6. Testing Methodology7. Tests: System-related8. Tests: Processor-related9. Tests: Gaming-related10. Tests: Motherboard-related11. Overclocking: Frequencies12. Overclocking: Performance13. Technical: Power Consumption14. Closing Thoughts15. View All Pages

SATA

For SATA 6Gb/s testing we use a Kingston HyperX 3K (SandForce SF-2281) SSD.

SATA performance of the Gigabyte board is as we would expect for a Z97 part.

USB 3.0

We tested USB 3.0 performance using the Kingston HyperX 3K SSD connected to a SATA 6Gb/s to USB 3.0 adapter powered by an ASMedia ASM1053 controller.

Due to the omission of a UASP-activating software tool, USB 3.0 throughput numbers on our Windows 7 test system are limited on the Gigabyte board. In all fairness, ‘limited' is a little harsh – only Asus' UASP-boosted motherboard outdoes the Gigabyte part in terms of USB 3.0 speed.

Audio

We use RightMark Audio Analyzer (RMMA) to analyse the performance of the motherboard’s onboard audio solution. A sampling mode of 24-bit, 192 kHz was tested.

A Realtek ALC1150-based audio system is employed by the Z97X-SOC Force.

RightMark Audio Analyzer shows the Z97X-SOC Force motherboard to have ‘Very Good' overall audio performance. The audio system's noise level and dynamic range are particularly strong.

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