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Gigabyte's Z370N WiFi motherboard sits below expensive gaming-branded mini-ITX motherboards from ASUS, ASRock and MSI and above an entry-level option from ASRock. In specification terms Gigabyte's motherboard is not directly comparable to anything else so finds itself on safe ground in its price segment.
The Z370N WiFi has very clear advantages including its generous Intel networking connectivity, across wired and wireless standards, dual M.2 with M.2 cooling for one of those slots and a high performance ALC1220 audio solution. That networking abundance combined with generous onboard display outputs make it an interesting candidate for a high-performance HTPC.
Gigabyte also facilitates interesting RGB LED capabilities for such a small motherboard by providing two LED headers of differing types, both of which interface well with its RGB Fusion software.
However, the Gigabyte Z370N WiFi has some drawbacks, including no optical audio connection and only three audio jacks that slightly hinder its HTPC capability as getting 7.1 audio requires some trickery with the front panel connections and the Realtek audio drivers.
The decision to provide only four SATA III ports when the chipset can facilitate six is also questionable but dual M.2 does offer enough flexibility in the storage department. The omission of USB 3.1 (Gen 2) is just as surprising given the Z370 landscape, though the USB Type-C inclusion does offer some reprieve.
The Z370N WiFi is clearly not geared towards overclocking as it features no hardware buttons, diagnostic LEDs or code readers. The 6-phase CPU VRM is also not suited for “aggressive” or high voltage overclocking, though perfectly capable of achieving “medium” voltage overclocks as long as it is provided with sufficient ambient airflow, particularly in compact mini-ITX cases.
All in all, it is a solid motherboard with enough features to make it a worthwhile investment. It's not perfect but it'll do a job for those looking to build a Mini-ITX Z370 system.
Gigabyte's Z370N WiFi has a retail price of £141.95 from Overclockers UK and is sold with a 3 year warranty as standard.
Pros:
- Dual LED headers.
- Effective M.2 thermal solution.
- Dual Intel Gigabit and Intel WiFi/Bluetooth.
- Dual M.2 slots.
- Ample onboard display connectivity if going down the media PC route.
- Neutral design aesthetics.
- USB Type-C.
Cons:
- No USB 3.1 (Gen 2).
- Only 3 audio jacks and no optical audio.
- Dim onboard LEDs.
- Overwhelming number of software utilities, some of limited value.
- No diagnostic/overclocking hardware tools.
- Only four SATA III ports.
KitGuru says: Gigabyte's Z370N WiFi is a mini-ITX motherboard that delivers ample features and performance at an attractive price.
