Gigabyte Outs Z97-HD3P Motherboard

[btarunr]

Gigabyte rolled out the Z97-HD3P, its entry-level socket LGA1150 motherboard based on Intel Z97 Express chipset, and built in the ATX form-factor, with a width of just 19 cm. The board goes easy on overclocking-grade features, but doesn't leave out connectivity that makes the Z97 a successor to the Z87. The board draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS connectors, and conditions it for the CPU, with a simple 4-phase VRM. The CPU socket is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots, and a single PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot. Other expansion slots include one PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (electrical x4), and two each of PCIe 2.0 x1 and legacy PCI.

Storage connectivity on the Z97-HD3P includes six SATA 6 Gb/s ports, one SATA-Express port (drawing out two 6 Gb/s ports), and an M.2 10 Gb/s slot. Display outputs include one each of D-Sub, DVI, and HDMI. The audio solution is basic, 8-channel Realtek ALC887 driven, but features audio-grade electrolytic capacitors, and PCB ground-layer isolation, to reduce electrical noise. Modern connectivity includes six USB 3.0 ports (four on the rear panel, two by header). Legacy ones include COM and LPT by header, and PS/2 mouse/keyboard combo port. Expect a $100-ish price.



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[jboydgolfer]

GB boards NOT unlike this one, and NOT unlike MANY others in they're "mid'ish" range section look SO cheap to Me. I'm not certain what it is that gives me that impression when I look @ them, but I feel like it might be the actual PCB itself, I realize this particular board is lacking VRM heatsinks, which I suppose could also contribute to the impression I get from them. All I know is that it's ONLY they're boards that strike ME this way(out of the larger MoBo makers), Maybe it's the blue'ish color they often use. When-ever I go to Microcenter, I open up the Motherboard boxes on the Shelves , and try to actually handle as many as possible, and they just dont add up to the other offerings on the shelves. I have NO doubt that they have Nice High end MoBo's, but I think that they may just NOT be for Me, or My builds. Some of they're prices are hard to look down @ too, I really need to get over this Prejudice.Also, a MoBo's performance isn't dictated by it's appearence.

 

[vang2k]

I have used several motherboard brands and also many different chipsets ranging from intel based/amd based. I can tell you from my experience that gigabyte makes quality products plus their RMA process is pretty good. I've used MSI, ASUS, Foxconn, ASROCK, ABIT, Biostar. The VRM's usually the ultra durable versions have heatsinks on them. I know back than motherboards used to be very solidly made but now every manufactured mb will have its bugs. For the price tho Gigabyte or ASROCK has my money for being solid.

 

[Jetster]

I think its just that the new boards look bare. But there not cheap. Just a lot less components needed now. I think build quality is actually up. Wonder if it will run SLI in 8x8

 

[The Von Matrices]

When-ever I go to Microcenter, I open up the Motherboard boxes on the Shelves , and try to actually handle as many as possible

I always thought it was just my bad luck that the products I purchased in-store failed more frequently than those purchased online. I guess I now have an explanation if Micro Center freely allows customers to do this.

 

[micropage7]

personally i like that, but gigabyte should move those sata ports to sata express position

 

[Jetster]

personally i like that, but gigabyte should move those sata ports to sata express position

Agreed

 

[mascotzel]

The board is narrower than ATX standard width.
Also,there are no markings around the socket, and fewer components there also, which makes it look more barren.

Having M2 + SATA express, 6 USB 3.0, 3 video outputs,it does not leave much out for an entry level product.

 

[Static~Charge]

Wonder if it will run SLI in 8x8

"a single PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot. Other expansion slots include one PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (electrical x4)"​

Based on this, I'd say the answer to your question is "no".

 

[Overclocker_2001]

with that 3+1 vrm phase for the cpu that mobo sound like LOT of CHAEPO!!!
assuming 30A per phase no overclock could be possibile if voltage is touched...

only thing that could save this mobo is ton of usb 2.0 in the back...
no.. this ( like every other less than 4+1 vrm phase ) suck in efficiency and long last, otherwise bundled with less than 60W cpu..

hey there!! Z chipset with non K cpu! haven't you?!?! H or Q chipset is better all the way for the price-per-spec

when are mobo/s manufacturer stop release sh1t mobo with premium ( rubbished ) chipset??

if it was m-atx with alc1150 or pump-it-loud codec than could be a HTPC mobo.. but.. this suck!!!
my ultra old creative audigy rush away all codec except for some good implementation... 10 ( or more ) years old audio card rock so much?!?!? no.. audio codec suck too much! ( 892 is ultra pimped high in volume but quality is so-so )

 

[Hawkstream]

Hi,

I'm confused by this statement - "SATA Express connector & M.2 slot can only be enabled one at a time". 2 questions -

• Can I use both a M.2 and SATA Express drive at the same time?
• Can I use an Samsung 850 EVO 250GB (1 M.2 and 1 SATA Express) in RAID 0?

Thanks

 

[Jetster]

They share a PCI-e lane. Per manual

"M.2, SATA Express, and SATA3 4/5 connectors can only be used one at a time. The SATA3 4/5
connectors will become unavailable when an M.2 SSD is installed."

So No and NO