Gigabyte GA-X99-UD4 Motherboard Review

[News Team]

Introduction When it comes to Intel’s Extreme or “Enthusiast” series of motherboards and processors, like the X79 and its Ivy-Bridge-E combo, we seem to get a bit more time between updates. Intel initially launched its X79 Chipset with Sandy-Bridge-E, then 18 months later Ivy-Bridge-E hit store shelves without a major Chipset change. Unlike its mainstream Z series Chipset, which has seen updates almost every 12 months or so (give or take a few months), the X79 chipset is roughly 3 years old now.

Today we have the new X99 Chipset which promises a large improvement over its predecessor X79. With the rise of DDR4 memory and demand for faster and larger bandwidth capabilities, it was only a matter of time. As we dig a little deeper today, we will talk a little more about this Chipset later. Along with the new Chipset comes a newly released processor refresh.The X99 Chipset has made some other improvements which now allow users to sport the new Intel Haswell-E Processor. This CPU starts with a 6core for the HT 5820K, 6core for the HT 5930K, and lastly an 8core for the HT 5960X with a Socket 2011-3. Of course with these changes, it has pre-empted the design of new motherboards, so we now have the chance to put the Gigabyte X99-UD4 motherboard to the test and see if the improvements are going to be worth the upgrade.

* In recent years, Gigabyte has grown to be one of the most recommended brands. The reputation of great performance to value has put them on the map; however, it isn’t the only reason the Gigabyte name has grown. Gigabyte offers a wide variety of motherboards that fit each users needs too. Whether you are a super overclocker, a serious gamer or just a basic web junky, Gigabyte offers a product tailored for you. The Gigabyte X99-UD4 is not Gigabyte’s flagship motherboard, but it offers many high-end features, from SLI/Crossfire to M.2 SATA Drive and quad channel DDR4 memory. The Gigabyte X99-UD4 also offers many other improvements thanks to its X99 Chipset. As we continue forward we are going to put the X99-UD4 to the test to see how well it stacks up.

But before we do, let’s talk a little bit about Gigabyte as a company.

About Gigabyte:

GIGABYTE*was founded in 1986, establishing our uncontested position in continuous technological innovation. By focusing on key technologies and achieving strict quality standards, GIGABYTE has been regarded as an innovative and trusted motherboard leader in the globe. To keep pace in a rapidly changing world, we have offered a comprehensive product line covering Motherboards,*Graphics Cards, PC Components, PC Peripherals, Laptops, Slate Devices,*Desktop PCs, Network Communications, Servers and*Mobile Phones. We are dedicated to building up a full-range digital life, responding promptly and sonorously to consumer needs and desires. Values in Consumer Experiences: To”Upgrade Your Life” is the idea behind GIGABYTE which conveyed our core values of innovation and inspiration. We keep staying one step ahead of consumer needs, ensuring marvelous consumer experiences with products delivering performance, endurance, craftsmanship, and friendly interfaces. Our innovative designs and exclusive patents have constructed numerous valuable records and enhanced brilliant reputations with the public, including Ultra Durable™ 5 Technology, G1 Killer Gaming Motherboards with AMP-UP Audio Technology, Dual Port Thunderbolt™ Motherboards, WINDFORCE™ 5X SOC*Graphics Cards, 2X Copper PCB, 24 Phase Power VRM Design and so forth. Furthermore, we continue to inspire consumer desires with products in multiple values, that include 15.6

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[xelosia]

Great Review Kenny thanks for posting

[killjoyjim]

Good review as alway's Kenny. Greate board also.

[Cyberburnout]

Pretty nice board. Solid review

[vinman]

Great review Kenny

I really like that board seems to me you get quite a bit for your money

[TeeBlack]

good review Kenny and a nice motherboard. not bad bad at all for the price.

[Mgutierrez33]

I just question this particular board's long term viability. My experience with Gigabyte products in the past has been "meh" at best.

[Solara2xb]

^^I can see your concerns with your experience, but I have to say that I have experienced differently. In-fact, MSI and Gigabyte are the 2 boards brands that I have used that has been the most reliable. I question my ASUS boards at times more then my GB and MSI. Although my oldest ASUS board right now is only 3 yrs old (X79 system). My oldest MSI board that still functions and being used in a system is just over 7 years (older Intel LGA775 with a Q6600) and my wifes PC has a GB board from the P55 era with a i5 750 that still works like the day I built the machine.

But like all tech items go. IMO, its really just luck of the draw. All hardware will fail eventually, it just depends the environment and usage of the hardware that can determine the life of the electronic components.

[Cyberburnout]

My experiences matches Kenny's as well. I had some bios config issues with my last GB board but other than that they all have ran great. The MSI boards ran with a hitch, even the lower cost boards have done well. Surprisingly the board that lasted the longest for me was a board from ECS. IKR! The Asus board I have now needed to be RMA'd shortly after I got it up and running. They just sent me a new board. It is still in the box unopened lol

Everyone has mixed experiences based on a lot of variables so I try not to tell anyone to stay away from any particular brand. Just give my thoughts and let them decide.

[Solara2xb]

^^Agree'd.... Although, I just remembered I had a Foxcoon motherboard that still works from the AMD 1800+ days with some DDR1 memory still in it.. Lolz...

[Mgutierrez33]

That would be why I specified that it was my experience. Most don't have that kind of issue, but when I seem to keep buying into batches of hardware that fail the silicon lottery as absolutely as their products have with me it becomes difficult for the brand to become a SOLID recommendation. Their GPU's at the very least seem to be much more consistent than their motherboards and tend to perform above average compared to other products in similar ranges.