GA-X99-DESIGNARE | Gigabyte X99-Designare EX Motherboard (Rev 1.0)

Overview

• Intel Thunderbolt 3 Certified X99 Motherboard
• Supports Intel Core i7 6950X Processor Extreme Edition
• Support Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0
• Quad Channel, Registered / Non-ECC Unbuffered DDR4, 8 DIMMs
• Intel USB 3.1 with USB Type-C & PD 2.0 36W Support
• Premium 3-Way PCIe x16 Multi-Graphics Support
• NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 22110 M.2 Interface & U.2 Interface for Intel SSD 750
• SATA Express Connector for Up to 10Gb/s Data Transfer
• Dual Intel GbE LAN with cFosSpeed Internet Accelerator Software
• 115dB SNR HD Audio with Built-in Rear Audio Amplifier
• Ambient Surround LED with RGB Multi-Color Choices
• Ultra Durable Metal Shielding over PCIe and DDR Slots
• Ultra Durable Anti-Sulfur Resistors for Longer Lifespan
• Ultra Durable Anti-Rust Rear I/O Connectors
• Dual Hybrid Fan Headers with Precise PWM / Voltage Control for Water Pump & Fan
• GIGABYTE UEFI DualBIOS with Q-Flash Plus USB ports
• APP Center Including EasyTune and Cloud Station Utilities
• Intel 802.11ac Dual Band Wireless Connection & Bluetooth 4.2
• Rear Panel DisplayPort-In for Future Feature Upgrade

Next Generation 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt 3

The GIGABYTE GA-X99-Designare EX motherboard is a X99 Refresh motherboard to be certified to support Thunderbolt 3. This gives enthusiasts that need the tried-and-true horsepower and reliability of the X99 chipset access to the worlds fastest connectivity protocol. Powered by Intels own Thunderbolt 3 controller, the new Thunderbolt 3 protocol is available over a USB Type-C connector on the back I/O of select GIGABYTE motherboards including the X99-Designare EX. Bringing an unprecedented single-wire bandwidth of up to 40 Gb/s -- twice more than the previous generation!

Support for Thunderbolt 3 on the GIGABYTE X99-Designare EX motherboard opens up a world of possibilities for enthusiasts or professionals using the X99 chipset. With the unmatched bandwidth that Thunderbolt 3 provides, enthusiasts can use new devices such as discrete GPU boxes, external quad M.2 drives, or U.2 expansion drives.

One of the main advantages of Thunderbolt 3 is its ability to carry a video signal, but as X99 platforms dont have a GPU integrated in the CPU, the Thunderbolt controller needs to link with a discrete graphics card. In order to solve this conundrum, GIGABYTE designed the X99-Designare EX with a DisplayPort Input port on the back I/O allowing users to pair their devices with a USB Type-C connector (the required cables to connect the graphics card to Thunderbolt controller are bundled with the board).

Daisy-chain Multiple Devices

With a single wire, users can now daisy-chain up to 6 devices via Thunderbolt 3, including a monitor with all the GPU power from the discrete graphics card to display high frame rate games at max settings or render 3D models in a flash.

Ambient Surround LED
Set the Color that Matches Your Style

Now offering more LED customizations than ever, users can truly adapt their PC to represent their lifestyle. With full RGB support and a redesigned Ambient LED application, the user has complete control over the LEDs which surround the motherboard.

Light Up Your Case to Match your Motherboard

With an onboard Pin Header for aftermarket LED Strips, users now have the ability to sync the lighting in their computer case with the lighting on their motherboard. By using the Ambient LED Application, included in GIGABYTE APP Center, users are also able to specify the lighting modes available and ensure that everything is illuminating their system in harmony.

Immersive VR Gaming Experience

• VR requires 30% more performance than Full HD graphics for a steady 60FPS or greater.
• Only Gaming PCs can provide the best VR experience.

To create a seamless VR experience GIGABYTE Motherboards offer the best features to make your virtual reality feel like your actual reality.

With technologies such as Thunderbolt 3 to transfer data and video, NVMe support via M.2 or U.2, and a one piece metal shielding to brace for heavier discrete graphics cards its obvious that GIGABYTE has the tools you need to start your journey in VR. To set the mood GIGABYTE Motherboards include Ambient Surround LED to put you in the center of action.

Recommended configuration for VR Gaming PC

• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD R9 290 or greater, Compatible HDMI 1.3 video output
• CPU: Intel i5-6600K equivalent or greater
• Motherboard: GIGABYTE X99/Z170/H170/B150 motherboards
• Memory: 8GB RAM or greater
• USB Ports:3x USB 3.0 ports plus 1x USB 2.0 port or greater
• OS: Windows 7 SP1 64-bit or newer

NVIDIA QUADRO Professional Graphics Supports

NVIDIAQUADRO3D Workstation Professional Graphics Solutions designed and built specifically for artists, designers, and engineers, NVIDIA Quadro GPUs power more than 100 professional applications across a broad range of industries. Professionals trust them to enable their best work using applications such as AdobeCreative Cloud, Avid Media Composer, Autodesk Suites, Dassault Systemes, CATIA and SOLIDWORKS, Siemens NX, PTC Creo, and many more.

Premium 3-Way PCIe x16 Multi-Graphics Support

Optimized support for 3-Way NVIDIA SLI or 3-Way AMD CrossFire On 28 lanes Processor

2-Way SLI / CrossFire Multi-Graphics

Multi-graphics configuration offers better graphics performance for gaming enthusiasts who demand the highest frame rates without compromising on resolution.

PURE SPEED, MORE POWER

Exclusively on GIGABYTE Powered Motherboards
Intel USB 3.1 + Power Delivery 2.0

The IntelUSB 3.1 controller utilizes four PCIe Gen3 Lanes, offering up to 32 Gb/s total bandwidth, for uncompromised transfer speeds of up to 10 Gb/s per USB 3.1. With twice the bandwidth compared to its previous generation, and backwards compatibility with USB 2.0 and 3.0, the much improved USB 3.1 protocol is available over the new reversible USB Type-C and the traditional USB Type-A connector for better compatibility over a wider range of devices.


Dual U.2 Onboard (NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4)

NVMe Performance for PCIe SSDs

The new Intel 750 series SSDs offer an incredible increase in performance over SATA drives. Using the NVMe protocol which takes advantage of the fast bandwidth of PCIe Gen3 x4 lanes (32 Gb/s), the drives are a clear advantage for users looking to boot their OS faster, load their games in a flash and access large files without waiting. By implementing the U.2 port onboard to support the 2.5 Intel 750 Series drive, GIGABYTE ensures that the users can benefit from the best performance.

Power and Charge From USB Type-C With Power Delivery 2.0 Support

Redesigned to take full advantage of all the features that USB Type-C can support, GIGABYTEs new X99 motherboards with Intels USB 3.1 controller not only supports USB 2.0, 3.0, and 3.1, but also completely supports Power Delivery 2.0. This means users are able to get up to 36 watts through your Intel powered USB Type-C port. This opens the door for users looking to clean up their cable cutter and power or recharge their devices through this universal connector, the Type-C Port.

Fast Onboard Storage with NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 110mm M.2 (Up to 32 Gb/s)

GIGABYTEs M.2 solution offers considerably faster storage performance and support for PCIe NVMe SSD devices.

Dual Hybrid Fan Headers
Precise PWM and Voltage Control for Water pumps or Fan

Many of todays modern computers feature water cooling to ensure that the CPU or graphics cards stay cool and quiet while they are put under heavy load. In order to provide the best support for water cooling solutions, GIGABYTE has equipped its X99/Z170 motherboards with an additional water pump power header. This allows the user to have full control over two water pumps or fans. An additional benefit of these headers with GIGABYTEs motherboards is the option to choose between voltage calibration or PWM modes.

Genuine All Digital Power Design

GIGABYTE X99 series motherboards use an all digital CPU power design from International Rectifierwhich includes both 4^thGeneration digital PWM Controllers and industry-leading 3^rdGeneration PowIRstagecontrollers. These 100% digital controllers offer incredible precision in delivering power to the motherboards most power-hungry and energy-sensitive components, allowing enthusiasts to get the absolute maximum performance from their new IntelCore i7 Extreme Edition CPUs.

IR Digital PWM & IR PowIRstage Ics

This new generation of IRdigital power controllers and PowIRstageICs feature Isense technology, which provide more precise current sensing accuracy. This helps evenly distribute the thermal loading between the PowIRstageICs, preventing the overheating of each individual PowIRstage, resulting in longer lifespan and better reliability.

Server Level Chokes
GIGABYTE X99 series motherboards feature Server Level Chokes.

• Server level reliability
• High current capacity
• New design reduces heat created by power loss and provides efficient power delivery to CPU VRM area.

Long Lifespan Durable Black Solid Caps

GIGABYTE X99 series motherboards integrate the absolute best quality solid state capacitors that are rated to perform at maximum efficiency for extended periods, even in extreme performance configurations. This provides peace of mind for end users who want to push their system hard, yet demand absolute reliability and stability, with ultra-low ESR no matter how high the CPU loading.

Support for DDR4 XMP Up to 3400MHz and Beyond*

GIGABYTE is offering a tested and proven platform that ensures proper compatibility with profiles up to 3400MHz and beyond. All users need to do to attain this performance boost is to ensure that their memory module is XMP capable and that the XMP function is activated and enabled on their GIGABYTE motherboard.

What is XMP?

DDR4 memory modules are available at a stock frequency of 2133MHz, but as frequency tweaking requires a considerable amount of effort and knowledge, memory vendors encode XMP profiles which can automatically modify the timings of the supported memory modules to work with your CPU and to achieve increased performance.

XMP Profile support may vary depending on memory module. Please visit www.gigabyte.com to see the complete validated memory support list.

Refreshed BIOS Easy, Smart, and Friendly

The BIOS is essential for users during initial setup to allow for the most optimal settings. With a new GUI and easier to use functionalities, GIGABYTE has been able to reinvent the BIOS to give users a better experience will setting up their new system.

GIGABYTE Patented Double Locking Bracket

Ultra Durable PCIe Armor

Enhanced Strength PCIe Design, Support for Heavy Graphics Cards For Extreme / VR Gaming Station

Dual Armor DIMM and PCIe Metal Shielding

Never worry about your heavy graphics card damaging your motherboard again. GIGABYTEs proprietary Ultra Durable PCIe Metal Shielding reinforces the PCIe connector to prevent slot damage due to heavy graphics card. The DIMM and PCIe metal shield also provides extra strength for when you forget to release the lock while replacing your component, adding a fool proof option which can save your PCs life.

Ultra Durable Memory Armor

GIGABYTEs exclusive one piece stainless steel shielding design prevents against PCB distortion and twist (Plate bending) in addition to preventing any possible ESD interference.

Anti-Sulfur Resistor Design

Sulfur compounds in the air can penetrate tiny onboard resistors creating chemical change and causing these resistors to open or short. If either of these occurs the motherboard will fail to function. By equipping resistors with an Anti-Sulfur Design GIGABYTE gives Ultra Durable Motherboards a whole new meaning.

Dual Intel GbE LAN with cFosSpeed & Intel WIFI Card Onboard

The Dual IntelGigabit LAN with cFosSpeed features advanced technology to help deliver better network responsiveness in crowded LAN environments and allows optimization and improved network performance for specific applications, making it a popular choice amongst gamers.

Turbo B-Clock

Thanks to the onboard Turbo B-Clock Tuning IC, GIGABYTE motherboards enable overclockers to have the ability to change their BCLK frequency to a desired value of their choice. With the new linear range adjustment option of the Tuning IC, ranges from 90MHz to 500MHz are now possible, so that overclockers are not limited to the 5% ranges of traditional straps.

High Definition Audio Design

The Realtek ALC1150 is a high-performance multi-channel high definition audio codec that delivers an exceptional audio listening experience with up to 115dB SNR, ensuring users get the best possible audio quality from their PC.

High Quality audio capacitors deliver the highest quality sound resolution and sound expansion to create the most realistic sound effects for professional gamers.

GIGABYTE Patented DualBIOS (UEFI) Design

GIGABYTE Ultra Durable motherboards feature GIGABYTE DualBIOS, an exclusive technology from GIGABYTE that protects arguably one of your PC's most crucial components, the BIOS. GIGABYTE DualBIOS means that your motherboard has both a 'Main BIOS' and a 'Backup BIOS', Protecting users from BIOS failure due to virus, hardware malfunction, improper OC settings or power failure during the update process.

Long Lifespan Durable Black Solid Caps

GIGABYTE motherboards integrate the absolute best quality solid state capacitors that are rated to perform at maximum efficiency for extended periods, even in extreme performance configurations. With ultra-low ESR no matter how high the CPU load, this provides peace of mind for end users who want to push their system hard, yet demand absolute reliability and stability. These exclusive capacitors also come in customized jet black, exclusively on GIGABYTE motherboards.

2x Copper PCB Design (2 oz Copper PCB)

GIGABYTEs exclusive 2X Copper PCB design provides sufficient power trace paths between components to handle greater than normal power loads and to remove heat from the critical CPU power delivery area. This is essential to ensure the motherboard is able to handle the increased power loading that is necessary when overclocking.

15 Gold Plated CPU Socket Design

GIGABYTE motherboards come equipped with a 15 micron thick gold plated CPU socket, which means that enthusiasts can enjoy absolute reliability and longevity for the CPU socket overtime, without having any concerns about corroded pins or bad contacts.

Q-Flash Plus
GIGABYTE Q-Flash Plus allows users to update to the latest BIOS using a thumb drive without the CPU or Memory needing to be installed.

Updating your BIOS on your GIGABYTE motherboard can be done in a flash even without memory or CPU onboard. Utilizing the EC Controller, the BIOS on your GIGABYTE Motherboard can now be updated through Q-Flash Plus even if your system is unable to boot. An LED next to the EC controller will notify you once the procedure is complete and you are ready to boot your system normally.

Easy to Install "G-Connector" Design

The tiny cables of the front panel connectors can be hard to manipulate as space is restricted and indicators being tiny. With the G-Connector, you can connect all the FP cables at once, simplifying the process of building your next PC and saving you some frustrations.

ESD Protection for USB and LAN

GIGABYTE motherboards raise the bar in terms of protecting your system, providing advanced electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for both your Ethernet LAN and USB ports, both common sources of ESD-related failures. Each LAN and USB port is paired with a dedicated protection filter that can withstand high electrostatic discharges, protecting your system from common electrical surges and even direct lighting strikes.

• The entire materials provided herein are for reference only. GIGABYTE reserves the right to modify or revise the content at anytime without prior notice.
• Advertised performance is based on maximum theoretical interface values from respective Chipset vendors or organization who defined the interface specification. Actual performance may vary by system configuration.
• All trademarks and logos are the properties of their respective holders.
• Due to standard PC architecture, a certain amount of memory is reserved for system usage and therefore the actual memory size is less than the stated amount.

Specifications