Gigabyte GA-Z270X-DESIGNARE (rev. 1.0) Motherboard

Overview

Features

• Supports 7th/ 6th Generation Intel® Coreâ„¢ Processors
• Dual Channel Non-ECC Unbuffered DDR4, 4 DIMMs
• Front USB 3.1 Gen 2 Header
• Fast USB 3.1 Gen 2 with USB Type-Câ„¢ and Type-A
• 3-Way Graphics Support with Dual Armor and Ultra Durableâ„¢ Design
• Dual NVMe PCIe SSDs in RAID 0 Support
• NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 U.2 Connector
• Ultra-Fast M.2 with PCIe Gen3 x4 & SATA interface
• Intel® Optaneâ„¢ Memory Ready
• ALC1220 120dB SNR HD Audio with Smart Headphone Amp
• Intel® GbE LAN with cFosSpeed Internet Accelerator Software
• USB DAC-UP 2 with Adjustable Voltage
• RGB FUSION LED Light Show Design
• Swappable Overlay for Accent LED
• Smart Fan 5 features Multiple Temperature Sensors and Hybrid Fan Headers
• Silver Alloy Coated PCB Design
• GIGABYTE UEFI DualBIOSâ„¢
• APP Center Including EasyTuneâ„¢ and Cloud Stationâ„¢ Utilities

RGB Fusion

Smart Fan 5

Front USB 3.1 Gen 2 Header

FRGB FUSION Set the Color that Matches Your Style

GIGABYTE's 200 series motherboards boast the most advanced LED system in the market today. With more customizability than ever and a convenient and intuitive UI thanks to the RGB Fusion App, you’ll have a blast making your GIGABYTE your own. LED enthusiasts now have even more options with the ability to customize multiple zones independently. For a more functional use, the bright and vibrant LEDs can be configured to display the PC’s temperature or load. For even more LED goodness RGBW strips are now supported for more true and vibrant whites.

Multi-Zone Light Show Design

• 16.8M RGB Colors
• 2 Light Zones
• 7 Different Lighting Effects
• 1 RGBW Light Strip Pin Header
• Accent LED with Interchangeable Overlay
• Advanced Mode for Extreme Customizability

GIGABYTE RGB Fusion APP

Don't just make your PC shine, make it a work of art that friends will envy. With the GIGABYTE RGB Fusion mobile app users can watch as they control the lighting within their gaming PC. This gives users ease of access as they try and adjust colors and speeds for different modes, all this can be done away from the keyboard and monitor of their PC.

Surround Lighting

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

Swappable Overlay for Accent LED

GIGABYTE brings even more color and life to your system with an Accent LED Overlay. This overlay complements the RGB Fusion technology in GIGABYTE Motherboards adding more flare and style to your gaming machine. With the swappable overlay users can utilize different patterns and designs to make their system their own. Design your very own Accent LED Overlay with a 3D printer. Click here to download dimensions and 3D files for the Accent LED Overlay

Supports RGBW & - UV Light Strips

Independently Programmable Onboard Pin Header for RGBW/-UV LED Strips

Not bright enough? You can install standard 12V external RGB, RGBW or RGB/UV light strips on the RGBW pin header and control its color from the RGB Fusion software. Using a RGBW light strip with a dedicated white LED, users will experience brighter and more vibrant shades of colors. When using RGB/UV LED strips, users can give their systems a fluorescent glow with the use of UV reactive liquid, neon braided cables, and acrylic paint for a wicked-looking gaming PC. No need to worry when choosing light strips as AORUS motherboards support a wide variety of RGBW/-UV light strips on the market thanks to the RGB Fusion software that allows users to redefine the pin location for the R/G/B Signal.

RGB Fusion (Advanced mode)

With the all new RGB Fusion software, users have access to different preset LED lighting configurations with choice of colors. You can even set the LEDs to synchronize with your favorite music or have them change colors to indicate the CPU temperature. For true lighting experts there is an Advanced Mode, which can be fully customized by individual area with its own effects and color transitions, along with specific duration and transition times. Once done, it’s simple to save and share your lighting profile with others.

Smart Fan 5

With Smart Fan 5 users can ensure that their gaming PC can maintain its performance while staying cool. Smart Fan 5 allows users to interchange their fan headers to reflect different thermal sensors at different locations on the motherboard. Not only that, with Smart Fan 5 more hybrid fan headers that support both PWM and Voltage mode fans have been introduced to make the motherboard more liquid cooling friendly.

All Hybrid Fan Pin Headers

• All Hybrid Fan Headers can automatically detect the type of cooling device whether it be fan or pump with different PWM or Voltage mode.
• Supports up to 2 amps with built-in overcurrent protection—a must for high-end high current fans.

Closed Loop Watercooling

CPU fan

System Fan

Watercooling Pump

New Smart Fan 5 Software

Choose from different modes, Quiet to Full Speed, to match your system usage scenario. For each fan or pump, you can use the intuitive fan curve to define trigger thresholds and corresponding fan speeds.

Interoperable Sensors and Fans

Each fan can be customized to operate at different speeds according to any defined temperature source input (except the CPU fan).

Fan Curve

Customize fan curves based on specific temperatures with the intuitive graphical UI

Enhanced BIOS Interface

The enhanced BIOS interface also has the advanced features seen in the Smart Fan 5 UI, such as: the ability to set triggers based on different temperature sensors on the board, fan curve definition and the temperature interval setting, which can prevent fan rotation noise caused by sudden temperature changeall without having to load Windows.

Front USB 3.1 Gen 2 Header

Equipped with next generation connectivity onboard GIGABYTE Motherboards already support the cases of the future. Onboard headers for USB 3.1 makes access convenient when connecting a USB 3.1 drive or charging your new mobile device.

PURE SPEED

GIGABYTE Extreme USB 3.1 Motherboards

The ASMEDIA2142 USB 3.1 controller utilizes 2 PCIe Gen3 lanes, offering a total of up to 16 Gb/s, which means you have extra bandwidth to take full control of the 10 Gb/s USB 3.1 ports. 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.

Connecting the Future - USB Type-C

• The World's Next Universal Connector
• Reversible USB Type-C with USB 3.1 Gen

ALC 1220 120dB SNR HD Audio with Smart Headphone Amp

ALC 1220 120dB SNR HD Audio

The ALC1220 is a high-performance multi-channel High Definition Audio Codec with up to 120dB SNR for crystal clear audio and features such as Smart Headphone Amp, 114dB SNR recording for precise voice chats and hardware decoding of DSD128, ensuring users get the best possible audio quality from their PC.

Smart Headphone Amp

Automatically detects impedance of your head-worn audio device, whether earbuds or high-end headphones to provide optimal audio dynamicspreventing issues such as low volume and distortion.

High-End Audio Capacitors

GIGABYTE motherboards use high-end audio capacitors. These high quality capacitors help deliver high resolution and high fidelity audio to provide the most realistic sound effects for gamers.

USB DAC-UP 2

Adjustable Voltage USB Port with Dedicated Power Design

GIGABYTE improves upon USB DAC-UP technologies with USB DAC-UP 2.
USB DAC-UP 2 continues to provide clean, isolated and low-noise power while adding the ability to compensate for voltage drop.
Virtual reality pioneers and gamers alike can rest assured that their expensive accessories and peripherals will not encounter connectivity or power deficiency issues with the GIGABYTE USB DAC-UP 2. With Gaming Gear drawing large amounts of power and having firm specification requirements USB DAC-UP 2 is up for the challenge.

Immersive VR Gaming Experience

• VR requires more performance than Full HD graphics for a steady 90FPS 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 NVMe support via M.2 or U.2 and a one piece metal shielding to brace for heavier discrete graphics cards it's obvious that GIGABYTE has the tools you need to start your journey in VR. To set the mood GIGABYTE Motherboards include RGB Fusion to put you in the center of action.

Intel® GbE LAN with cFosSpeed Internet Accelerator Networking

IntelGbE LAN features cFosSpeed, a network traffic management application which helps to improve network latency and maintain low ping times to deliver better responsiveness in crowded LAN environments.

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.

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

GIGABYTE' M.2 solution offers considerably faster storage performance and support for both PCIe and SATA interfaces for M.2 SSD devices.

NVIDIA® QUADRO® Professional Graphics Supports

NVIDIAQUADRO3D Workstation Professional Graphics Solutions are 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.

2-Way SLIâ„¢ / 3-Way CrossFireâ„¢ Multi Graphics

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

Diagnostic LEDs

Hardware Troubleshooting at a Glance Onboard LEDs controlled by the system BIOS indicate if a malfunction is occurring, allowing users to quickly diagnose which major component (CPU/DDR/VGA/HDD) is malfunctioning so they may take action promptly.

Support for DDR4 XMP Up to 3866MHz and Beyond

GIGABYTE is offering a tested and proven platform that ensures proper compatibility with profiles up to 3866MHz 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.

Silver Alloy Coated PCB

GIGABYTE’s Designare Motherboard is built for designers and content creators. As such, this board has creative flare all around it. From the decals on the front of the board to the grand designare logo on the back this board shouts out to the creative minds. To add more zest, this board contains actual silver alloy in the coating of the PCB. With the silver alloy coating on the PCB it only made sense to have matching silver armor around the rear I/O and on the heatsinks, where you will also find matching decals to the board.

GIGABYTE PatentedDouble Locking Bracket

Dual Armor DIMM and PCIe Metal Shielding

Never worry about your heavy graphics card damaging your motherboard again. GIGABYTE's 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 foolproof option which can save your PC's life.

Ultra Durableâ„¢ PCIe Armor Enhanced Strength PCIe Design, Support for Heavy Graphics Cards For Extreme / VR Gaming Station

Ultra Durableâ„¢ Memory Armor

GIGABYTE's 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.

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 while setting up their new system.

GIGABYTE APP Center

The GIGABYTE APP Center gives you easy access to a wealth of GIGABYTE apps that help you get the most from your GIGABYTE motherboard. Using a simple, unified user interface, GIGABYTE APP Center allows you to easily launch all GIGABYTE apps installed on your system, check related updates online, and download the latest apps, drivers, and BIOS.

EasyTune

GIGABYTE's EasyTune is a simple and easy-to-use interface that allows users to fine-tune their system settings or adjust system and memory clocks and voltages in a Windows environment. With Smart Quick Boost, one click is all it takes to automatically overclock your system, giving an added performance boost when you need it the most.

Overclocking to Boost Your Frame Rates

Get the highest levels of performance from your PC with easy-to-use GIGABYTE overclocking features.

System Information Viewer

GIGABYTE System Information Viewer is a central location that gives you access to your current system status. Monitor components such as the clocks and processor, set your preferred fan speed profile, create alerts when temperatures get too high or record your systems behavior; these are the possibilities of the System Information Viewer.

@BIOS

The GIGABYTE @BIOS app allows you to update your system’s BIOS from within Windows using a simple and slick graphical user interface. @BIOS can automatically download the latest version from the GIGABYTE servers or you can update your BIOS from a file on your computer. @BIOS also allows you to save your current BIOS to a file, recover your previous BIOS from an image and backup your BIOS to an image.

3D OSD

3D OSD automatically detects and displays your system information during games, allowing you to easily get a hold of your system information without switching between screens.

GIGABYTE Patented DualBIOS (UEFI) Design

GIGABYTE Ultra Durableâ„¢ motherboards feature GIGABYTE DualBIOSâ„¢, an exclusive technology from GIGABYTE that protects arguably one of your PC's most crucial components, the BIOS. GIGABYTE DualBIOSâ„¢ 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.

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.

Supports High-Performance EK Monoblock

Designed and engineered in co-operation with EK Water Blocks, this monoblock uses the award winning EK-Supremacy EVO cooling engine to ensure the best possible CPU cooling. It directly cools the CPU and power regulation (MOSFET) module as water flows directly over all critical areas. It is a very high flow water block that can be easily used with a system using weaker water pumps.

4K Ultra HD Support

4K resolution is the next technological milestone in high-definition content delivery, utilizing approximately 4,000 pixels on the horizontal axis, more than four times today's standard HD pixel density. GIGABYTE motherboards provide native 4K support with integrated Intel® HD Graphics via HDMI.

HDMI - The Next Generation Multimedia Interface

HDMI is a High-Definition Multimedia Interface which provides up to 5Gb/s video transmitting bandwidth and 8-channel high quality audio all through a single cable. Able to transmit superior, uncompressed digital video and audio, HDMI ensures the crispest rendering of digital content up to 1080p without the quality losses associated with analog interfaces and their digital-to-analog conversion. In addition, HDMI is compatible with HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), allowing the playback of Blu-ray/HD DVD and other protected media content.

XSplit Gamecaster + Broadcaster: Cast Your Game Anytime, Anywhere

Now set up your stage and share the greatest gaming moments with XSplit Gamecaster + Broadcaster! Fully optimized social media integration is ready for real-time chatskeeping you notified yet focused in the game. It takes just one click to stream your gameplay to Twitch. Host your game like a pro!

TriDefSmartCam | Custom Stream Modding

To facilitate being the full streaming solution each GIGABYTE motherboard includes TriDefSmartCam software, you are now able to remove backgrounds without the hassle of using a green screen. Through the SmartCam application you can now apply live filters, and fully control your background, not only while streaming, but also through other video applications such as Skype.

Specifications