Introduction:
Welcome to the All new 8TH Generation Intel / GIGABYTE AORUS Z370 Ultra Gaming ATX Motherboard.
Before we take a closer look at the board itself, though, I'll be starting off by showing you the box and the contents of the package, which is quite impressive for the price.
Once I've gone through the package i'll move onto the board itself and cover all the main features before I end all off with the price.
Specifications and features:
Z370 Chipset, only Supports 8th Generation Intel Core Processors (Socket 1151) so that being said, the old 7th Gen Processors will not be backwards compatible, and that kinda suck's Big Time and if you already purchased a 7th Generation Intel Core i7 with a Z270 Motherboard don't stress, it's not really worth the upgrade again, I would say, rather wait for 9th Gen to come out.
AORUS Z370 Ultra Gaming Motherboard:
ATX Form Factor
- Intel Z370 Chipset
- Socket LGA 1151
- 4x DDR4 DIMM Slots
- 3x PCIe 3.0 x16 Slots, 3x PCIe 3.0 x1 Slots
- 6x SATA 6Gb/s Connectors, 2x M.2 Slots
- Realtek ALC1220 Codec
- Intel GbE LAN Chip
- Gigabyte RGB Fusion
- Lightning-Fast Intel Thunderbolt 3 AIC Support
- Ultra Durable 25KV ESD & 15KV Surge LAN Protection
- Supports NVIDIA SLI Technology
- Supports AMD CrossFire Technology
- 3 Year Warranty
ATX Form Factor Sized Motherboard, will fit in any standard ATX Sized case.
4x DDR4 DIMM Slots, supporting up to 64 GB of system memory, 2133 MHz memory modules all the way up to 4000MHz O.C.
Support for ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8 memory modules (operate in non-ECC mode)
Support for non-ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8/1Rx16 memory modules
Support for Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules
Integrated Graphics Processor-Intel HD Graphics support:
1x DVI-D port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920x1200 @60Hz
The DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter.
1x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2160 @30Hz
1x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16)
For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be sure to install it in the PCIEX16 slot.
you do get 3x PCI Express slots but do read GPU Configuration: for more info
Package:
Let's take a look at the box first then we can have a look at what is included with the motherboard.
Straight away we've got a awesome looking box which isn't too busy looking in front and have a quality feel to it,
Here is the look of the Z370 AORUS ULTRA Gaming's box
At the back of the box, we've got a picture of the board and an absolute wealth of information, with all those information we now know just what we're dealing with here.
Moving on inside the box, we first see the motherboard,
and underneath the motherboard we see all the goodies included in the box.
You don't get a lot with the AORUS Ultra Gaming, I would have liked more SATA Cables and a better looking back plate, but that is just me.
Back plate does feel and look cheap.
What you do get inside,
AORUS Ultra Gaming User Manual
Gigabyte Installation Guide
AORUS Driver Disk
1x AORUS Sticker
I/O Shield (Back Plate)
2x Sata Cables
Front panel connections
Audio:
The AORUS Z370 Ultra futures a lovely high quality High Definition Audio in 5.1 and 7.1, for an onboard sound chip it doesn't have a cheap sound quality to it, the S/PDIF is also a nice feature.
Realtek ALC1220 codec
High Definition Audio WITH SUPPORT 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel and also S/PDIF Out
High-performance multi-channel High Definition Audio Codec, Smart Headphone Amp, 114dB SNR recording for precise voice chats and hardware decoding.
Will say that the onboard sound of the AORUS 370Z Ultra sounds quite good for the price of the motherboard, but compared to the quality of an cheaper ASUS Z370 board, the ROG Strix's SupremeFX audio chipset, is a far better experience, Audio on the AORUS Z370 - 8 / 10, don't get me wrong the quality and clarity of the sound is still fantastic.
Tested audio with Corsair RGB Voids.
GPU Configuration:
Not much to say here,
For the PCI Express Slots when Running SLI or CF setups you will see that the slots will be running in,
1st slot PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16), 2nd PCI Express x16 slot will be running at x8 and for the 3rd slot you get 1x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x4 (PCIEX4)
The PCIEX4 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX1_2 and PCIEX1_3 slots. When the PCIEX1_2 or PCIEX1_3 slot is populated, the PCIEX4 slot will operate at up to x1 mode.
RGB:
SAMPLE PICTURE, NOT MINE.
If you like Led strips and lights in your rig, you are going to be in for a treat with the AORUS Z370 series RGB FUSION, Z370 Series AORUS Motherboards are now upgraded with Digital LED support, what this means is, now each LED is digitally addressable, users can experience even more, styles, patterns and illuminations, making the AORUS Motherboards one one of the most color full and stylish motherboards out there today. Good job Gigabyte.
Up to 300 Led Support
10 Led modes.
Support either 5v or 12v digital LED lighting strips
Smart Fan 5
With the AORUS Z370 Series motherboards, you will get Smart Fan 5 which features Multiple Temperature Sensors and Hybrid Fan Headers with FAN STOP
■ 6 Temperature Sensors
■ 6 Fan/Water Pump Connectors
■ All Fan Pin Headers Upgraded to Hybrid Fan Headers
■ Interoperable Fans and Sensors
■ Intuitive UI for Fan Control
With Smart Fan 5 you as the user, will ensure that your gaming PC can maintain its performance while staying cool.
Basically with Smart Fan 5 users will be able to interchange their fan headers to reflect different thermal sensors at different locations on the AORUS Z370 ULTRA motherboard, also 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.
Well that being said, I can't test the Smart Fan 5 feature at it's fullest, because sadly I don't have a liquid cooling setup to test the theory for my self. but it's nice to know that the AORUS series motherboards are liquid cooling friendly.
USB:
AORUS Z370 Ultra comes with,
1x USB Type-C port on the back panel, with USB 3.1 Gen 2 support
1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A port (red) on the back panel
6x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through the internal USB header) backwards compatible with usb 2.0
Chipset+ASMedia USB 3.1 Gen 2 Controller:
Internal I/O Connectors
Looking at the internal I/O Connectors, all that is standard on most Z370 series motherboards are there. except on the AORUS Ultra Gaming 2.0-OP you get 32GB Intel Optane Memory Pre-Installed, +- R751 more than the AORUS Ultra Gaming motherboard.
1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
1x CPU fan header
1x water cooling CPU fan header
3x system fan headers
1x system fan/water cooling pump header
2x digital LED strip headers
2x digital LED strip power select jumpers
2x RGB (RGBW) LED strip headers
6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
2x M.2 Socket 3 connectors
1x front panel header
1x front panel audio header
1x S/PDIF Out header
1x USB Type-C port, with USB 3.1 Gen 1 support
1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 header
2x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1x Thunderbolt add-in card connector
1x Trusted Platform Module (TPM) header (2x6 pin, for the GC-TPM2.0_S module only)
1x Clear CMOS jumper
H/W Monitoring
Voltage detection
Temperature detection
Fan speed detection
Water cooling flow rate detection
Overheating warning
Fan fail warning
Fan speed control
Whether the fan (pump) speed control function is supported will depend on the fan (pump) you install.
External I/O Connectors
Thermal Armor
PS2
USB DAC - UP2
USB3.1 Gen2 (Type C + Type A)
HDMI + DVI
USB 2.0
GbE LAN Intel
Audio with S/PDIF
Warranty:
Local South Africa warranty, the AORUS Z370 Ultra Gaming motherboard comes out with a Lekker 3 Year Warranty from any South Africa Supplier or Retail PC Shop. Just Keep your retail box for serial number and proof of purchase. Also keep in mind that warranty will be void if motherboard is physical damaged, and if serial stickers are torn off the motherboard.
Price:
Let's have a look at Price, for the the price of the AOURUS Ultra Gaming motherboard I am going to use only 2x shops in South Africa to compare price, and only for this review.
Reason I am going to use only 2x shops to compare price, because they are trustworthy, hassle free, and well known among Carbonite users.
At the Time I bought this motherboard it came out with Farcry 5, that promotion was only with Rebeltech and still is on with Rebeltech until 31 August 2018, Wootware did not have any promotions included with the motherboard, and still there is no promotions with them when buying the motherboard.
Price for this board is between R2552.00 and R2599.00 (from time they did sell this board new in South Africa)
Delivery Fees excluded.
VAT Included.
But do keep in mind they don't stock these anymore, as they have a new one on the market. Ultra Gaming 2.0
Rebeltech Price: SPECIFICATIONS Product Name GIGABYTE AORUS Z370 ULTRA GAMING 2... they don't stock the Ultra Gaming only the 2.0 but there price was R2552.00 inc FarCry 5
Wootware Price: Gigabyte Z370 Aorus Ultra Gaming LGA1151 Intel Z370 Coffee Lake ATX Desktop Motherboard - Wootware (No Game included)
Farcry 5, Buy Far Cry 5 Standard Edition for PC | Ubisoft Official Store $59.99 / R813,53
Final Words:
All in all, the AORUS Z370 Ultra is an awesome mid gaming motherboard with lots of features and new tech, very good build quality, and is one good looking RGB motherboard.
ATM I will not recommend buying the AORUS Z370 Ultra Gaming, because rather save few hundred rand more and try to buy the AORUS Z370 Ultra Gaming 2.0-OP because you get the same motherboard but with 32GB Intel Optane Memory Pre-Installed, it make more sense, also if buying any AORUS Series motherboards go with Rebeltech, not for their service or price, but you will get FarCry 5 for FREE, now that is a good deal ...
Also on a side note, if you don't have R3k for a new 2.0 board, but do want a Gigabyte motherboard and Farcry 5, well you could buy a FarCry 5 Qualifying motherboard from Rebeltech for R1799.00 at time of writing this post.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pictures was Taken from a Huawei P20 lite, except the RGB picture.
Thank you,
Regards,
DeviantCyber
Welcome to the All new 8TH Generation Intel / GIGABYTE AORUS Z370 Ultra Gaming ATX Motherboard.
Before we take a closer look at the board itself, though, I'll be starting off by showing you the box and the contents of the package, which is quite impressive for the price.
Once I've gone through the package i'll move onto the board itself and cover all the main features before I end all off with the price.
Specifications and features:
Z370 Chipset, only Supports 8th Generation Intel Core Processors (Socket 1151) so that being said, the old 7th Gen Processors will not be backwards compatible, and that kinda suck's Big Time and if you already purchased a 7th Generation Intel Core i7 with a Z270 Motherboard don't stress, it's not really worth the upgrade again, I would say, rather wait for 9th Gen to come out.
AORUS Z370 Ultra Gaming Motherboard:
ATX Form Factor
- Intel Z370 Chipset
- Socket LGA 1151
- 4x DDR4 DIMM Slots
- 3x PCIe 3.0 x16 Slots, 3x PCIe 3.0 x1 Slots
- 6x SATA 6Gb/s Connectors, 2x M.2 Slots
- Realtek ALC1220 Codec
- Intel GbE LAN Chip
- Gigabyte RGB Fusion
- Lightning-Fast Intel Thunderbolt 3 AIC Support
- Ultra Durable 25KV ESD & 15KV Surge LAN Protection
- Supports NVIDIA SLI Technology
- Supports AMD CrossFire Technology
- 3 Year Warranty
ATX Form Factor Sized Motherboard, will fit in any standard ATX Sized case.
4x DDR4 DIMM Slots, supporting up to 64 GB of system memory, 2133 MHz memory modules all the way up to 4000MHz O.C.
Support for ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8 memory modules (operate in non-ECC mode)
Support for non-ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8/1Rx16 memory modules
Support for Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules
Integrated Graphics Processor-Intel HD Graphics support:
1x DVI-D port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920x1200 @60Hz
The DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter.
1x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2160 @30Hz
1x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16)
For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be sure to install it in the PCIEX16 slot.
you do get 3x PCI Express slots but do read GPU Configuration: for more info
Package:
Let's take a look at the box first then we can have a look at what is included with the motherboard.
Straight away we've got a awesome looking box which isn't too busy looking in front and have a quality feel to it,
Here is the look of the Z370 AORUS ULTRA Gaming's box
At the back of the box, we've got a picture of the board and an absolute wealth of information, with all those information we now know just what we're dealing with here.
Moving on inside the box, we first see the motherboard,
and underneath the motherboard we see all the goodies included in the box.
You don't get a lot with the AORUS Ultra Gaming, I would have liked more SATA Cables and a better looking back plate, but that is just me.
Back plate does feel and look cheap.
What you do get inside,
AORUS Ultra Gaming User Manual
Gigabyte Installation Guide
AORUS Driver Disk
1x AORUS Sticker
I/O Shield (Back Plate)
2x Sata Cables
Front panel connections
Audio:
The AORUS Z370 Ultra futures a lovely high quality High Definition Audio in 5.1 and 7.1, for an onboard sound chip it doesn't have a cheap sound quality to it, the S/PDIF is also a nice feature.
Realtek ALC1220 codec
High Definition Audio WITH SUPPORT 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel and also S/PDIF Out
High-performance multi-channel High Definition Audio Codec, Smart Headphone Amp, 114dB SNR recording for precise voice chats and hardware decoding.
Will say that the onboard sound of the AORUS 370Z Ultra sounds quite good for the price of the motherboard, but compared to the quality of an cheaper ASUS Z370 board, the ROG Strix's SupremeFX audio chipset, is a far better experience, Audio on the AORUS Z370 - 8 / 10, don't get me wrong the quality and clarity of the sound is still fantastic.
Tested audio with Corsair RGB Voids.
GPU Configuration:
Not much to say here,
For the PCI Express Slots when Running SLI or CF setups you will see that the slots will be running in,
1st slot PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16), 2nd PCI Express x16 slot will be running at x8 and for the 3rd slot you get 1x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x4 (PCIEX4)
The PCIEX4 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX1_2 and PCIEX1_3 slots. When the PCIEX1_2 or PCIEX1_3 slot is populated, the PCIEX4 slot will operate at up to x1 mode.
RGB:
SAMPLE PICTURE, NOT MINE.
If you like Led strips and lights in your rig, you are going to be in for a treat with the AORUS Z370 series RGB FUSION, Z370 Series AORUS Motherboards are now upgraded with Digital LED support, what this means is, now each LED is digitally addressable, users can experience even more, styles, patterns and illuminations, making the AORUS Motherboards one one of the most color full and stylish motherboards out there today. Good job Gigabyte.
Up to 300 Led Support
10 Led modes.
Support either 5v or 12v digital LED lighting strips
Smart Fan 5
With the AORUS Z370 Series motherboards, you will get Smart Fan 5 which features Multiple Temperature Sensors and Hybrid Fan Headers with FAN STOP
■ 6 Temperature Sensors
■ 6 Fan/Water Pump Connectors
■ All Fan Pin Headers Upgraded to Hybrid Fan Headers
■ Interoperable Fans and Sensors
■ Intuitive UI for Fan Control
With Smart Fan 5 you as the user, will ensure that your gaming PC can maintain its performance while staying cool.
Basically with Smart Fan 5 users will be able to interchange their fan headers to reflect different thermal sensors at different locations on the AORUS Z370 ULTRA motherboard, also 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.
Well that being said, I can't test the Smart Fan 5 feature at it's fullest, because sadly I don't have a liquid cooling setup to test the theory for my self. but it's nice to know that the AORUS series motherboards are liquid cooling friendly.
USB:
AORUS Z370 Ultra comes with,
1x USB Type-C port on the back panel, with USB 3.1 Gen 2 support
1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A port (red) on the back panel
6x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through the internal USB header) backwards compatible with usb 2.0
Chipset+ASMedia USB 3.1 Gen 2 Controller:
Internal I/O Connectors
Looking at the internal I/O Connectors, all that is standard on most Z370 series motherboards are there. except on the AORUS Ultra Gaming 2.0-OP you get 32GB Intel Optane Memory Pre-Installed, +- R751 more than the AORUS Ultra Gaming motherboard.
1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
1x CPU fan header
1x water cooling CPU fan header
3x system fan headers
1x system fan/water cooling pump header
2x digital LED strip headers
2x digital LED strip power select jumpers
2x RGB (RGBW) LED strip headers
6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
2x M.2 Socket 3 connectors
1x front panel header
1x front panel audio header
1x S/PDIF Out header
1x USB Type-C port, with USB 3.1 Gen 1 support
1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 header
2x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1x Thunderbolt add-in card connector
1x Trusted Platform Module (TPM) header (2x6 pin, for the GC-TPM2.0_S module only)
1x Clear CMOS jumper
H/W Monitoring
Voltage detection
Temperature detection
Fan speed detection
Water cooling flow rate detection
Overheating warning
Fan fail warning
Fan speed control
Whether the fan (pump) speed control function is supported will depend on the fan (pump) you install.
External I/O Connectors
Thermal Armor
PS2
USB DAC - UP2
USB3.1 Gen2 (Type C + Type A)
HDMI + DVI
USB 2.0
GbE LAN Intel
Audio with S/PDIF
Warranty:
Local South Africa warranty, the AORUS Z370 Ultra Gaming motherboard comes out with a Lekker 3 Year Warranty from any South Africa Supplier or Retail PC Shop. Just Keep your retail box for serial number and proof of purchase. Also keep in mind that warranty will be void if motherboard is physical damaged, and if serial stickers are torn off the motherboard.
Price:
Let's have a look at Price, for the the price of the AOURUS Ultra Gaming motherboard I am going to use only 2x shops in South Africa to compare price, and only for this review.
Reason I am going to use only 2x shops to compare price, because they are trustworthy, hassle free, and well known among Carbonite users.
At the Time I bought this motherboard it came out with Farcry 5, that promotion was only with Rebeltech and still is on with Rebeltech until 31 August 2018, Wootware did not have any promotions included with the motherboard, and still there is no promotions with them when buying the motherboard.
Price for this board is between R2552.00 and R2599.00 (from time they did sell this board new in South Africa)
Delivery Fees excluded.
VAT Included.
But do keep in mind they don't stock these anymore, as they have a new one on the market. Ultra Gaming 2.0
Rebeltech Price: SPECIFICATIONS Product Name GIGABYTE AORUS Z370 ULTRA GAMING 2... they don't stock the Ultra Gaming only the 2.0 but there price was R2552.00 inc FarCry 5
Wootware Price: Gigabyte Z370 Aorus Ultra Gaming LGA1151 Intel Z370 Coffee Lake ATX Desktop Motherboard - Wootware (No Game included)
Farcry 5, Buy Far Cry 5 Standard Edition for PC | Ubisoft Official Store $59.99 / R813,53
Final Words:
All in all, the AORUS Z370 Ultra is an awesome mid gaming motherboard with lots of features and new tech, very good build quality, and is one good looking RGB motherboard.
ATM I will not recommend buying the AORUS Z370 Ultra Gaming, because rather save few hundred rand more and try to buy the AORUS Z370 Ultra Gaming 2.0-OP because you get the same motherboard but with 32GB Intel Optane Memory Pre-Installed, it make more sense, also if buying any AORUS Series motherboards go with Rebeltech, not for their service or price, but you will get FarCry 5 for FREE, now that is a good deal ...
Also on a side note, if you don't have R3k for a new 2.0 board, but do want a Gigabyte motherboard and Farcry 5, well you could buy a FarCry 5 Qualifying motherboard from Rebeltech for R1799.00 at time of writing this post.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pictures was Taken from a Huawei P20 lite, except the RGB picture.
Thank you,
Regards,
DeviantCyber