...solid overall performance ensures it's a well-rounded board.
Designing a standout Intel X99 motherboard is a more difficult task than at first glance. With so much of the goodness baked into the chipset and Intel ever-more keen to take the performance initiative away from board manufacturers, creating something different takes skill.
Gigabyte tackles this problem by releasing an updated X99 offering that focusses on pushing components to the limit. The new CPU mode enables higher RAM overclocking, though it's real-world worth is subject to question, and solid overall performance ensures it's a well-rounded board.
We'd like to see faster M.2 access for the super-speedy drives coming soon to market, perhaps USB 3.1, and a tidier BIOS that could do with an overhaul, particularly in the fan-control department.
Overall, though, priced at £190, the advantages outweigh the niggles, particularly if you enjoy overclocking. The Gigabyte X99-UD4P, then, appeals to a wide range of buyers.
The Good
The Bad
Great speed on RAM
Overclocks well
Looks great
Competitive price
Limitations on M.2 and PCIe
BIOS fan control could be better
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