Benchmark Testing
Synthetic Benchmark Testing
SiSoft Sandra 2015 SP2b
The Sandra benchmarks remain a fast and easy way to determine system quality from a CPU and memory subsystem perspective. The Z170X-Ultra Gaming motherboard performed on par in comparison to the other Intel Z170-based systems. This indicates proper CPU and memory subsystem operation.
Intel Linpack Benchmark v11.3.0.004
The current version of the Intel Linpack benchmark comes with a batch file to run from the command-line interface for running the Linpack tests. It serves as a good indicator of proper system CPU functioning and is considered one of the most intensive CPU benchmarks currently available. This test was repeated three times with the highest repeatable GFlops (Giga-Floating Point Operations Per Second) score recorded.
This CPU torture test is a proven method for identifying possible issues with the CPU to motherboard interface layer. The Z170X-Ultra Gaming's performance is again on par with the other competitive systems, further illustrating the board's optimal design.
Multimedia and System Benchmark Testing
Maxon Cinebench R15
Maxon’s Cinebench R15 benchmark can be used determine a system's ability to render 3D content based on their Cinema 4D animation software. The CPU benchmark test was run three times, with the highest reproducible Cinebench points score recorded.
The Z170X-Ultra Gaming motherboard performs well in this multimedia rendering test with performance falling as expected.
FutureMark PCMark 8
FutureMark Corporation’s PCMark 8 can be used to reliably ascertain a system’s performance in a Windows 10-based use environment. The benchmark tests chosen for benchmarking included the Home test, Creative test, Work test, and Applications test in conjunction with Adobe Creative Suite 6.0). All test suites within the PCMark 8 benchmark were run three times, with the highest reproducible PCMark scores recorded.
For the most part, the Z170X-Ultra Gaming board performed well in this benchmark with performance in some of the tests slightly lagging that of that other Z170 system. However, this performance lag could be contributed more to oddities with the PCMark benchmark rather than board-related performance issues.
I wish gigabyte would fix
I wish gigabyte would fix their onboard audio. Their G1 line is overall good with the exception of the audio.
It is not that the audio hardware is bad, but the drivers are really bad.
Currently there is an issue with their realtek drivers where frequencies below 40Hz gets a strange averaging effect which reduces detail in the bass.
This happens on the front outputs, but not on the front outputs if just the realtek drivers are installed. And for the ones that support X-Fi MB3, when the creative software is installed, both the rear and front get the issue regardless of what settings of toggles you mess with.
While the front ports have issues with sub 40Hz sounds, tones within the 41-150Hz range have more detail in the front output.
The real output will do the entire range, but the lower frequencies have less detail,, even though it is the port that is connected to the main audio amp designed to support 600ohm impedance headphones. The other supporting tones for various bass notes have no real presence, and thus you start to get more of the drum sound that you get from midi audio where it sound fake due to it only producing a small set of the frequencies needed to make an instrument sound real., and any attempt to boost those frequencies, results in some slight distortion.
If a generic driver is installed, the issue goes away, but then you lose proper support for 5.1 speaker systems, as well as some of the input functions
I ultimately ended up having to buy a sound blaster Z, because because 3 different boards on their G1 gaming line had the same issue.
I recorded samples of the issue.
Anyway, instead of designing new boards, they need to reallocate some staff to work on the onboard audio.
The funny thing about this is
The funny thing about this is that the Gigabyte boards with audio issues are the higher end ones using the Creative Sound Core chipset as opposed to Realteks.
Maybe a conspiracy theory? After all in your case it net Creative 2 sales!
It might be, considering that
It might be, considering that if the on board drivers worked properly, I would not be able to tell the difference between it and the soundblaster Z.
I was amaze that these board
I was amaze that these board can do a very solid 4.5 (1.32v) and 4.6 (1.35v) Did use the EasyTune for 3 weeks and is easy to use. stable app. The fan app need to be polish and perfected. I box 2 Asus boards since all the issues with there programs and apps. and 1 with VR spikes These board for 160.00 is perfect Imagine other models like Designare or the new Auris.I am happy with these since I get my problems with voltages and app, and I wanted to discard the cpu. And was not. I also recomend these board to everyone. I am still playing with fans on my case since the PWM OP2 beside the case plugs and system 3 fan only reads the PCH Temps. Is a very smart board also. I just change a fan and the bios automatically see that turns off and turn on again and the changes where done. Sound is ok Not the best, miss my Asus on that area, but since that was my last software that works, since just stop working. A nice detail was the app update screen perfect. no more looking for drivers and apps and updates. Gigabyte has to make it better but works perfect. A note. I use my pump from the deep cool captain 360 on the the CPU fan. I also use it on the OPT1 there is NO difference on performance either speeds. on normal. The 3 fans also. I just select PMW the board see that and on these conditions WORKS on both as same.
I will wait of the new Auris bord.
I like how in their promo
I like how in their promo material (3rd picture in the article) coolant tubes pass CPU waterblock without entering it. It’s a nice way to spend crapload of money to quickly fry high-end CPU. EK would be proud of this promotion, i’m sure of it.
😉
Well, it does take extra work
Well, it does take extra work to actually connect the tubes, thus laziness deems it unnecessary.
I saw this and was excited.
I saw this and was excited.
But then they seem to have stripped down the audio compared to other boards in this segment including those from GB.
Realtek 892 instead of 1150. No more Creative X-fi MB3 or equivalent.