Gigabyte Z270X Gaming 9 Preview

Up Close

We’ve said throughout our look at the latest Z270 motherboard range that with so much built into the Intel chipset the big differences will be found in the accessories, software and the few tweaks a manufacturer can bring to the party. If you are in any doubt about the seriousness of the Gigabyte Gaming 9 then just look at the braided SATA cables. We’re almost certain this is the first manufacturer braided cables included with a motherboard. Like many of the Z270s the Gaming 9 comes with a high bandwidth SLI bridge, although this one is also braced with the metal surround, which again is a first. The IO shield is even connected to the Aorus lighting system. Wherever you look you find an insane attention to detail. Gigabyte have even used the – now fairly common – bracing on the PCI Express slots, but used it on all four of them rather than just the first one or two. It’s a stunning bit of kit.