A Micro-ATX motherboard that packs a decent punch
Gigabyte offers the consumer a wealth of choice when it comes to motherboards. It can deliver low-end/low-price (but relatively high-spec) boards for system builders, all the way up to models offering extreme overclocking, and feature suitable for high-end gaming desktops – at prices to match. However, it has felt like Gigabyte has taken a backseat recently with MSI leading the way in terms of features and component quality.
Its Z97M-DS3H may well change that perception, though. It's a near entry-level, Micro-ATX, Z97 specified motherboard that supports the Intel LGA1150 socket 4th and 5th generation Core processors. The Z97 Express Chipset enables advanced overclocking features for the unlocked versions of the aforementioned CPUs, along with the likes of Intel Smart Response Technology and Device Protection with Boot Guard.
There are four DDR DIMM slots for up to 32GB of overclocked 3100MHz memory, a single PCI-E x16 slot and a pair of PCI-E x1 slots, and six SATA 6Gb/s connectors make up the drive connectivity with support for a variety of RAID levels.
Other connectivity includes four USB 3.0 ports with a further two USB 2.0 ports, VGA, DVI, HDMI (with support for 4K resolutions), gigabit Ethernet, PS/2, and the usual HD audio jacks.
In terms of software you’ll get the Gigabyte App Centre on optical disk that, when installed will offer you an easy to use interface that allows better control for overclocking, or fine tuning to help boost the system performance. The CPU frequencies, voltages, base clock speeds, power phase, and memory clock speeds can all be tuned to your particular specifications. In addition to that, the Gigabyte Cloud Station will provide a secure connection to your PC from a phone or tablet so you can control most aspects of its operation remotely.
The components are well designed with solid capacitors throughout, a gold plated CPU socket, ESD protection, anti-surge, and humidity protection as well. It’s the kind of protection and quality components you’d find on the more expensive MSI boards, only this time it’s on a slightly cheaper Gigabyte board.
The only issue we had was the distance between the CPU socket and the fourth memory slot. If you have anything other than a stock cooler, and you happen to own the slightly higher than normal HyperX-type memory modules, then you’re going to discover that it’s rather cramped when you fit the last stick of RAM. A little ingenuity is called for in this situation, but thankfully it’s not a huge problem.
Other than that niggle, the board is perfect for both the average system builder as well as catering for many enthusiasts and overclockers. Providing you don’t require SLI or more PCI-E slots, then the Z97M-DS3H is ideally suited. It's an excellent, solid Intel-based motherboard – and at around £85 it’s reasonably priced, considering the amount of technology you get. It will no doubt tick all the right boxes for someone's next build. David Hayward
An excellent Micro-ATX motherboard, with plenty of potential.