In the beginning of this week we posted a blog about the launch pricing of Intel Cascade Lake-X cpu’s. The new 10 series Intel Core i9 10900X, 10920X, 10940X, 10960X and the Core i9 10980XE are about to launch and are welcomed with new motherboard options from Gigabyte. The new motherboards offer an addition to existing Intel X299 (non X) boards in the form of 4 extra PCI-E channels (48 lanes in total) and more i/o connections. Looking at the Gigabyte boards below we can only assume the new Intel X299X boards of Gigabyte and others offer more than their non X counterparts. A better name would be X299+ if you ask us. 🙂
GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today launched the X299X Series Motherboards based on the newly upgraded X299 chipset. With up to a 16-phase digital power design, GIGABYTE X299X motherboards raise the bar for performance on enthusiast grade Intel Core X processors. Coupled with an 8-DIMM Quad Channel DDR4 design with up to 256 GB memory support, the motherboards enable users to easily handle memory intensive tasks such as file conversion, video editing, and more. The new X299X stack features a trio of high-end models, the X299X DESIGNARE 10G, X299 AORUS XTREME WATERFORCE, and the X299X AORUS MASTER, presenting users the most advanced tools for content creation, 3D modeling, audio/visual editing, and projects that require large-scale system resources, while also scratching that gaming itch for users who want to kick back and relax.
The GIGABYTE X299X lineup stands out with all-new power designs, thermal solutions, ultra-efficient data transmission for storage devices, and workstation graphics card certification. Features such as the lightning-quick Intel Thunderbolt 3 transmission interface, 5 Gbps or 10 Gbps network connectivity, multi-display configuration, M.2 Thermal Guard, PCIe slot armor, Smart Fan 5 and other GIGABYTE exclusive technology, enable users to put together their dream build so they can focus on sharpening their craft.
“Efficiency and reliability are at the top of the list for the needs of content creators but the versatility of a content creation focused workstation that can also be used a suitable gaming rig is also high in demand,” said Jackson Hsu, Director of the GIGABYTE Channel Solutions Product Development Division. “To fulfill the needs of users and content creators alike, we are introducing three all-new X299X series motherboards with fully validated support for Quadro Graphics Cards. We want to make sure our users get the fastest network connectivity and lightning-quick data transfer speed with Intel Dual 10Gbe connectivity and the Intel Thunderbolt 3 interface. These content creation focused motherboards bring more to the table than just pure content creation capabilities. With up to 16-phases, the power designs on X299X motherboards are geared towards unlocking the most efficient performance on Intel Core X series processors. Support for 256 GB memory allows users to easily handle even the most memory-intensive tasks. The multi-graphical configuration also enables users to fulfill both their content creation as well as hardcore gaming needs, giving them the best of both worlds!”
As quintessential content creation motherboards, GIGABYTE X299X Series motherboards not only unleash the potential of the newest Intel Core X processors and support up to 256 GB memory, they also pair with NVIDIA Quadro graphics cards flawlessly. Since GIGABYTE is the only Motherboard vendor that is an Authorized Distributor of NVIDIA Quadro in the market, GIGABYTE X299X motherboards have been tested with Quadro graphics cards extensively before release to ensure that they have the best compatibility with these high-end workstation graphics cards. With this level of support, the new content creation boards optimize performance on 3D modeling and video editing software so content creators have powerful tools for producing exciting new content.
The motherboard series retains the design principles of the GIGABYTE DESIGNARE series with its professional look but adds the AORUS touch with its design choices and customizability so even content creators can channel their inner gamer with the boards’ awesome style!
Extreme Storage Performance
With higher data transfer speeds, content creators can minimize read/write times and maximize working efficiency. To address this need, X299X AORUS XTREME WATERFORCE, X299X DESIGNARE 10G puts the data transfer process on the fast-track with its built-in Intel Thunderbolt 3 via two USB Type-C interfaces for 40 Gb/s bandwidth, which not only saves time but also facilitates transfers of larger files. With Daisy-Chain technology, users can connect up to 6 devices. The lane configuration between the board and the graphics card allows the Type-C interface to be used as a video and audio output. In addition to the increased bandwidth it provides, the Intel Thunderbolt 3 controller chip on the two X299X motherboards comes with built-in USB 3.2 technology for faster transmission speeds as well as backward compatibility with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, setting the standard for professional content creation motherboards. Support for DisplayPort 1.2 makes the Thunderbolt 3 interface even more indispensable for professional designers.
Built-in NVMe PCIe x4 M.2 slots on GIGABYTE X299X motherboards provide single slot transmission speeds up to 32 Gb/s. For the M.2 slots, users can choose to allocate the lanes from the chipset or CPU to install Intel OPTANE MEMORY or set up VROC disk array for incredible storage performance. To combat thermal throttling and prevent excess heat from slowing down read/write speeds on M.2 SSD devices while they are operating at high speeds, GIGABYTE has done its research and implements M.2 Thermal Guard to ensure that heat doesn’t slow M.2 SSD performance.
X299X AORUS XTREME WATERFORCE and X299X DESIGNARE 10G models both come with the AORUS Gen4 AIC Adaptor which offers users four additional M.2 PCIe X4 slots for increased SSD expansion. Users can set up VROC or build a RAID disk array for ultra-fast data transfer, which are perfect when handling high-resolution, large-sized files for content creation. The active cooling design and the built-in fans keep all four sets of SSDs cool even under high-speed operation so that heat doesn’t marginalize storage performance!
Flagship 16 Power Phase Design, Server Grade Components
The power supply design, quality of components, and the number of power phases play a huge role in the performance and stability of the motherboard. To fully unlock the monstrous power of the Intel Core X series processors, GIGABYTE X299X utilizes a 16-phase power design with a capacity of 70A per phase and an excellent VRM design for the processor to function smoothly even under high loading. Aside from the refined VRM design, Ultra-Durable components such as server-grade inductors and 10K durable black solid caps reduce interference, increase the durability of important components, and prevent interference from affecting the PWM signals, allowing for optimized performance on the new generation of Intel Core X series processors and greater working efficiency for content creators. Aside from the excellent power design, GIGABYTE X299X motherboards feature a Quad-Channel DDR memory configuration that comes with 8 DIMM slots and 256 GB memory support, making it a highly stable, high-performing platform that is perfect for video editors, designers, streamers and the like.
Extreme Connectivity, Extreme Performance Uninterrupted
The new GIGABYTE X299X lineup features an assortment of exclusive GIGABYTE technologies and features. With connection speeds of at least 5Gbps, X299X DESIGNARE 10G boasts a server-grade and high-end workstation level Intel X550-AT2 ethernet controller. The board’s Intel Dual 10Gbe connectivity provides users with high quality, highly stable network connectivity and makes the X299X DESIGNARE 10G the world’s first and only X299 motherboard with Intel Dual 10Gbe and dual Thunderbolt 3 interfaces.
Furthermore, X299X series motherboards add a great deal of versatility with its built-in Intel 802.11AX WiFi6 for ultra-stable network connectivity as well as its support for 2-Way NVIDIA NVLINK and 4-Way AMD CrossFire to boost graphical performance. With GIGABYTE exclusive compatibility testing and use of the finest components, GIGABYTE X299X motherboards deliver incredible graphical performance at a highly competitive value and offers 4K UHD resolution for users to indulge in. GIGABYTE exclusive PCIe armor adds Ultra-Durable level sturdiness to the card slots to mitigate any weight-inflicted damage by bulkier graphics cards, ensuring excellent performance.
Extreme Audio Experience
For the best audio experience content creation motherboards have to offer, select GIGABYTE X299X series motherboards come with the newest ALC 1220-VB IC and professional-grade ESS 9218 SABRE DAC. AMP-UP AudioTM technology ramps up the front and rear audio output for high-fidelity, 130 dB SNR, enhancing the overall audio quality. DTS：X Ultra Technology on all GIGABYTE X299X models enhances audio quality to improve the 3D sound experience and further calibrates audio on headphones and speakers through DTS Headphone: X technology. The Microsoft Spatial Sound function further enhances the audio fidelity and DTS Sound Unbound’s post-processing enhancements, device adjustments, and object-oriented surround sound technology, delivers a crisper, richer, and more immersive 3D audio experience. Users will be able to utilize the superior audio for content creation while indulging in rich audio experiences during their free time.
Fully Armored, Sleek Aesthetics
Effective heat dissipation is absolutely essential for content creation systems to perform at their best so a quick glimpse at the motherboard’s extensive armor gives users an idea of how extensive the cooling solution on these boards are. The armor also adds to the board’s aesthetics with its professional look and lighting configuration. Fins-Array heatsink, large diameter heatpipe, high thermal conductivity pad, and the thermal backplate maximize the heat dissipation on the board. X299X AORUS XTREME WATERFORCE takes cooling a step further with an AIO cooling design that delivers cooling to the CPU, VRM, chipset, M.2 SSDs for extreme cooling performance.
X299X motherboards come with Smart Fan 5 Technology, the ideal cooling solution. The newest edition of Smart Fan technology not only allows content creators to customize fan speeds and preferred heat thresholds to their liking but also comes with hybrid fan headers and temperature sensors to support different fan accessories and provide up to date information on temperature and fan speeds. Smart Fan 5 prevents overheating and stagnant coolant flow, making watercooling more convenient to use. In addition, Ultra-Durable components increase both the durability and performance of the motherboards.
GIGABYTE X299X series motherboards will be available soon. For more product related information and processor support information, please visit the official GIGABYTE website and stay tuned for further updates.
