Gigabyte Z390 UD motherboard review perfect for cryptocurrency mining and gaming setups

Description

Impressive Features and Design

From the moment I unboxed the GIGABYTE Z390 UD (LGA 1151 Intel Z390 SATA 6Gb/s ATX Intel Motherboard), I was struck by its solid construction and sleek design. The layout is intuitive, with ample room for customization, making it perfect for building a performance-focused rig. The 10+2 phase digital VRM stands out as a feature aimed at ensuring efficient power delivery, which is crucial for demanding tasks like cryptocurrency mining or gaming. I found the durable PCIe slots, reinforced with steel, to be a smart addition, especially for heavy GPUs. It’s clear that Gigabyte has thought about durability and longevity when designing this motherboard.

Performance Capabilities

Testing this motherboard was a joy because of its compatibility with 9th and 8th Gen Intel Core processors. Paired with DDR4 RAM, it supported non-ECC unbuffered memory with speeds up to 4400 MHz, which provided a noticeable performance boost during multitasking and gaming. The NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 connector is a game-changer, delivering ultra-fast storage speeds that made booting up and loading applications effortless. Additionally, the Smart Fan 5 technology kept the system cool, even under heavy loads, with its multiple temperature sensors and hybrid fan headers. The ability to stop fans when the system wasn’t hot impressed me, as it contributed to a quieter experience.

Key Benefits

• Supports high-speed DDR4 RAM for enhanced performance.
• Smart Fan 5 ensures efficient cooling and quieter operation.
• NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 speeds up storage performance significantly.
• Reinforced PCIe slots provide durability for heavy GPUs.
• 8118 Gaming LAN offers bandwidth management for seamless online gaming.

Compatibility and User Experience

I appreciated how intuitive it was to set up this motherboard, even for someone who isn’t building PCs professionally. The dual-channel memory support made upgrading the RAM a breeze, while the RGB light strip support added a touch of customization. During testing, I paired it with a mid-tier GPU and found that the PCIe slots held up well under pressure. The 8118 Gaming LAN delivered stable and lag-free connectivity, which is essential when gaming or live streaming. However, I did notice that the motherboard lacked built-in Wi-Fi, which may be a drawback for some users who prefer wireless setups.

Areas for Improvement

• No integrated Wi-Fi support, which may inconvenience some users.
• Limited USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports compared to competitors.
• The BIOS interface could feel outdated and less intuitive at times.

Product Comparisons

Compared to other motherboards in its class, this one shines in terms of durability and power management. For instance, ASUS motherboards like the TUF Gaming Z390-Plus offer more USB 3.1 ports and built-in Wi-Fi, but they tend to lack the reinforced PCIe slots and smart fan management that this Gigabyte model includes. Similarly, MSI boards in the same price range might have a more modern BIOS interface but fall short on thermal design and LAN features. Where the GIGABYTE Z390 UD excels is in offering excellent build quality with features tailored for gamers and miners, though it could still benefit from a few additional ports and connectivity options.

Price to Quality Ratio

Considering its feature set, this motherboard offers a strong value proposition. While it doesn’t have every high-end feature available, it focuses on delivering reliable performance and durability. If you’re someone looking for a budget-friendly solution for a high-performance rig, this motherboard strikes the right balance between cost and functionality. For those who can overlook the lack of built-in Wi-Fi, it’s a smart investment that won’t disappoint.

Additional information