Gigabyte Z97X-UD3H-BK Motherboard Review

Gigabyte’s Z97 motherboard line has been out for a while now, but they have recently introduced “Black Edition’s” to their Ultra Durable Z97 line. These motherboards include the Z97X-UD5H-Bk and Z97X-UD3H-BK. So what does the “Black Edition” mean? Gigabyte Black Edition motherboards have been tested for an extra 168 hours (7 days) to ensure premium quality. During the 168 hour test, each motherboard needs to pass rigorous, full system validation testing for 1 full week. GIGABYTE has built a custom testing facility at their Taiwan (Nanping) factory. A Certificate of Validation is included with every board, issued by the GIGABYTE factory and signed by the manufacturing VP & GM to indicate that each board has passed their highest test standards. The really shows Gigabyte’s commitment to quality and ensures your Black Edition motherboard will last. Today we are taking a look at the Z97X-UD3H-BK that features 3-way CrossFire or 2-way SLI, SATA Express support, Intel Gigabit Ethernet, M.2 support and much more. Let’s jump in!

Special thanks to Gigabyte for providing us with the Z97X-UD3H-BK Motherboard to review.

Features
– Extended server level 168 hour durability Test
– Supports 4th and 5th Generation Intel® Core™ processors
– Extreme multi graphics support
– SATA Express support for 10 Gb/s data transfer
– M.2 for SSDs drives with up to 10 Gb/s data transfer
– Intel GbE LAN with CFOS internet accelerator software
– Realtek ALC1150 115dB SNR HD Audio with built-in rear audio amplifier
– 2x copper PCB design
– Highly efficient MOSFET design
– Long lifespan Durable Black Solid caps
– APP Center including EasyTune™ and Cloud Station™ utilities
– GIGABYTE UEFI DualBIOS™

For a full list of specifications on the Gigabyte Z97X-UD3H-BK go here.

Packaging
For some odd reason Gigabyte sent me the Z97X-UD3H-BK in the actual motherboard box. I would assume if you bought this motherboard from an online retailer it would come in a box with the motherboard box inside. It is covered up by the shipping label, but the front of the box has a large Black Edition logo on the front.

Gigabyte Z97X-UD3H-BK Motherboard

Flipping the box over there is a full overview of the motherboard and rear I/O ports as well as a run-down of some of the main features.

Gigabyte Z97X-UD3H-BK Motherboard

Opening the box up and getting everything out as far as accessories go you have the Black Edition certificate that ensures that the drive has passed the 168 hour durability test, a Gigabyte Black Edition VIP members card, 4 SATA cables, I/O shield, SLI connector, multilingual installation guidebook, user’s guide, driver and software CD, and two case badges. I do want to mention that the SATA cables are braided, not your typical SATA cables.

Gigabyte Z97X-UD3H-BK Motherboard

For a full unboxing and overview of the Z97X-UD3H-BK be sure to check out our video below.

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